Beginning Philosophy

By Richard Double

Beginning Philosophy offers students and general readers a uniquely straightforward yet challenging introduction to fundamental philosophical problems. Readily accessible to novices yet rich enough for more experienced readers, it combines serious investigation across a wide range of subjects in analytic philosophy with a clear, user-friendly writing style. Topics include logic and reasoning, the theory of knowledge, the nature of the external world, the mind/body problem, normative ethics, metaethics, free will, the existence of God, and the problem of evil. A concluding chapter outlines the worldview developed in the text and connects that view to questions about the meaning of life. The interconnection of philosophical problems and the relationship of philosophy and science are emphasized throughout. The book includes both extensive quotes from historical figures such as Aquinas, Descartes, and Hume and references to philosophically minded nonphilosophers like Dostoevski, Stephen Jay Gould, and Carl Sagan.
Beginning Philosophy is designed for use in introductory philosophy courses at a wide range of institutions. It contains numerous pedagogical materials at the end of each chapter: sections called "misconceptions" list errors that introductory readers should avoid; guide questions prompt students to explain in their own words what the text is saying; review questions help students prepare for examinations; open-ended discussion questions call for independent judgment; and annotated bibliographies provide suggestions for further reading. The volume is further enhanced by a list of famous quotations from philosophers, a glossary of philosophical terms, a glossary of names of the most famous philosophers and scientists discussed in the text, and an extensive bibliography listing every work cited.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195117816
• ISBN13: 9780195117813
• Release Date: September 1998
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.5" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

i know double......... so ......

knowing richard double personally, i have not only read his book, but heard his personal interpretation and expedition upon this book. i do believe that this is a good basic introduction to philosophy. he covers many topics, areas, and philosophers in this brief text, and gives the reader a good point to start from on their journey into the investigation of theory of knowledge, metaphysics, etc. double is a brilliant, insightful, open minded, and informative teacher of philosophy (though often sarcastic, cynical, caustic, provocative, etc.[though not as obviously in his text as in real life]) i think this is a good starting place for one who is seeking to gain a grasp upon what philosophy entails.

An Excellent Introduction to Philosophy

Double's book takes an analytic and dialectical approach to the main fields and problems of philosophy. He characterizes philosophy as the "imperious inquisitor of the most basic beliefs in all areas of thought, including science, common sense, religion, and philosophy itself." His examination of philosophy's inquisition covers theory of knowledge, the nature of the external world, the mind/body problem, free will, the existence of God and the problem of evil and ethics. This is a very clear and up to date treatment.

Excellent survey of major philosophers

Richard Double provides a clear, accessible, and easy to understand survey of many of the most famous philosophers. I am a novice in this area, but after reading this text, I have a better grasp of the major concepts, terms and ideas. I am impressed to such an extent that I bought copies as gifts for relatives. Double demonstrates the logic, reasoning and theory of a wide range of philosophers,and touches on the relationship between philosophy and science, but ignores philosophies which birthed in other disciplines (eg. positivism). He thoroughly explores philosophies of (western) religion, reflecting his earlier interests in free-will and the existence of God. The glossary and quotes are functional and useful.--Joseph Atkinson, Librarian, Los Angeles Public Library Social Sciences, Philosophy & Religion Dept.