Time, Change and Freedom: An Introduction to Metaphysics

by Oaklander,L. Nathan

• ISBN13: 9780415102483
• ISBN10: 0415102480
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1995-08-16
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

Time, Change and Freedomis the first introduction to metaphysics that uses the idea of time as a unifying principle. Time is used to relate the many issues involved in the complex study of metaphysics. Sections of the book are written in dialogue form which allows the reader to question the theories while they read and have those queries answered in the text. In addition, the authors provide glossaries of key terms as well as recommendations for further reading at the conclusion of each chapter. Quentin Smith and L. Nathan Oaklander examine the tensions between determinism and freedom, temporality and historical change as well as an array of other issues fundamental to introductory metaphysics.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 1
The Finite and the Infinite	p. 9
The Beginning of Time	p. 11
The Infinity of Past and Future Time	p. 23
The Relational and Substantival Theories of Time	p. 35
Eternity	p. 45
Time and Identity	p. 55
The Problem of Change	p. 57
The Passage of Time	p. 66
Personal Identity	p. 87
Personal Identity and Time	p. 105
The Nature of Freedom	p. 115
Fatalism and Tenseless Time	p. 117
God, Time and Freedom	p. 130
Freedom, Determinism and Responsibility	p. 145
Appendix: Physical Time and the Universe	p. 161
Physical Time in Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity	p. 165
Physical Time in Current Cosmologies	p. 185
Index	p. 215
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