Fundamentals of Philosophy

by David Stewart, James Petrik, H. Gene Blocker, et al.

Book Overview

This reader offers a broad scope and diversity of classic and contemporary selections -- and a narrative and format that presents difficult issues and readings in a simplified but not condescending manner. Covers the full range of philosophical questions. Organizes readings and narrative into topical sections, each of which addresses a particular facet of philosophical thought -- logic, metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, philosophy of religion, esthetics,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 002417310X
• ISBN13: 9780024173102
• Release Date: January 1987
• Publisher: MacMillan Publishing Company
• Length: 520 Pages
• Weight: 2.20 lbs.

Customer Reviews

About the best Intro text out there

You'd think that with so many Intro to Philosophy textbooks out there, it would be easy to find several that offer everything, "everything" being: a thorough selection of historical- and issue-based topics from key Western philosophers; relevancy to pop culture and contemporary concepts; Eastern thought; fair treatment of value theory (ethics AND aesthetics) as well as metaphysics, epistemology, and a comprehensive section on logic; easy-to-read explanations; well-selected excerpts from original sources; end-of-chapter questions; glossary and index. Okay, maybe that sounds like a lot to ask. And yet, it's all here, in this book. And it's not the most expensive. It's a paperback that's easy to carry. It comes with an interactive CD. It's all good. Some of the adjustments from the 6th to 7th edition I don't agree with (they removed some passages that were considered more religion than philosophy, such as the Bhagavad Gita). But it's still about the best intro text I've found in nearly a decade of teaching this material.

An Introduction to Philosophy

Although the book is meant to introduce philosophy in a simplified manner, the reading is still a little abstruse; I've found myself re-reading many sections repetitiously in order for the material to sink in. Expect to do plenty of active reading. Overall, I find the book more than adequate, however the reading a bit arduous to grasp. The back of the book contains numerous material, including a glossary full of terms, which is quite helpful when you need to review for an exam.

Quick and easy

Shipment was orderly and timely, no problems with this seller at all.