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A Preface to Philosophy

ISBN: 9780495007142 | 0495007145
Edition: 8th
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Cengage Learning
Pub. Date: 1/19/2006

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SummaryTable of Contents
Ever wonder what purpose philosophy serves? That question and others like it are the reason A PREFACE TO PHILOSOPHY was written. With this introduction to philosophy textbook, you'll get a headstart on philosophy class. Plus, it helps you learn to think philosophically, recognize philosophical problems, and avoid the common pitfalls involved in writing philosophical essays. Better grades and less stress in philosophy class makes A PREFACE TO PHILOSOPHY your best choice.
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Prefacevii
A Note to Studentsix
Recognizing Philosophical Issues
1(19)
Philosophical Problems Involve Fundamental Ideas
3(1)
Philosophical Problems Involve Questions of Meaning, Truth (Rational Defensibility), and Logical Relations
4(4)
Philosophical Problems Are Not Straightforwardly Empirical
8(4)
Two Case Studies
12(1)
Taking Your First Philosophy Course
13(5)
Study Questions
18(1)
Postscript: Divisions of Philosophy
18(2)
Why Philosophize?
20(16)
How Philosophers See Their Goals
20(9)
The Relevance of Philosophy
29(2)
The Lure of Philosophical Issues
31(3)
Postscript: Are Gurus Philosophers?
34(2)
Thinking Critically: Clearing Up Some Misconceptions
36(13)
Philosophy Is Not Merely Quibbling Over Words
36(1)
The Choice Between Competing Theories Is Based on Reason and Does Not Require Absolute Certainty
37(1)
Avoiding Philosophical Relativism
37(1)
Philosophical Theories Are More Than Personal Beliefs
38(1)
Why Be Rational?
39(1)
The Cultural Roots of Reason
40(1)
Critical Thinking
41(6)
Exercises
47(2)
Doing Philosophy: Getting Started
49(15)
Preparing to Philosophize
50(1)
What Kind of Claim Is Advanced?
51(4)
The Claims: A Summary
55(2)
Exercises
57(1)
What Is the Meaning of Key Terms?
58(5)
Exercises
63(1)
Doing Philosophy: Further Considerations
64(28)
Do the Arguments Support the Thesis?
64(6)
Exercises
70(1)
Are the Premises True?
71(1)
Are the Assumptions Correct?
71(3)
Exercises
74(1)
Are the Logical Consequences Plausible?
75(3)
Exercises
78(1)
How Adequate Is the Theory?
78(3)
Exercises
81(1)
Five Common Informal Fallacies
81(4)
Exercises
85(1)
An Example of Philosophical Analysis: Near-Death Experience
86(3)
Are Any Informal Fallacies Committed?
89(1)
An Example of Philosophical Analysis: Equality of Opportunity
89(3)
Writing Philosophy
92(18)
The Nature of a Critical Philosophy Essay
92(2)
Organizing Your Essay
94(3)
Achieving Clarity
97(4)
A Sample Essay
101(7)
Postscript: A Note on Research Materials
108(2)
Answers to Exercises110(8)
Appendix118(17)
Glossary135(14)
Index149

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