Double, Richard : Edinboro University of Pennsylvania

Beginning Philosophy provides an introduction to the fundamental philosophical problems in a straight-forward, reader-friendly style. It covers logic and reasoning, theory of knowledge, the nature of the external world, the mind/body problem, ethics, free will, the existence of God, and the problem of evil. It contains both extensive quotes from historical figures, such as Aquinas, Hume and Descartes, and references to some philosophical-minded, non-philosophers, such as Dostoevski and Carl Sagan.

The book is designed to be as easy to read as possible while maintaining its academic rigor. Where difficult words cannot be avoided, they are defined in parentheses when they first appear in each chapter. Philosophical concepts are underlined the first time they appear in each chapter. In addition, there is an extensive glossary of philosophical terms at the end of the book as well as a glossary of philosophers. At the same time, this book represents serious, systematic thinking across a wide range of subjects in analytical philosophy. The interconnection of philosophical problems and the relation of philosophy and science are emphasized throughout.

• Combines serious philosophical investigation with extreme user friendliness
• Defines philosophical terms and difficult words are defined when they first appear in the text

Includes the following unique end-of-chapter materials:

1. Misconceptions: lists errors that introductory students should avoid
2. Guide questions: ask reader what the text is saying
3. Review questions: prepares students for exams
4. Discussion questions: includes famous quotes and additional arguments not found in the text
5. Bibliography: lists books for further reading

End of book Addenda include:

1. List of famous passages from philosophers
2. A glossary of philosophical terms
3. A glossary of names of the most famous philosophers and scientists discussed in the text
4. An extensive listing of works cited

Preface

1. Introduction

What Is Philosophy?
How Is Philosophy Possible?
A Survey of the Topics Covered in the Text
Why Do Philosophy?

2. Some Methodological Tools

Definition and Meaning
Logic
Inference to the Best Explanation
Cognitive Errors
Methodological Tools at Work
Logical Definitions Chart

3. Theory of Knowledge

Epistemology and Epistemic Agency
The General Problem of Skepticism
Specific Skeptical Problems
Inference to the Best Explanation
A Challenge to the Theory of Knowledge
Misconceptions about the Theory of Knowledge

4. The Nature of the External World

Direct Realism
Scientific Realism
Phenomenalism
A Final Remark on the Debate Between the Realists and the Phenomenalists

5. The Mind/Body Problem

Dualistic Theories
Materialism
Artificial Intelligence as a Challenge for Materialism
Conclusion
Misconceptions about the Mind/Body Problem

6. Normative Ethics

Some Problematic Theories of Moral Obligation
Two Main Approaches to Moral Obligation: Consequentialism and Deontology
Mixed Theories and What They Show about Normative Ethics

7. Metaethics

Objectivist Theories of Moral Judgments
Subjectivism
A Final Assessment of the Dispute Between the Objectivists and Subjectivists

8. The Free Will Problem

Six Theories
Summary of the Six Theories
The Four Questions Considered
The Case for Subjectivism
Misconceptions about the Free Will Problem

9. The Existence of God

Faith-Based Arguments for the Existence of God
A Posteriori Arguments for the Existence of God
An A Priori Argument for the Existence of God: The Ontological Argument
The Case for Atheism

10.The Problem of Evil

The Best of All Possible Worlds
Evil as a Necessary Part of Any World
The Virtue (Soul-Making) Defense
The Free Will Defense
Animal Suffering
A Problem of Goodness?

11. A Total Picture

Philosophy as Worldview Construction
A Worldview
The Meaning of Life
Discussion Questions
For Further Reading
Philosophical Quotes

Glossary of Philosophical Terms
Glossary of Names
Works Cited
Index
Chapters 3-10 open with an Introduction
Chapters 1-10 include Guide Questions, Review Questions for Examinations, Discussion Questions, and For Further Reading