Metaphysics

Metaphysics by Richard Taylor introduces the reader to philosophy by developing a series of problems that are of interest to all, and by avoiding questions that are of primary interest only to philosophers and advanced readers. It presents problems concerning minds and bodies, free will, fatalism, time and God, in the context of certain commonsense beliefs that most readers already hold. It shows how certain familiar and popular solutions to those problems are not compatible with such beliefs.

Richard Taylor stresses the problems of metaphysics not systems. The problems are those that seem basic to metaphysics. A conscientious attempt is made to discuss problems in the light of data or commonsense beliefs which all men rightly or wrongly, are apt to hold, quite apart from any philosophical theories. The conclusions reached are sometimes tentative and often modified in subsequent parts of the discussion.

The first three chapters, all dealing with various aspects of the mind-body problem, are largely inconclusive, because the answers to the questions raised there are not know by anyone. The following chapters are concerned with fate and freedom. The seventh chapter sets forth two lines of thought which are strong reasons for believing in the existence of a 'creator of heaven and earth.' Since such arguments always stir deep suspicions, it should be stressed that they were composed with now polemical motive.