Philosophy Then and Now An Introductory Text with Readings [Paperback]

Philosophy Then and Now provides an innovative and engaging blend of introductory text with classic and contemporary readings. Each of the eight parts begins with an introductory section on the major ideas associated with a seminal figure from the history of philosophy. This is followed by key selections from the essential writings of that philosopher, as well as influential selections from contemporary figures. Key figures covered include: Socrates, Aquinas, Locke, Descartes, Mill, Nietzsche, Marx, and Sartre.

By focusing on the core themes, issues and problems of philosophy, the volume motivates student interest in the subject, and represents a distinctive text for all introductory courses in philosophy.Editors and Contributors.

Acknowledgments.

Introduction.

1. Mind, Body, and Death.

Introductory text: Socrates and the Soul of Death : George Graham.

Selected Readings: Plato, Phaedo (selections). Descartes, Principles of Philosophy, Correspondence, Passions of the Soul. Thomas Nagel, Death . Gareth Matthews, Life and Death as the Arrival and Departure of Psyche . Jerry Fodor, The Mind-Body Problem .

2. Freedom and Determinism.

Introductory Text: Sartre on Being Free : George Graham and Harold Kincaid.

Selected Readings: Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (selections). Pierre Simone de Laplace, Philosophical Essays on Determinism (selections). Daniel Dennett, On Giving Libertarians What They Say They Want . Robert Kane, Free Will: The Elusive Ideal .

3. Philosophical Theology.

Introductory Text: Aquinas and the Rationality of Belief in God : Gregory Pence.

Selected Readings: Thomas Aquinas, Five Ways ls,