This Contemporary Introduction is for at students of metaphysics who have already done an introductory philosophy course. Michael J. Loux provides a fesh look as the central topics in metaphysics,rendering this essential reading for any student of the subject. This fully revised and updated version of the highly successful first edition includes a brand new chapter on the Realism/anti-Realism debate. Topics addressed include: *The problem of universals *The nature of abstract entities *The problem of individuation *The nature of modality *Idenity through time *The nature of time *The Realism/anti-Realism debate (new chapter). Wherever possible Michael J. Loux relates contemporary views to their classical sources in the history of philosophy. As an experienced teacher of philosophy and an important contributor to recent debates, Loux has proved himself to be uniquely qualified to write a book of this kind. This second edition of Metaphysics: A Contemporary Introduction includes: * a brand new user-friendly text design *chapter overviews summarizing the main topics of study *examples to clarify difficult concepts *annotated further reading at the end of each chapter *endnotes and a full bibliography.