The Experience of Philosophy

by Raymond Martin

Book Overview

This exceptional collection immerses students in such powerful ideas they will find themselves not just reading about, but actually participating in, the kind of philosophical thinking that can change the way they look at their lives and the world around them. The Experience of Philosophy features eighty-four readings that challenge students' thinking about God, freedom, reality, nothingness, death, and even their own identities. Provocative and accessible,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195155084
• ISBN13: 9780195155082
• Release Date: August 2001
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 624 Pages
• Weight: 2.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 7.4" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

The Experience of Philosophy

This is a good textbook for an introductory class in Philosophy. Thanks, it came in good condition and promptly.

Wonderful way to test the waters of philosophy

This book is a wonderful stepping stone into the world of philosophy. As a beginner to understanding philosophy and it's history, delving into this book was both entertaining and enlightening. I praise the method chosen by the authors in presenting literary works of significant philosophers. Without forcing their own interpretation, the authors leave room for the readers to think on their own with study questions. It also seems the selections of literature are works of major impact in the philosophical world. Be prepared to enter a tornado of thought provoking ideas and theories, from ancient to contemporary. Pros: Vast works of literacy, no interpretations, enjoyable Cons: Leaves out susbstantial portions of certain works. For example, the middle of "The Republic of Plato" is left out, leaving only what is considered main points. Thus leading me to buy the complete copies, which is not actually a bad thing. Nevertheless, further research elsewhere required if interest surpasses the book's compilation of information.

Excellent book for introducing Philosophy

When I picked up this book and read through many of the works contained I was delighted. Alot of texts focus on the historical side of philosophy, but this book focuses on great ideas. I did readings for class but also found myself reading more and more if simply for the sheer enjoyment and mind-blowing proufoundness. If you've read some philosophy then you'll know that the works were chosen carefully: of the "knock you on your #ss" variety. Plato, Krishnamurti, Russel, Buddha, Descartes, Locke, Hume, Berkeley, Pascal, Tolstoy, Sartre, Camus, as well as many more modern philosophers are scattered about in this great book. Highly recommended.

This is the thinking man's bible!

Philosophy straight from the philosophers is what this book contains. The editors give questions before and after each selection to subtley guide and help, but what you interpret are the philosopher's words, not someone else's summation. Kolak and Martin, philosophers themselves, write with powerful, poetic expression at the beginning of each section. The selection written by the editor on cosmology is a must read for anyone who wishes to understand what the great contemporary thinkers are exerting.