Publisher's Synopsis
Writtten in an engaging lecture-style format, this 8th edition of Core Questions in Philosophy shows students how philosophy is best used to evaluate many different kinds of arguments and to construct sound theories. Well-known historical texts are discussed, not as a means to honor the dead or merely to describe what various philosophers have thought but to engage with, criticize, and even improve ideas from the past. In addition-because philosophy cannot function apart from its engagement with the wider society-traditional and contemporary philosophical problems are brought into dialogue with the physical, biological, and social sciences. Text boxes highlight key concepts, and review questions, discussion questions, and a glossary of terms are also included.
Core Questions in Philosophy has served as a premier introductory textbook for three decades, with updates to each new edition.
Key updates to this 8th edition include:
- A new chapter, "Probability and Bayes' Theorem"
- A new explanation of the concept of "soundness," as a useful tool in assessing arguments
- A clearer explanation, in the chapter on evolution, of the crucial biological idea that the similarities of different species provide evidence of their common ancestry
- A new discussion of evolutionary altruism in the chapter on psychological egoism
- A presentation of two interesting arguments from historically important Islamic and Confusian philosophers
- Improved clarity and updated material from philosophy and empirical research, throughout
Revisions to the online list of recommended resources include:
- Additional recommendations of supplementary readings, with the inclusion of more work from female philosophers
- New recommended videos and podcasts, all organized by their relevance to each chapter in the book
