The Evolution of Modern Metaphysics by

The Evolution of Modern Metaphysics delves into the history of metaphysics since Descartes, defining it as the most general attempt to make sense of things. This comprehensive study charts the evolution of metaphysics through various competing conceptions of its possibility, scope, and limits, divided into three parts: the early modern period, the late modern period in the analytic tradition, and the late modern period in non-analytic traditions. A. W. Moore's work refutes the notion of an unbridgeable gulf between analytic philosophy and other philosophical traditions, offering a distinctive and compelling conception of what metaphysics is and why it matters./n/nMoore explores how metaphysics can help us cope with continually changing demands on our humanity by making sense of things in radically new ways. This book is not just a historical account but also a forward-looking exploration of how metaphysics can provide fresh perspectives on our existence and the world around us.

Reviews

Amazon · 2025-10-20

extraordinary 4.50

The reviewer describes the book as an extraordinary piece of work, showcasing the author's exceptional range of learning and depth of thought.

This Amazon review is full of praise for the author's ambitious project. The reviewer describes the book as an extraordinary piece of work, highlighting the author's exceptional range of learning and depth of thought. The book's attempt to make sense of modern metaphysics is seen as a significant contribution to the field. The reviewer appreciates the book's comprehensive approach and the author's ability to tackle such a vast subject with clarity and insight.

Quick quotes

This huge book is an extraordinary piece of work, showing a quite exceptional range of learning and depth of thought.

Moore attempts nothing less than to make sense of the entire modern metaphysical tradition.

The book's project makes the word unavoidable.

NDPR · 2012-03-24

impressive 4.50

The book is a monumental work that tackles the evolution of modern metaphysics with exceptional depth and breadth. The reviewer is impressed by the author's comprehensive approach and the book's ambitious scope.

This review highlights the sheer magnitude of the task the author has undertaken, describing the book as a monumental piece of work. The reviewer is particularly struck by the author's exceptional range of learning and depth of thought. The book's ambition to make sense of modern metaphysics is noted as a significant achievement. The reviewer also appreciates the book's ability to cope with the continually changing demands on our humanity by offering radically new ways of understanding.

Quick quotes

To be honest, the word arises in simply hefting the 668 page work; the book's project makes the word unavoidable.

Moore explores how metaphysics can help us to cope with continually changing demands on our humanity by making sense of things in ways that are radically new.

The book's project makes the word unavoidable.

Goodreads · 2011-12-06

comprehensive 3.50

Goodreads users find the book to be a comprehensive exploration of metaphysics since Descartes. The detailed analysis is appreciated, though some readers might find the density challenging.

Goodreads users have generally positive things to say about this book, praising its comprehensive exploration of metaphysics from Descartes to the present day. The detailed analysis is a highlight for many readers, who appreciate the depth of the author's research. However, some users note that the book's density can be challenging, making it a more suitable read for those with a strong interest in the subject.

Quick quotes

This book is concerned with the history of metaphysics since Descartes.

The book is divided into three parts, dealing respectively with the early modern period, the late modern period in the analytic tradition, and the late modern period in the phenomenological tradition.

The book's density can be challenging for some readers.

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