What Is Reality? An Introduction to Metaphysics (Questions in Christian Philosophy)
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
What is real? How do we determine what the fundamental structures of reality are?
In this Questions in Christian Philosophy volume, philosopher Ross Inman offers an introduction to metaphysics. He introduces us to the tradition of metaphysics in Western philosophy, what it means to do metaphysics as a Christian, and considers timeless and universal inquiries into the central topics of metaphysics: identity, necessity and possibility, properties, universals, substances, and parts and wholes.
With this academic but accessible primer, readers will be introduced to the key topics explored in contemporary metaphysics.
The Questions in Christian Philosophy Series features introductory textbooks that offer students a Christian perspective on the various branches of philosophy, enabling them as they seek to understand all facets of life including existence, knowledge, ethics, art, and more.
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- Offers an introduction to metaphysics.
- Explains what it means to do metaphysics as a Christian.
- Considers timeless and universal inquiries into the central topics of metaphysics.
- List of Figures
- List of “Getting Theological” Callouts
- Series Introduction: Questions in Christian Philosophy
- Preface
- Acknowledgments
- 1. What Is Metaphysics?
- 2. Are Metaphysical Discoveries Possible?
- 3. Doing Metaphysics as a Christian
- 4. Creaturely Existence
- 5. Classifying Creaturely Reality: Identity and Ontological Categories
- 6. Creaturely Natures: Essence and Modality
- 7. Creaturely Characteristics: Properties and Universals
- 8. Creaturely Objects: Substances
- 9. Creaturely Objects: Parts and Wholes
- Conclusion: On Metaphysics and Mapmaking
- Next Steps
- General Index
- Scripture Index
This book is overflowing with fresh, powerful insights into metaphysics that are both accessible and crucial for developing a Christian worldview. The topics discussed in the book are precisely the ones that should be discussed, but Inman provides his own unique take on many of them. As a result, What Is Reality? should be required reading in classes in philosophy, philosophy of religion, apologetics, theology, and worldview. And it is just what thoughtful lay folk need to study to deepen their ability in apologetics. I very highly recommend this book. Read and tell others about it.
—J. P. Moreland, distinguished professor of philosophy at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
The close relationship between metaphysics and theology has been recognized from the very beginnings of both Greek philosophy and Christian theology, yet it came to be neglected in the contemporary discussion until recently. Ross Inman’s What Is Reality? is an important and lucid contribution to the revival of rigorous, metaphysically informed theology.
—Edward Feser, professor of philosophy at Pasadena City College
People often ask me for a solid but gentle introduction to contemporary metaphysics that is written from a Christian perspective. Up until now, I have been unable to recommend anything, but Ross Inman’s new book fits the bill perfectly. The opening chapters do a great job of defining metaphysics and disposing of the standard scientistic objections to it, and the succeeding chapters introduce the readers to the very best metaphysical options available, drawing from both ancient and modern sources.
—Rob Koons, professor of philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin