Intro
Preface
Aims
Structure
Previous Work
Hope
Style and Format
Acknowledgments
Rights and Permissions
Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Change, Classical Theism, and Neo-classical Theism
1.2.1 Change
1.2.2 Classical and Neo-classical Theism
1.2.3 Simplicity and Parthood
1.3 Classical Theistic Proofs
1.4 Dialectical Context
1.5 Conclusion
References
Chapter 2: Aquinas's First Way
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Validity
2.2.1 Reliance on (a) and (b)
2.2.2 Why This Reliance Is Problematic*
2.2.2.1 First Claim

2.2.2.2 Second Claim
2.3 A Path Forward?
2.4 Mind the Gap
2.4.1 Objection One
2.4.2 Objection Two
2.4.3 Objection Three
2.5 Summary Thus Far
2.6 Rejoinders
2.6.1 Act's Priority
2.6.2 Occam's Revenge
2.6.3 Particular and General Change
2.7 Conclusion
References
Chapter 3: Stage One of the Aristotelian Proof
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Dialectical Context
3.3 Premise (7)
3.4 Per se Chains
3.4.1 Undercutting Defeater
3.4.2 Objections
3.5 A Dilemma
3.6 Purely Actual
3.6.1 Action Follows Being
3.7 Conclusion
References

Chapter 4: Existential Inertia and the Aristotelian Causal Principle
4.1 Introduction
4.2 The Thesis
4.3 The Argument
4.4 Objection
4.5 Conclusion
References
Chapter 5: Existential Inertia: Thesis and Taxonomy
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Existential Inertia
5.3 Clarifying the Thesis
5.3.1 Scope
5.3.2 Persistence and Relativity Theory*
5.3.3 Modal Register
5.3.4 Dependence and Destruction
5.3.5 Metaphysical Accounts*
5.4 EIT*
5.4.1 Temporal Ontology*
5.5 Conclusion
References
Chapter 6: The Metaphysics of Existential Inertia
6.1 Introduction

6.2 Tendency-Disposition Accounts
6.3 Transtemporal Accounts
6.3.1 Causal Simultaneity*
6.3.1.1 Objection
6.3.1.2 Preliminary Notes
6.3.1.3 Orthodox Relativity and Causal Simultaneity
6.3.1.4 Relativistic Alternatives to the Rescue?
6.3.1.5 Electromagnetic Interactions to the Rescue?
6.3.1.6 Electromagnetic Interactions: Reply #1
6.3.1.7 Electromagnetic Interactions: Reply #2
6.3.1.8 Electromagnetic Interactions: Reply #3
6.3.1.9 Conclusion: Phew!
6.4 Law-Based Accounts
6.5 Necessity Accounts
6.6 No-Change Accounts
6.7 Conclusion
References

Chapter 7: Existential Inertia: Motivations and Defense
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Motivating Inertial Persistence
7.2.1 Theoretical Virtues
7.2.2 Divine Temporality
7.2.3 Aristotelian Proof Argument
7.2.4 Probabilistic Argument
7.2.5 PMC Argument
7.3 Defending Inertial Persistence
7.3.1 Alleged Counterexamples
7.3.2 Red Chairs
7.3.3 Hsiao and Sanders
7.3.3.1 Counterexamples to EIT
7.3.3.2 First Metaphysical Argument
7.3.3.3 Second Metaphysical Argument
7.3.3.4 Third Metaphysical Argument
7.3.4 Proportionate Causality
7.3.5 Form-matter Interdependence