An Introduction to the Analytical Metaphysics

Abstract

The book Metaphysics by Tomasz Bigaj is intended to be an introduction to the basic issues of analytical metaphysics designed for non-philosophers. It fulfills its purpose to a large extent: the issues are competently presented in a clear and accessible way, even when referring to a very complex subjects. The unquestionable advantage of the book is also the fact that it indicates a strong relation between philosophical problems and those of other scientific disciplines, mainly physics and mathematics. It makes Bigaj’s work an attractive handbook for the laymen as well as for professionals in other fields.

However, the author of the review points out that, while the ontological issues are dealt by Bigaj in a comprehensive manner, the same cannot be said about the problems in the field of philosophical anthropology which, after all, is also part of metaphysics. Apart from some brief remarks on identity and free will, the anthropological topics are not elaborated on. Omission of these issues mentioned is not justified, or at least not sufficiently substantiated in the process of dealing with metaphysical subjects.