In this article, I am going to mention the 10 best Metaphysics books which are very helpful for beginners to understand what really Metaphysics is.
“Metaphysics has as the proper object of its inquiries three ideas only: God, freedom, and immortality.”
Immanuel Kant, 1724-1804, German philosopher
You are such a person who loves philosophy. You must have read many books under Philosophy and now you are looking for the best books on Metaphysics. Am I right?
Metaphysics is considered one of the four main branches of philosophy, along with Epistemology, Logic, and Ethics. The Metaphysics term had come into existence in the first century. Since then, it has taken a wide form. Some of the most popular topics of Metaphysics are existence, objects, and their properties, space and time, cause and effect, and possibility.
If you truly want to read metaphysics and to be familiar with metaphysical knowledge, read these books which I have mentioned in the list. These books are quite enough to boost your knowledge from zero to the next level.
Let’s start the list of the best metaphysical books of all time-
List of 10 Best Metaphysics Books for Beginners
Metaphysics: The Big Questions
| Author | Peter Van Inwagen, Dean W. Zimmerman |
| Publication | 1998 |
| Rating | 4.9 out of 5 |
If you are familiar with basic psychology then this book will be very good for you. Since it was written in 1988, many of its concepts are not compatible with today. Now its second version is available in the market which is compatible with the new ideologies. The authors have explained their ideology with many examples.
The language of it is a little bit complex but informative. You must read this metaphysics book because it will help you understand yourself. Absolutely, it is one of the best metaphysics books for beginners.
Discourses
| Author | Meher Baba |
| Publication | 1947 |
| Rating | 4.7 out of 5 |
It is one of the best metaphysical books to understand life and its purpose. In other words, it is a complete explanation of reality, creation, karma, spirituality, meditation, spiritual path, and many other topics that will show you how to live life.
The book is written easy to understand language that is the reason for its engagement. You must put your eyes on this knowledgeable book.
A Survey of Metaphysics
| Author | E. J. Lowe |
| Publication | 2002 |
| Rating | 4.6 out of 5 |
It is one of the best metaphysics textbooks by E. J. Lowe that covers the nature of metaphysics, particulars, universals, modality, causation, and tense, among other topics.
It has very lucid chapters that are relatively self-contained. The book is also well-organized. Through this book, Lowe has tried to explain how our conclusions on one topic may fall on the discussion of another.
Journey of Souls
| Author | Michael Newton |
| Publication | 1994 |
| Rating | 4.6 out of 5 |
This is also one of the best metaphysical books which is ranking at 3rd position in Reincarnation, 5th in Near-Death Experiences, and 6th in New Age Channeling on Amazon’s bestseller list.
This book has a decent knowledge of life. The author focused on the very popular facts as to how it feels to die, what you see and feel right after the death and what is the purpose of life etc. It will give great comfort and can alleviate the fear of dying.
An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding
| Author | David Hume, Eric Steinberg |
| Publication | 1993 |
| Rating | 4.5 out of 5 |
“An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding” is one of the best Metaphysics books for beginners. It is ranking at 2nd position in Epistemology on Amazon’s bestseller list. The author presents his arguments lucidly and convincingly that will make you addicted to David’s creations.
It is written in simple yet informative language that is the main reason of the people’s attraction. This captivating book needs to be read. It will improve your understanding of life.
Metaphysics
| Author | Aristotle(Author), Hugh Lawson-Tancred(Translator) |
| Publication | 1999 |
| Rating | 4.6 out of 5 |
If you love ancient literature style then this book is best for you. Aristotle was the actual author of this philosophical book but Hugh Lawson-Tancred has translated it into English.
Aristotle’s writings profoundly affected the whole course of ancient and medieval philosophy. The translation of it is also in the best style, you should not put down it.
Phaedo
| Author | Plato (Author), David Gallop (Translator) |
| Publication | 2009 |
| Rating | 4.3 out of 5 |
Phaedo is the notable work of Plato that shows him both as a philosopher and as a dramatist at the height of his power. The book is a collection of dialogues between Plato and his beloved teacher Socrates at the time of Socrates’ eleventh hour.
David Gallop has translated it into English very beautifully. You should dive into this excellent metaphysical book. After reading it, you will say it is ‘the jewel of western thoughts’.
Kant and the Problem of Metaphysics
| Author | Martin Heidegger |
| Publication | 1997 (Fifth Edition) |
| Rating | 4.4 out of 5 |
It was originally published in 1929 in German and adopted the English language in 1962. As metaphysics requires basic psychological knowledge before its reading, you should familiar with the fundamentals of psychology. It will give you full enjoyment of this book.
It is superb, radical, and has a controversial interpretation that has attracted much attention both as an important contribution to twentieth-century Kant scholarship and as a pivotal work in Heidegger’s own development after Being and Time.
Metaphysics: A Very Short Introduction
| Author | Stephen Mumford |
| Publication | 2012 (Illustrated Edition) |
| Rating | 4.4 out of 5 |
If you want a start of metaphysics with a clear and concise introduction, this is one of the best books on metaphysics and spirituality that is waiting for you. The author has focused deeply on philosophy and created it very practical and engaging.
The book covers include time, persons, particulars, properties, wholes, parts, changes, causes, possibilities, and nothing. They are seemingly simple and self-explanatory.
Meditations on First Philosophy
| Author | Rene Descartes |
| Publication | 1993 (Third Edition) |
| Rating | 4.6 out of 5 |
This book was originally published in Latin in 1641 and is now translated into English by Donald A. Cress. It is the fundamental and originating work of the modern era in Western philosophy that has created a new identity among the people.
The language of it is very easy to understand also it is well written and well designed. You should not put it down. It needs to be read.
FAQ
What is metaphysics in simple terms?
Metaphysics is that branch of philosophy in which it is considered whether there is any real existence of the universe or not. In other words, the subject that helps us to understand the reality of the universe is called metaphysics.
What did Plato say about metaphysics?
Plato has explained metaphysics to people from time to time. He commented on metaphysics-
"Time is the moving image of eternity immobile."
"The intellect grasps truths and lives together in eternity."
"What is fear of death if we assume did not know?"
What are the 3 major categories of metaphysics?
The 3 major categories of metaphysics are-
- Ontology
- Theology
- Universal science.
Who is the father of metaphysics?
Parmenides, a pre-Socratic Greek philosopher is considered the father of metaphysics.
What is God in metaphysics?
In beginning, the people didn't believe in the existence of God but Plato, Aristotle, etc philosophers proved the existence of God. The definition of God in metaphysics is very narrow. Metaphysics says that God is both the creator and sustainer of the world.
What is the difference between metaphysics and philosophy?
Philosophy is the study of those questions that are very common but thinkable to people. It explains the existence, knowledge, values, and mind very deeply whereas Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy that deals with the reality of the universe and nature.
Conclusion
Lovely readers, now, you have known the 10 best metaphysics books for beginners. These books are excellent in themselves. When you will dive into them, you surprise by their story, style, language, and thoughts. Make sure you read at least two books out of them. It will provide a decent knowledge about life and its purpose, so don’t put it down.
Tell us in the comment box which books on this list have attracted you the most and which books you are going to read. If you have already read some of the books mentioned in the above list, then tell me which are those books.
Thank You.
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