The MetaphysicsMetaphysics is the study of existence at the highest level of generality. It is traditionally characterised as the study of "being qua being" - of being in general rather than specifically of this or that sort. Accordingly, the salient task of the field is to achieve a clearer understanding of the concepts and principles of being, existence, and reality. As such, metaphysics has been an established sector of philosophy since the time of Aristotle's initial systematisation of the subject in the fourth century B.C.E.In line with tradition, distinguished philosopher Nicholas Rescher presents key topics that have always figured on the agenda of metaphysics: the nature and rationale of existence, the differentiation of what is actual from the unreal and mere possibility, and the prospects and limits of our knowledge of the real. Though a work of philosophical sophistication and logical rigour, "Metaphysics" displays a clarity of exposition that makes it suitable for use as a text or supplementary reader in upper-class undergraduate and graduate philosophy courses. |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
according to accident actual admit affirm amongst Anaxagoras animal antecedent Aristotle assertion belong biped body brass Callias cause compounded concerning constitute contraries contrariety corruption CRUZ The University declared definition demonstration denominated doubt dyad elements Empedocles ence essence essentially eternal everything evident example existence false formal cause formal principle Further genera genus Heraclitus ideas immovable imparts motion impossible indivisible infinite inherent inquiry instance investigation involve a separable likewise magnitude manner mathematical entities mathematical number matter mean mode monads multitude nature necessary negation nonentity ontology opinion Parmenides particular thing partly passive conditions person philosophers Plato plurality Polyclitus possess possible potentiality predicated principle prior produced quantity quiddity reason regard respect rest scientific knowledge sensibles separate subsistence signifies singulars Socrates sort speak species speculators stance styled subsist in energy subsists according substance supposition tence thing subsists tion triad trireme true truth unity UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA/SANTA whatsoever Wherefore