Philosophy: The Basics 5th Edition

This book unravels many questioning thoughts that have been pushed aside as a person would grow up. And I find that this book (which I had to get for college) was a very enlightening read on some of those thoughts mentioned. I bought this book as a kindle edition so it was fairly cheap for what I was getting out of. Though surprisingly this was cheaper than many other alternatives and is far more convenient due to the fact that it can be read through any computer / kindle.

This is one of the best books for teaching or learning beginning philosophy. It breaks down and explains arguments for several different major philosophical questions. The writing style, unlike most original source philosophy texts, is incredibly easy to understand. I'd recommend it to anyone just starting philosophy, or even those who have had a previous philosophy course and would like to refresh their memories. At the end of most sections, a short list of further readings is suggested as well.

I obtained the third edition, so I really don't know what changes were made in subsequent editions. I liked the way the book was organized and that generally it didn't get too far into the weeds with the various topics. The writing itself was fairly cogent and that made for easy reading.The one criticism I would offer is that in the section concerning Mind, the author really made no mention at all of the possibility that mind may be non-local. I realize that many people don't really understand the concept of non-locality, but if non-locality is true for some aspects of quantum physics, why should it be dismissed as an explanation of the relationship between the mind and the body. First of all, no one can show that mind exists within our corporeal bodies so therefore it is just as valid to accept that it is an external energy. Secondly, there is beginning to be more and more serious consideration that the connectiveness that seems to occur between some individuals is occurring because there is some part of the human experience that accounts for such phenomena as telepathy and other psi events. Lynn McTaggert's books have some very convincing material on these matters. Thirdly, it may be a very large leap to assume that mind and soul are essentially synonymous. Religions seem to prefer to "own" the concept of soul, but much of that is because they promote the idea that soul has something to do with an aspect of divinity. However, one way of thinking of mind is to see it as an external force/energy that is somewhat like a puppeteer pulling the strings in how we live our lives. Perhaps not in a mechanical way, but somewhat through the collective unconscious whereby we respond in certain ways to life's events.However, despite not tackling this aspect of mind, I do recommend this book - especially to those who have never had any organized exposure to the study of philosophy.

this book provides a topical approach to the introduction of philosophy and is a terrific jumping off point for those interested in exploring philosophy as a academic career or as avocational pursuit. Each chapter provides the principle debates in the field and the arguments for and against each opinion. It is written in layman language that can appeal to the general reader without loosing him in the verbiage of the professional academic. Highly recommend!

The author's choice of material seems to lack an audience. It's too obtuse for freshmen and too simplistic for advanced study.

I read this book because I really liked the author's podcast, Philosophy Bites. Both it and this book articulate complex ideas in the clearest possible language, without any unexplained jargon or ivory tower obfuscation. It reveals some of the the fascinating philosophical questions at the heart of human experience. This book will make you think and might even get you philosophizing!

I have been reading Nigel Warburton books for years. For someone that is not a philosophy major but wants to learn the basics, Warburton is a great place to start.

awesome book. It help me think about things i can't even imagine.