Introduction to Metaphysics: From Parmenides to Levinas

by Jean Grondin

Jean Grondin completes the first history of metaphysics and respects both the analytical and the Continental schools while transcending the theoretical limitations of each. He reviews seminal texts by Parmenides, Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus, and Augustine. He follows the theological turn in the metaphysical thought of Avicenna, Anselm, Aquinas, and Duns Scotus, and he revisits Descartes and the cogito; Spinoza and Leibniz's rationalist approaches; Kant's reclaiming of the metaphysical tradition; and post-Kantian practice up to Hegel. He engages with twentieth century innovations that upended the discipline, particularly Heidegger's revival of the question of Being and the rediscovery of the metaphysics of existence by Sartre and the Existentialists, language by Gadamer and Derrida, and transcendence by Levinas. Metaphysics is often dismissed as a form or epoch of philosophy that must be overcome, yet by promoting a full understanding of its platform and processes, Grondin reveals its cogent approach to reality and foundational influence on modern philosophy and science. By restoring the value of metaphysics for contemporary audiences, Grondin showcases the rich currents and countercurrents of metaphysical thought and its future possibilities.

Genres: Philosophy, Metaphysics

323 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 2004

About the author

Jean Grondin, is a Canadian philosopher and professor. He is a specialist in the thought of Immanuel Kant, Hans-Georg Gadamer, and Martin Heidegger. His research focuses on hermeneutics, phenomenology, German classical philosophy and the history of metaphysics.

Reviews

[Juan Fuentes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Espectacular recorrido de la historia de la metafísica de Parménides a Heidegger, explicado con tanta claridad que hasta creo haber entendido a este último. Aunque Kantiano como soy sigo pensando que en la metafísica posterior a Schopenhauer y Wittgenstein hay más palabrería que sustancia.
Aunque vivimos en un mundo dominado por el espíritu científico -por suerte- la metafísica se resiste a morir (afortunadamante).

[Mehran Akhavan · Rating 4 out of 5]

برای منی که در فلسفه خیلی آماتورم و جسته گریخته خوندم، کتاب خیلی خوبی بود. دغدغه‌های من این بود که آیا دین و خدا خرافه‌اس؟ آیا جایی در زندگی ما داره؟ آیا اصلا اخلاق بدون اعتقادی فراطبیعی ممکنه؟ آیا جهان فقط یک جهان فیزیکیه؟
این کتاب خیلی خلاصه از زمان پارمندیس تا لویناس به مسائل متافیزیکی می‌پردازه و یه آشنایی خوبی به نظرات دیگران در مورد این مسائل میده. قطعا باید توجه کرد که این کتاب خیلی خلاصه‌اس و اگه کسی می‌خواد بیشتر متوجه این آرا بشه باید روی هر فیلسوفی دقیق‌تر بشه و کتاب‌های دست اولشون رو بخونه.
یه جاهایی هم احساس می‌کردم بعضی از فیلسوفان رو زیادی ساده کرده و باعث شده برداشت اشتباه بشه. به هر حال یک کتاب با عنوانی به این جسورانگی فرصت توضیح کامل نداره ولی راهگشا برای انتخاب کتاب‌های بعدیه.

[Michael A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lucid introduction to metaphysics from a Continental perspective (Armstrong, Carnap, Russell, Moore, Lewis, Whitehead, etc. will not be talked about. Expect Heidegger, Gadamer, Levinas, Derrida, and Sartre instead). That being said, this was a terrifically written and relatively accessible book for a complex topic. I realize it is simply an introduction but chapters on Levinas, Derrida, and Sartre would have been very interesting! Recommended to those with an interesting in continental metaphysics.

[Daniil Mudrov · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the title implies, a compelling book for curious minds from any background looking to gain a foundational comprehension of what is metaphysics, its earliest known origins to its implications today, and its relation to our fundamental beliefs and principles. The title may sound daunting at first glance, but the read is worth the time if one has an innate desire to elevate their philosophical lens, or simply escape reality in the depths of Metaphysics, with critical analysis from the author to further aid one's understanding. I enjoyed this book without previous acquaintance with metaphysics and I'd recommend it to anyone. Cheers

[Haridian García De Ara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magnífica introducción al ámbito de la metafísica desde una perspectiva continental, aunque se trata de una obra algo densa y previo a su lectura recomendaría tener cierto bagaje en lo que a historia de la filosofía se refiere.

El único "pero" que le encuentro es la ausencia de un capítulo dedicado a la crítica que realizan los empiristas de la modernidad a la metafísica y una breve alusión a la metafísica de Deleuze, de resto, recomedadísimo. Especial alusión al capítulo de Heidegger, una auténtica maravilla.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really excellent and engaging overview, covering a broad range of philosophers from the pre-Socratics to the Heidegger and beyond. The writing is engaging and was helpful in introducing me to the works of philosophers such as Avicenna, Leibniz, and Kant

[Joachim Arting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thorough and very informative though not an easy read.

Beware of a completely nonsensical interpretation of the New Testament view on faith and reason (p. 83-85) however. Not even someone as reputable as Grondin is immune to being overly biased it seems.

[Xavi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un libro que invita a elevar la mirada. Un texto introductorio pero no exento de dificultad para los que no tienen instrucción en la materia. Muy bueno, de verdad. Grondin se explica súper bien, es claro y exhaustivo.

[Gab Nug · Rating 3 out of 5]

For graduate metaphysics. I gotta be honest, I read so little of this. Just placeholding this to read in the future.

[sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

no recomendable como lectura de verano.