Understand Philosophy: Teach Yourself

This book is the essential introduction to the history of Western thought. Covering all the key thinkers, both ancient and modern, and all the major branches of philosophy, it will give you new insights about the world we live in. Packed full of examples and clear explanations, and with key terms defined and explained, it is ideal whether you are student looking for a quick refresher or just want to explore this fascinating topic out of personal interest. Understand Philosophy includes: Chapter 1: The theory of knowledge Empiricism and rationalism Knowledge and justification: are you certain? The external world: appearance and reality Intuitive knowledge Scepticism The proof of the pudding...Chapter 2: The philosophy of science A historical overview From evidence to theory: scientific method Experiments and objectivity Right, wrong or what? The social sciences What counts as science? Science and authority Chapter 3: Language and logic Language and certainty Language and perception Knowledge and language Linguistic philosophy Formal logic Chapter 4: The philosophy of mind Ancient minds: Plato and Aristotle 'I think, therefore I am' The relationship between mind and body Survival? The concept of mind A 'place' for mind? Neurones and computers Knowing me, knowing you Cognitive science A 'personal' postscript Chapter 5: The philosophy of religion Faith, reason and belief Religious language Religious experience Does God exist? The origin and design of the universe: religion or science? Miracles The problem of evil Compensation after death? Psychological and sociological explanations of religion Some general remarks Chapter 6: Ethics Facts, values and choices Freedom and determinism Kinds of ethical language Three bases for ethics Absolute or relative morality? Virtue ethics The social contract Applied ethics Chapter 7: Political philosophy Only individuals? The social contract The general will Marx and materialism Justice Freedom and law Feminism Some conclusions Chapter 8: Continental philosophy Phenomenology Existentialism Structuralism Postmodernism Chapter 9: Some other branches of philosophy Aesthetics The philosophy of history The philosophy of education Chapter 10: The scope of philosophy today Learn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and interactive features: Not got much time? One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started. Author insights Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience. Test yourself Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress. Extend your knowledge Extra online articles to give you a richer understanding of the subject. Five things to remember Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts. Try this Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.