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The Little Philosophy Book

Robert C. Solomon

Publication Date - 01 October 2007

ISBN: 9780195311143

112 pages
Paperback
5-1/2 x 8-1/4 inches

In Stock

A concise and accessible introduction to deep and perennial philosophical questions

Description

The Little Philosophy Book provides a concise and engaging introduction to deep and perennial philosophical questions. In a lively and accessible style, acclaimed author Robert C. Solomon leads students and other readers through an exploration of the self, the universe, and the nature of truth and morality, posing such questions as "Who are we, really?" "Why are we here?" and "How should we live?"
The Little Philosophy Book begins with a quick tour of ancient philosophy that ranges from Socrates' Greece, to Vedic India, to Confucian, Daoist, and Buddhist China, and to the Middle East. The book goes on to examine consciousness, from Descartes' "I think, therefore I am" to phenomenology and the mind-body problem. It then considers God, nature, and spirituality; cosmology; freedom and responsibility; and morality and ethics, ending with an examination of happiness and the meaning of life and the role of philosophy in determining both. Solomon covers topics that are often omitted from other introductions, including existentialism, phenomenology, spirituality, and death. Throughout, he incorporates material on key figures and traditions in philosophy, showing how some of history's most important thinkers and movements have addressed fundamental philosophical issues. Major figures are listed at the end of each chapter.
An ideal introduction for students and novices, The Little Philosophy Book does not provide any definitive answers to universal philosophical questions, but instead encourages readers to think for themselves and to integrate philosophy into their own lives.

Reviews

"Robert Solomon regularly gets directly to the heart of the matter, providing clear, unpretentious expositions and thoughtful, relevant critiques. He can make the most difficult issues seem simple and straightforward, sprinkling his commentary with examples that are as timely as they are germane."--Edward L. Schoen, Western Kentucky University

"Students will be 'hooked' on the style, which is direct and readable."--Blanche L. Premo-Hopkins, University of South Carolina Aiken

"In simple and straightforward language, The Little Philosophy Book lays out all of the central philosophical issues one is likely to discuss in introductory courses."--Joseph A. Buijs, St. Joseph's College, The University of Alberta

Table of Contents

    Introduction
    1. The Ancient Legacy of Philosophy
    2. Consciousness: What a Concept!
    3. God, Nature, and Spirituality
    4. Rationality, Truth, and the Problem of Knowledge
    5. Freedom and Responsibility
    6. How Should We Live? Morality and Ethics
    7. Philosophy, Happiness, and the Meaning of Life
    Conclusion: Why Philosophy?
    Index

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