This is a clear, accessible introduction to the method and subject
of Philosophy. Written to meet the needs of students, there are
clear note structures at the end of each chapter to help students
use the ideas confidently, with movements in thought represented on
intellectual maps that will allow them to see how each fits into
the whole. The text is enriched with fascinating insights into the
lives and ideas of philosophers, which makes it an absorbing read.
BRYAN GREETHAM is a Researcher at the University of Hull, UK, having previously taught at the University of Newcastle, Australia and the University of Maryland, USA. He is author of the best-selling How to Write Better Essays (Palgrave Macmillan, 2001).
Inhaltsangabe
Introduction The Subject The Method Hypothesizing The Method Testing for Validity The Method Testing for Truth PART 1: OUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE EXTERNAL WORLD Knowledge Truth Scepticism Perception Rationalism and Empiricism Perception Idealism and Phenomenalism Explanations Purposive and Causal Explanations Explanations Confirming and Falsifying Theories Religion Reason and Faith PART 2: UNDERSTANDING THE INDIVIDUAL The Mind and Mental Events The Problem of Dualism The Essence of Self Creating the Self Determinism and Freedom Freedom in Context Responsibility and Punishment PART 3: UNDERSTANDING OUR RELATIONS WITH OTHERS Metaethics Normative Ethics: Deontology Normative Ethics: Consequentialism and Virtue Ethics Politics: Legitimacy and the State Politics: The Extent of Power Politics: Forms of Government Politics: Political Theories Conclusion Glossary Bibliography Index
