This second edition has been thoroughly revised and includes a new chapter on the metaphysics of gender. With suggestions for further reading and a glossary of key terms it is an ideal introduction for those coming to the subject for the first time.

Michael Rea is Rev. John A. O'Brien Professor of Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame, USA, and Professorial Fellow in the Logos Institute for Analytic and Exegetical Theology at the University of St Andrews, UK. He has written or edited more than fifteen books, and has given numerous lectures around the world, including the 2017 Gifford Lectures at the University of St Andrews.

1. Introduction 2. Things that don't exist 3. Abstract objects 4. Possible worlds 5. Time 6. Time travel 7. Substance 8. Things and their parts 9. Change and identity 10. Freedom 11. Social metaphysics-gender 12. Metaphysics and its critics. Glossary Index