Time, Change and Freedom: An Introduction to Metaphysics
This is the first introduction to metaphysics which is tied
together by the idea of time. Time, Change and Freedom explores
ideas such as whether there was a beginning of time and the
possibility of an infinite past and an eternal future. It looks at
what happens when things change, and what affect that has on us and
our personal identity. The book also asks if we can be free and
what is the relationship of human freedom to various theories of
divine foreknowledge and determinism? The final part of the book
brings students right up to date with theories of relativity and
contemporary cosmology about time and the universe. Sections in
Time, Change and Freedom cover: The Problem of Change God, Time and
Freedom Relational and Substantival Theories of Time Tenseless Time
Written in an engaging dialogue form, this book will explain the
key themes of contemporary metaphysics, and at the same time the
philosophy of time, to the beginner. It will be invaluable for all
students on introductory philosophy courses, and for students
interested in the philosophy of time and metaphysics.
Written in an engaging dialogue style, Smith and Oaklander cover
metaphysical topics from a student's perspective and introduce
key concepts through a process of explanation, reformulation and
critique.
"The book has well thought out aims: chapters are short (mostly 10-15 pages) and focused; they contain useful study questions; they have up-to-date, comprehensive bibliographies; they are written as dialogues, which give students models of (analytic) philosophy in action; the dialogues also avoid closing issues, encouraging students to continue them." Nick Huggett, University of Illinois at Chicago."
