Metaphysics Books

It's abstract and not everyone's cup of tea but, in many ways, inescapable. Philosopher Tim Crane introduces the best books on metaphysics.

Metaphysical literature calls into question the very nature of reality, says the acclaimed US novelist Greg Jackson: it dramatises "the liquid mysteries of thought, pattern, and form." Here, he highlights five 'metaphysical thrillers'—artfully written novels powered by intrigue, which explore or embody philosophical dilemmas.

Immanuel Kant was born in Königsberg, lived in Königsberg, and never travelled very far from Königsberg—but his mind ranged across vast territories, says Oxford philosophy professor Adrian Moore. He selects five key texts for coming to grips with the work of "the greatest philosopher of all time."

Biology professor—and Catholic—Kenneth Miller tells us what we should read to understand the battle being fought between scientists and creationists.

The Yale historian recommends some of the books of the past millennia that deal with the complicated concept of time and eternity.