Metaphysics: A Contemporary Introduction is for students who have already completed an introductory philosophy course and need a fresh look at the central topics in the core subject of metaphysics. It is essential reading for any student of the subject. This Fourth Edition is revised and updated and includes two new chapters on (1) parts and wholes and (2) metaphysical indeterminacy or vagueness. This new edition also keeps the user-friendly format, the chapter overviews summarizing the main topics, concrete examples to clarify difficult concepts, annotated further reading at the end of each chapter, endnotes and a full bibliography.

Michael J. Loux is Shuster Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame. He is also editor of Metaphysics: Contemporary Readings, designed to accompany this textbook and also published by Routledge. His book Substance and Attribute (1978) is one of the major metaphysics books of recent years.

Thomas M. Crisp is Professor of Philosophy and Chair of the Department of Philosophy at Biola University. He has published widely on topics in metaphysics, epistemology, and the philosophy of religion.