Overview
Introduction to Philosophy: Classical and Contemporary Readings, Fifth Edition, is the most comprehensive topically organized collection of classical and contemporary philosophy available. Ideal for introductory philosophy courses, the text includes sections on God and evil, knowledge and reality, the philosophy of science, the mind/body problem, freedom of will, consciousness, ethics, political philosophy, existential issues, and philosophical puzzles and paradoxes. Insightful introductions to each part, study questions after each reading selection, and an extensive glossary of philosophical terms help make the readings more accessible to students.
Editorials
From the Publisher
"The editors are a trio of superb philosophers with more than 100 years of teaching experience among them. Their experience shines through in the selection of readings, the introductions, and the study questions. This is the best anthology I have ever seen for an introductory philosophy course."--Alfred R. Mele, Florida State University
"This is a superb introduction to philosophy, the best I know. It combines the best of classic and contemporary texts, organized around philosophical problems in a provocative and lively way."--Martha Nussbaum, University of Chicago
"It would be hard for a student to read the section summaries without being sucked into the philosophical debates. The paradoxes and puzzles at the end of the book are terrific."--Sarah Buss, University of Michigan
"A real gem. It combines the de rigueur historical texts with the cream of the contemporary articles that continue work on all the classic problems of philosophy."--Anthony Brueckner, University of California, Santa Barbara
"An introductory text without peer."--Jules Coleman, Yale Law School
"If you're only going to use one book in an introductory course, it should be this one."--Brian Weatherson, Cornell University
"These are the best chapter introductions I have seen in any introductory collection. The book manages to be interesting and genuinely illuminating (even to me), but remains understandable to the first-year student."--Thomas Bittner, University of British Columbia
"This is a terrific anthology, just the kind I like to teach from. It covers all the Big Questions that turn people on to philosophy, with a selection of classic and contemporary readings that are clear and accessible while also being challenging and provocative."--Susan Wolf, University of North Carolina
"This splendid anthology features exceptionally well-chosen readings on philosophical issues that are both captivating and central to the field. In combination with the impressively crafted chapter introductions, these readings provide just the right material for an intensive, state-of-the-art, beginning course in the area."--Derk Pereboom, Cornell University