Add BookmarkThink: A Compelling Introduction to Philosophy
Here at last is a coherent, unintimidating introduction to the challenging and fascinating landscape of Western philosophy. Written expressly for "anyone who believes there are big questions out there, but does not know how to approach them," Think provides a sound framework for exploring the
most basic themes of philosophy, and for understanding how major philosophers have tackled the questions that have pressed themselves most forcefully on human consciousness.
Simon Blackburn, author of ... (show more)
Here at last is a coherent, unintimidating introduction to the challenging and fascinating landscape of Western philosophy. Written expressly for "anyone who believes there are big questions out there, but does not know how to approach them," Think provides a sound framework for exploring the
most basic themes of philosophy, and for understanding how major philosophers have tackled the questions that have pressed themselves most forcefully on human consciousness.
Simon Blackburn, author of the best-selling Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy, begins by making a convincing case for the relevance of philosophy and goes on to give the reader a sense of how the great historical figures such as Plato, Hume, Kant, Descartes, and others have approached its central
themes. In a lively and accessible style, Blackburn approaches the nature of human reflection and how we think, or can think, about knowledge, fate, ethics, identity, God, reason, and truth. Each chapter explains a major issue, and gives the reader a self-contained guide through the problems that
the philosophers have studied. Because the text approaches these issues from the gound up, the untrained reader will emerge from its pages able to explore other philosophies with greater pleasure and understanding and be able to think--philosophically--for him or herself.
Philosophy is often dismissed as a purely academic discipline with no relation to the "real" world non-philosophers are compelled to inhabit. Think dispels this myth and offers a springboard for all those who want to learn how the basic techniques of thinking shape our virtually every aspect of our
existence. (show less)
Related Media
Photo Gallery
Reviews (See all 24) Write a reviewfor this
-
I was looking for a book that would provide an "Introduction to Philosophy" and, by gum, when you go to Amazon, and type that into the search box, this is the book that comes up. This book is a wonderful introduction to some of the big questions that face and have faced philosophers for hundreds of years. It's a wonderful read, and Mr. Blackburn has a talent with crafting his sentences so that the material flows without getting bogged down in the details. I, personally, would have l... (show more)
I was looking for a book that would provide an "Introduction to Philosophy" and, by gum, when you go to Amazon, and type that into the search box, this is the book that comes up. This book is a wonderful introduction to some of the big questions that face and have faced philosophers for hundreds of years. It's a wonderful read, and Mr. Blackburn has a talent with crafting his sentences so that the material flows without getting bogged down in the details. I, personally, would have liked a bit more of the "history of philosophy" but I guess it would be too much to ask for an introductory text. I highly recommend this book for those looking for ways to think about the big questions (God, Reason, Ethics, Logic, Destiny, Identity, etc.), even if one is not really looking for answers to the big questions. (show less)
Already read
-
This is the best intro to philosophy I've ever read. It's also the...second intro to philosophy I've ever read (in full), so, take that as you will. I like the depth, the use of quotes, and Simon Blackburns writing style. In fact, it completely warrants the "compelling" in the title. I would say it feels more academic than super mainstream--which is a good thing! Feels very bullshit free, and he's good at referencing previously mentioned ideas even though chapters each cover specifi... (show more)
This is the best intro to philosophy I've ever read. It's also the...second intro to philosophy I've ever read (in full), so, take that as you will. I like the depth, the use of quotes, and Simon Blackburns writing style. In fact, it completely warrants the "compelling" in the title. I would say it feels more academic than super mainstream--which is a good thing! Feels very bullshit free, and he's good at referencing previously mentioned ideas even though chapters each cover specific themes rather than time periods. This is another one of those books that you feel like a total poser reading--it's so recognizable and best-sellery. Don't let the title or cover put you off, though, because it's really worth reading. (show less)
Already read
- See all reviews
Lists
This book has been added to these lists:
More Stuff
About Us
LivingSocial.com is a social discovery and cataloging network that allows people to review and share their favorite movies, books, games, music, restaurants and beer
