Metaphysics and Epistemology

Metaphysics and Epistemology: A Guided Anthology presents a comprehensive introductory overview of key themes, thinkers, and issues relating to metaphysics and epistemology. Balancing classic with contemporary readings from centuries of philosophical reflection on reality and knowledge, carefully edited selections focus on essential elements of each concept and argument. Themes explored include philosophical ideas on the basic nature of the world and of ourselves, on the underlying nature of knowledge, and on fundamental ways we may--or may not--gain knowledge. Phenomena discussed include the physical world, causation, minds, properties, truth, persons, God, free will, fate, evidence, belief, observation, innateness, reason, doubt, fallibility, and more. Provocative and influential ideas from the annals of philosophy are brought sharply into focus through succinct excerpts by great thinkers ranging from Plato and Aristotle to Descartes, Kant, and Russell. Accessible and authoritative, Metaphysics and Epistemology: A Guided Anthology offers illuminating insights into the origins, development, and core ideas relating to the universal philosophical pursuit of the nature of knowledge and of reality.