2024 EDITED Philosopher Research

This 4th edition of the best-selling introduction to Ethical Theory (originally published by Hodder Education) provides a solid grounding in the subject for those wanting to understand the various ethical theories and how they may be applied to moral issues. As well as introducing utilitarianism, Kantian ethics, Natural Law and other theories, it considers the relationship between ethics and religion and also gives advice on putting together sound and persuasive moral arguments. Written in an accessible style, the text is broken up by boxes introducing key thinkers, quotes and ideas, and each chapter ends with a revision checklist and questions for discussion.

An enjoyable, comic-style book which is a perfect introduction to some of humankind's most far-reaching ideas.

Take 25 of the liveliest philosophers of our time. Talk to each about one of the most intriguing topics you can think of--from ethics to aesthetics to metaphysics. The result is a Philosophy Bite - a lively, informal conversation that brings the subject into focus.First made public on the enormously popular Philosophy Bites podcast, these entertaining, personal, and illuminating conversations are presented in print. The result is a book that is a taster for the whole enterprise of philosophy, and gives unexpected insights into hot topics spanning ethics, politics, metaphysics, aesthetics, and the meaning of life.

Table of contents includes: Should I eat meat? -- How do I know the world isn't virtual? -- Where am I? -- What's real? -- Can I jump in the same river twice? -- Where do right and wrong come from? -- What's the mind? -- Does God exist? -- Astrology, flying saucers and ESP -- Killing people -- Does murderous Mick deserve to be punished? -- Where did the Universe come from? -- Is time travel possible? -- Could a machine think? -- But is it science?

How ought we to live? What really exists? How do we know? This book introduces important themes in ethics, knowledge, and the self, via readings from Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Hegel, Darwin, and Buddhist writers. It emphasizes throughout the point of studying philosophy, explains how different areas of philosophy are related, and explores the contexts in which philosophy was and is studied. About the Series: Combining authority with wit, accessibility, and style, Very Short Introductions offer an introduction to some of life's most interesting topics. Written by experts for the newcomer, they demonstrate the finest contemporary thinking about the central problems and issues in hundreds of key topics, from philosophy to Freud, quantum theory to Islam.

Have you ever lain awake at night fretting over how we can be sure of the reality of the external world? Perhaps we are in fact disembodied brains, floating in vats at the whim of some deranged puppet-master? If so, you are not alone - and what's more, you are in exalted company. For this question and others like it have been the stuff of philosophical rumination for centuries, from Plato to Popper. In a series of accessible and engaging essays, 50 Philosophy Ideas You Really Need to Know introduces and explains the problems of knowledge, consciousness, identity, ethics, belief, justice and aesthetics that have troubled the minds of great thinkers for centuries, from the ancient Greeks to the present day.

From Socrates to Jean Paul Sartre, discover the key philosophers and theories which have shaped the way we view the world. Demystifies the key ideas of the world's greatest philosophers, and explores the most important branches of thought including philosophy of science, philosophy of religion and feminist philosophy. Covering everything from ethics to epistemology and phenomenology, the book presents the ideas and theories of key philosophical traditions and philosophers - from Plato and Socrates to Nietzsche and Wittgenstein via Kant.

Philosophy for Beginners is a terrifically readable introduction to a broad understanding of philosophy. Ostensibly written to introduce secondary students to philosophical theory, it is in fact an engaging read for anyone who wants to know more about this sometimes intimidating subject. At all times, it is entertaining, inspiring and provoking.The work encourages discussions on fundamental questions of humanity with a clarity of thought and with a degree of open-mindedness allied with a desire to think for oneself. By introducing the ideas of various philosophers throughout history the author demonstrates the living nature of philosophy and how it is central to much of the larger 'thought' behind the evolution of western civilisation.Best of all is the author's repeated assertion that all ideas are open to be discussed, disagreed with and even completely refuted.

Where did the universe come from Is time travel possible Are genetically designed babies morally acceptable If you have ever asked yourself such questions, then you have already begun to think philosophically. This book is for those who want to take the next step. Stephen Law poses questions about some of the most important philosophical issues of today - and of yesterday. Light-hearted questions about whether a pickled sheep is really art rub shoulders with more profound and time-honoured fears about whether God exists. In this radically new way of looking at philosophy, Stephen Law illustrates the problem with a story then lets both sides of the argument battle it out in clear, easily digestible and intelligent prose. And, by separating each issue into a distinct section, it is possible to dip in and out of in any order and at any time you like!