Central Issues of Philosophy

This accessible and comprehensive introductory text provides a solid foundation for understanding the core topics at the heart of philosophical inquiry. Each of the 20 chapters focuses on a single philosophical issue – ranging from truth, knowledge, perception, and free will to ethical choice, aesthetic value, the existence of God, and the nature of the state – and is written by a specialist on that topic. Contributors employ a carefully balanced, reader–friendly approach to these core issues, explaining the nature and parameters of the topic at hand in concise, non–technical language. Central Issues of Philosophy is an indispensable companion to study, familiarizing the beginning student with the full range of issues they are likely to encounter, and offering an excellent springboard for more advanced study.

Preface.

Notes on Contributors.

Introduction: An Essay on Philosophy and the Four Philosophical Virtues (John Shand, The Open University).

1. Truth (Jeffrey Ketland, University of Edinburgh).

2. Knowledge (Duncan Pritchard, University of Edinburgh).

3. A Priori Truths (Greg Restall, University of Melbourne).

4. Perception (Daniel Stoljar, Australian National University).

5. Reality and Thought (Matti Eklund, Cornell University).

6. Existence (Robin Le Poidevin, University of Leeds).

7. Modality (Daniel Nolan, University of Nottingham).

8. Mind and Consciousness (Keith Frankish and Maria Kasmirli, The Open University and University of Sheffield).

9. The Self and Personal Identity (Paul Snowdon, University College London).

10. Action (Luca Ferrero, UW–Milwaukee).

11. Free Will (Helen Steward, University of Leeds).

12. Language and Meaning (R. M. Sainsbury, University of Texas).

13. Scientific Inquiry (Marc Lange, University of North Carolina).

14. Causation and Laws of Nature (Barry Dainton, University of Liverpool).

15. Ethical Value (Mark LeBar, Ohio University).

16. Ethical Choice (Philip Stratton–Lake, University of Reading).

17. Artistic Value (Peter Lamarque, University of York).

18. Existence of God (Paul O Grady, Trinity College Dublin).

19. The State (Michael Huemer, University of Colorado).

20. Liberty (Matt Zwolinski, University of San Diego).

Index.

John Shand is Associate Lecturer in Philosophy at The Open University. He is the author of Philosophy and Philosophers: An Introduction to Western Philosophy (1993, 1994, 2002) and Arguing Well (2000). He has also edited six books, including Fundamentals of Philosophy (2002) and the five–volume Central Works of Philosophy (2003 6).