Philosophy For Dummies, UK Edition

Confused by metaphysics? In a muddle with aesthetics? Intimidated by Kant? Then look no further! Philosophy For Dummies, UK Edition is a complete crash-course in philosophical thought, covering key philosophers, philosophical history and theory and the big questions that affect us today. Tying in with standard UK curricula and including core topics such as logic, ethics and political philosophy, this impartial, expert guide cuts through the jargon to give you the facts. Whether you're a philosophy student or a complete beginner, Philosophy For Dummies, UK Edition will get you thinking and talking about philosophy in no time, and with maximum confidence.

Confused by metaphysics? In a muddle with aesthetics? Intimidated by Kant? Then look no further! Philosophy For Dummies, UK Edition is a complete crash-course in philosophical thought, covering key philosophers, philosophical history and theory and the big questions that affect us today. Tying in with standard UK curricula and including core topics such as logic, ethics and political philosophy, this impartial, expert guide cuts through the jargon to give you the facts. Whether you're a philosophy student or a complete beginner, Philosophy For Dummies, UK Edition will get you thinking and talking about philosophy in no time, and with maximum confidence.

Introduction 1Part I: What Is Philosophy 7Chapter 1: What's Philosophy All About 9Chapter 2: Discovering Why Philosophy Matters 25Chapter 3: Becoming a Philosophical Thinker 43Part II: The History of Philosophy 57Chapter 4: Looking at Ancient Philosophies 59Chapter 5: Moving from the Dark Ages to the Modern Day73Chapter 6: Looking at Eastern Philosophy 99Chapter 7: Understanding the 'Isms' 115Part III: The Nuts and Bolts of Philosophy 133Chapter 8: Seeing the Limits of Logic 135Chapter 9: Understanding Knowledge 155Chapter 10: Separating Fact from Fiction 167Chapter 11: Interpreting Language 185Part IV: Exploring the Mind, Consciousness and Morality203Chapter 12: Exploring the Strange Notion of Mind 205Chapter 13: Looking at Ethics and Morality 221Chapter 14: Political Philosophy 255Chapter 15: Looking Out for Liberty 281Chapter 16: Aesthetics and Human Values 297Part V: Philosophy and Science 319Chapter 17: From Ancient Science to Modern Philosophy321Chapter 18: Investigating the Science of Society 333Chapter 19: Exploring Scientifi c Truth and Scientific Fashions355Part VI: The Part of Tens 373Chapter 20: Ten Famous Philosophical Books - and What TheySay 375Chapter 21: Ten Philosophical Puzzles to Keep You Thinking383Index 393