Time, Identity and the Self: Essays on Metaphysics

Brian Garrett's The Metaphysics of Time, Identity, and Human Beings is a collection of twenty-four essays and four dialogues that cover topics such as the metaphysics of time, identity, and persons. It represents almost four decades of philosophical research and will be of interest to students and professional philosophers in the field of analytic philosophy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Introduction:

This volume contains twenty-four essays by the British/Australian analytic metaphysician, Brian Garrett. These essays are followed by four short dialogues that emphasize and summarize some of the main points of the essays and discuss new perspectives that have emerged since their original publication. The volume covers topics on the metaphysics of time, the nature of identity, and the nature and importance of persons and human beings. The chapters constitute the fruits of almost four decades of philosophical research, from Brian's two award-winning essays, published in Analysis in 1983 and The Philosophical Quarterly in 1992, to his latest ideas about Fatalism and the Grandfather Paradox.

The Metaphysics of Time:

Brian Garrett's essays in this volume explore the metaphysics of time, examining the nature of time, its relation to space, and the temporal structure of the world. He discusses various theories of time, including the A-theory, B-theory, and C-theory, and evaluates their strengths and weaknesses. Garrett also considers the problem of temporal discounting and the significance of temporal change in our understanding of the world.

The Nature of Identity:

In his essays on the nature of identity, Brian Garrett examines the concept of personal identity and its relation to the physical world. He explores the nature of persistence and change, the problem of personal identity over time, and the relationship between identity and consciousness. Garrett also discusses the significance of identity for moral and ethical considerations and the challenges posed by identity theory to traditional philosophical views.

The Nature and Importance of Persons and Human Beings:

Brian Garrett's essays in this volume explore the nature and importance of persons and human beings. He examines the concept of personhood, the nature of human rights and freedoms, and the moral and ethical implications of human existence. Garrett also discusses the significance of human creativity, imagination, and reason and the role of human beings in shaping the world.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this volume contains twenty-four insightful and thought-provoking essays by Brian Garrett, a leading figure in analytic metaphysics. The essays are followed by four short dialogues that provide valuable insights and perspectives on the topics discussed. The volume covers a wide range of metaphysical topics, from the nature of time to the nature of identity and the importance of persons and human beings. This book will be of interest to students and professional philosophers in the field of analytic philosophy.

Weight: 535g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030855161
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022