Understand Philosophy by Mel Thompson

Is this the right book for me?

This book is the essential introduction to the history of Western thought. Covering all the key thinkers, both ancient and modern, and all the major branches of philosophy, it will give you new insights about the world we live in. Packed full of examples and clear explanations, and with key terms defined and explained, it is ideal whether you are student looking for a quick refresher or just want to explore this fascinating topic out of personal interest.

Understand Philosophy includes:

Chapter 1: The theory of knowledge

Empiricism and rationalism

Knowledge and justification: are you certain?

The external world: appearance and reality

Intuitive knowledge

Scepticism

The proof of the pudding…

Chapter 2: The philosophy of science

A historical overview

From evidence to theory: scientific method

Experiments and objectivity

Right, wrong or what?

The social sciences

What counts as science?

Science and authority

Chapter 3: Language and logic

Language and certainty

Language and perception

Knowledge and language

Linguistic philosophy

Formal logic

Chapter 4: The philosophy of mind

Ancient minds: Plato and Aristotle

‘I think, therefore I am’

The relationship between mind and body

Survival?

The concept of mind

A ‘place’ for mind?

Neurones and computers

Knowing me, knowing you

Cognitive science

A ‘personal’ postscript

Chapter 5: The philosophy of religion

Faith, reason and belief

Religious language

Religious experience

Does God exist?

The origin and design of the universe: religion or science?

Miracles

The problem of evil

Compensation after death?

Psychological and sociological explanations of religion

Some general remarks

Chapter 6: Ethics

Facts, values and choices

Freedom and determinism

Kinds of ethical language

Three bases for ethics

Absolute or relative morality?

Virtue ethics

The social contract

Applied ethics

Chapter 7: Political philosophy

Only individuals?

The social contract

The general will

Marx and materialism

Justice

Freedom and law

Feminism

Some conclusions

Chapter 8: Continental philosophy

Phenomenology

Existentialism

Structuralism

Postmodernism

Chapter 9: Some other branches of philosophy

Aesthetics

The philosophy of history

The philosophy of education

Chapter 10: The scope of philosophy today

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Learn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and interactive features:

Not got much time?

One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.

Author insights

Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author’s many years of experience.

Test yourself

Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress.

Extend your knowledge

Extra online articles to give you a richer understanding of the subject.

Five things to remember

Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts.

Try this

Innovative exercises illustrate what you’ve learnt and how to use it.