Central issues of philosophy / edited by John Shand.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Shand, John, 1956-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Philosophy.

Physical Description:

xii, 300 pages : illustrations ; 26 cm

Place of Publication:

Chichester, U.K. ; Malden, MA : Wiley-Blackwell, 2009.

Summary:

This accessible and comprehensive introductory text provides a solid foundation for understanding the core topics at the heart of philosophical inquiry. Each of the 20 chapters focuses on a single philosophical issue - ranging from truth, knowledge, perception, and free will to ethical choice, aesthetic value, the existence of God, and the nature of the state - and is written by a specialist on that topic. Contributors employ a carefully balanced, reader-friendly approach to these core issues, explaining the nature and parameters of the topic at hand in concise, non-technical language. Central Issues of Philosophy is an indispensable companion to study, familiarizing the beginning student with the full range of issues they are likely to encounter, and offering an excellent springboard for more advanced study.

Contents:

Introduction : an essay on philosophy and the four philosophical virtues / John Shand

Truth / Jeffrey Ketland

Knowledge / Duncan Pritchard

A priori truths / Greg Restall

Perception / Daniel Stoljar

Reality and thought / Matti Eklund

Existence / Robin LePoidevin

Modality / Daniel Nolan

Mind and consciousness / Keith Frankish and Maria Kasmirli

The self and personal identity / Paul Snowdon

Action / Luca Ferrero

Free will / Helen Steward

Language and meaning / R. M. Sainsbury

Scientific inquiry / Marc Lange

Causation and laws of nature / Barry Dainton

Ethical value / Mark LeBar

Ethical choice / Philip Stratton-Lake

Artistic value / Peter Lamarque

Existence of God / Paul O'Grady

The state / Michael Huemer

Liberty / Matt Zwolinski.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9781405162708

1405162708

9781405162715

1405162716

OCLC:

270131397