Historical Dictionary of Metaphysics
By (author) Gary Rosenkrantz, Rabbi Joshua Hoffman
Publication date:
18 December 2010Length of book:
402 pagesPublisher
Scarecrow PressDimensions:
226x153mm6x9"
ISBN-13: 9780810859500
Metaphysics is what Aristotle described as "the First Philosophy" or "first science," a comprehensive inquiry into the ultimate nature of reality. As such, metaphysics consists of a systematic study of the more general categories of being and of the more general ways of relating entities.
The Historical Dictionary of Metaphysics focuses on metaphysics in Western philosophy, the metaphysical tradition that developed under the influence of Greek philosophy, and especially Plato and Aristotle. It offers a comprehensive guide to the many facets of metaphysics through a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and over 300 cross-referenced dictionary entries on concepts, people, works, and technical terms. This volume is an invaluable resource for student and scholar alike.
The Historical Dictionary of Metaphysics focuses on metaphysics in Western philosophy, the metaphysical tradition that developed under the influence of Greek philosophy, and especially Plato and Aristotle. It offers a comprehensive guide to the many facets of metaphysics through a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and over 300 cross-referenced dictionary entries on concepts, people, works, and technical terms. This volume is an invaluable resource for student and scholar alike.
Rosenkrantz and Hoffman (both, philosophy, Univ. of North Carolina, Greensboro) have written a volume on metaphysics in the Western tradition as developed under the influence of Greek philosophers. The text offers over 300 cross-referenced entries, in alphabetical order and of varying lengths, on metaphysicians from Thales of Miletus (c. 6250-545 B.C.E.) to Harty H. Field (b. 1956); key concepts like free will, God, personal identity, and the mind-body problem; and areas of thought including idealism, essentialism, and deism. Also included are a chronology, an excellent introduction, a list of symbols, and a bibliography. The editors know their subject matter and provide clear and understandable entries.