Metaphysics : the elements /

This book is a superb introduction to contemporary metaphysics for middle-level undergraduates and graduate students as well as professional philosophers needing a brushup on what's happening in metaphysics today. Aune (University of Massachusetts) begins with the question of the nature of existence, continues with such topics as the problems of universals and particulars, abstract entities, the constituents of reality, change, time, substance and event, truth, appearance and reality, and freedom. God does not appear in the work. This is good; God figures much in freshman metaphysics classes, but the concept is not a significant issue in contemporary analytical metaphysics. Aune wants to introduce metaphysics as contemporary metaphysicians do it, and in doing so he tries to keep technical paraphernalia to a minimum, to explain clearly what cannot be avoided, and to represent fairly and sympathetically various stances on issues while firmly supporting his own analytical, reductionistic, and naturalistic views. Despite a few vaguenesses, Aune largely succeeds.-W.A. Wilkinson, Michigan State University