Introducing Philosophy The Challenge of Scepticism [Paperback]

Written specifically with beginning undergraduates with little or no previous knowledge of the subject in mind, this is a distinctive and thoughtful introduction to the main problems of philosophy structured around a philosophical argument which is clearly and carefully developed throughout the book.Preface.

Acknowledgements.

1. Philosophers' Doubts.

2. Minds and the External World.

3. Primary and Secondary Qualities.

4. Mind, Brain and Self.

5. The Self and Others.

6. Criteria and Forms of Life.

7. Moral Possibilities.

8. Differences and Dilemmas.

9. Political Obligation.

10. Aesthetic Values.

11. Believing in God.

12. Behaviour, Explanation and Criticism.

13. Interrupting the Conversations of Mankind.

Further Reading.

Bibliography.

Phillips writes with exemplary clarity and care, and is a reliable guide. Times Literary Supplement, April.

Here is an introduction to philosophy which actually does what we all say should be done. It lets the arguments speak for themselves. Professor Anthony Palmer, University of Southampton

There should be an introduction to philosophy written by someone who, along with Wittgenstein, suspects that most philosophical problems are false problems - and this is it. Phillips shows that sceptical problems in epistemology, morality, and even to an extent in religion grow out of confusion and anticipate the wrong kind of answers. Anyone with an interest in philosophy, students and teachers alike, can learn from the hard thinking that it takes to recover our bearings in these matters. Professor John H Whittaker, Louisiana State University