A Preface to Philosophy

by Woodhouse, Mark B.

• ISBN13: 9780495007142
• ISBN10: 0495007145
• Edition: 8th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-01-19
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing

Summary

Ever wonder what purpose philosophy serves? That question and others like it are the reason A PREFACE TO PHILOSOPHY was written. With this introduction to philosophy textbook, you'll get a headstart on philosophy class. Plus, it helps you learn to think philosophically, recognize philosophical problems, and avoid the common pitfalls involved in writing philosophical essays. Better grades and less stress in philosophy class makes A PREFACE TO PHILOSOPHY your best choice.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
A Note to Students	ix
Recognizing Philosophical Issues	1	(19)
Philosophical Problems Involve Fundamental Ideas	3	(1)
Philosophical Problems Involve Questions of Meaning, Truth (Rational Defensibility), and Logical Relations	4	(4)
Philosophical Problems Are Not Straightforwardly Empirical	8	(4)
Two Case Studies	12	(1)
Taking Your First Philosophy Course	13	(5)
Study Questions	18	(1)
Postscript: Divisions of Philosophy	18	(2)
Why Philosophize?	20	(16)
How Philosophers See Their Goals	20	(9)
The Relevance of Philosophy	29	(2)
The Lure of Philosophical Issues	31	(3)
Postscript: Are Gurus Philosophers?	34	(2)
Thinking Critically: Clearing Up Some Misconceptions	36	(13)
Philosophy Is Not Merely Quibbling Over Words	36	(1)
The Choice Between Competing Theories Is Based on Reason and Does Not Require Absolute Certainty	37	(1)
Avoiding Philosophical Relativism	37	(1)
Philosophical Theories Are More Than Personal Beliefs	38	(1)
Why Be Rational?	39	(1)
The Cultural Roots of Reason	40	(1)
Critical Thinking	41	(6)
Exercises	47	(2)
Doing Philosophy: Getting Started	49	(15)
Preparing to Philosophize	50	(1)
What Kind of Claim Is Advanced?	51	(4)
The Claims: A Summary	55	(2)
Exercises	57	(1)
What Is the Meaning of Key Terms?	58	(5)
Exercises	63	(1)
Doing Philosophy: Further Considerations	64	(28)
Do the Arguments Support the Thesis?	64	(6)
Exercises	70	(1)
Are the Premises True?	71	(1)
Are the Assumptions Correct?	71	(3)
Exercises	74	(1)
Are the Logical Consequences Plausible?	75	(3)
Exercises	78	(1)
How Adequate Is the Theory?	78	(3)
Exercises	81	(1)
Five Common Informal Fallacies	81	(4)
Exercises	85	(1)
An Example of Philosophical Analysis: Near-Death Experience	86	(3)
Are Any Informal Fallacies Committed?	89	(1)
An Example of Philosophical Analysis: Equality of Opportunity	89	(3)
Writing Philosophy	92	(18)
The Nature of a Critical Philosophy Essay	92	(2)
Organizing Your Essay	94	(3)
Achieving Clarity	97	(4)
A Sample Essay	101	(7)
Postscript: A Note on Research Materials	108	(2)
Answers to Exercises	110	(8)
Appendix	118	(17)
Glossary	135	(14)
Index	149