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Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction

Edward Craig

February 2002

ISBN: 9780192854216

144 pages
Paperback
174x111mm

In Stock

Very Short Introductions

Price: £8.99

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Description

How ought we to live? What really exists? How do we know? This book introduces important themes in ethics, knowledge, and the self, via readings from Plato, Hume, Descartes, Hegel, Darwin, and Buddhist writers. It emphasizes throughout the point of doing philosophy, explains how different areas of philosophy are related, and explores the contexts in which philosophy was and is done.

  • Provides a broad overview of the field, and guides the reader through specific examples
  • Teaches the reader how to read philosophy rather than just summarizing it
  • Includes Eastern philosophy and thinkers from the Continental tradition as well as from Anglo-American philosophy
  • Emphasizes the point of doing philosophy
  • Discusses how philosophy has been used in the interests of particular groups, such as the priesthood, women, animals, and political activists

About the Author(s)

Edward Craig, Knightbridge Professor of Philosophy, University of Cambridge

Table of Contents

    1:Introduction
    2:What should I do? Plato's Crito
    3:How do we know? Hume's, Of Miracles
    4:What am I? An unknown Buddhist on the Self: 'The Chariot' from The Questions of
    King Milinda
    5:Some themes
    6:Of 'isms'
    7:Some more high spots — a personal selection
    8:What's in it for whom?
    Bibliography

Reviews

[The Very Short Introduction to Philosophy] shows that philosophy really can be fascinating, broad-minded and full of surprise. As a means of stimulating interest in the subject it has few rivals. - Julian Baggini, The Philosopher's Magazine

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