Exploring Philosophy: An Introductory Anthology - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195133528 ISBN 13: 9780195133523

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2000

Synopsis

Exploring Philosophy: An Introductory Anthology is a remarkably accessible and inviting introduction to philosophy. In this unique volume, Steven M. Cahn brings together extraordinarily clear recent essays by noted philosophers and supplements them with influential historical sources. Most importantly, the articles have been carefully edited to make them understandable to every reader. The topics are drawn from the major fields of philosophy and include knowledge and skepticism, freedom and determinism, mind and body, the existence of God, the problem of evil, faith and reason, cultural relativism, abortion, euthanasia, democracy, privacy, capital punishment, affirmative action, death, and the meaning of life. The collection also contains, in preeminent translations and with explanatory notes, the complete texts of Plato's Meno, Euthyphro, Defence of Socrates, and Crito as well as specially selected materials by Aristotle, Aquinas, Descartes, Hume, Kant, and Mill. Also provided are an introduction to logic and scientific method and guiding commentary by the editor. Exploring Philosophy: An Introductory Anthology is a landmark collection that enables all readers to appreciate for themselves the importance and fascination of philosophical inquiry.

About this title

About the Author

Steven M. Cahn, Professor of Philosophy, Graduate School and University Center, City University of New York.

Review

"The contemporary essays in this anthology have been carefully chosen and the historical selections skillfully edited so that the whole volume presents genuinely deep work that is at the same time genuinely accessible. This book represents a wonderful idea, beautifully executed."--Karen Hanson, Professor of Philosophy, Indiana University

"This bold yet very wise anthology splendidly proves that philosophy texts can display substance and rigor without being arcane, intimidating, or trendy. Thanks to Cahn's judicious choices, introductory students will become more engaged, professors will cover topics more efficiently, and the joys of learning will easily dominate its frustrations." --David Shatz, Professor of Philosophy, Yeshiva University

"Exploring Philosophy engages readers in a dialogue between the West's ancients and its moderns on questions that remain fundamental to the human experience. Plato and Walzer, Elizabeth and Munroe Beardsley, Aquinas and Bertrand Russell, Aristotle and Sidney Hook. The discourse ranges from: 'What is philosophy?' and 'Does God exist?' to affirmative action. The balance in points of view and Cahn's introductory remarks stimulate the reader to consider these questions in fresh new ways. The striking omission is jargon. Cahn has chosen texts that communicate clearly--yes to students--but also to doctors, artists, and stockbrokers, to adults whose life experiences make them want to get back to exploring philosophy."--Claire L. Gaudiani, President, Connecticut College

"An engaging introduction to philosophical inquiry for both students and general readers, Cahn's Exploring Philosophy demonstrates that philosophers can write clearly and cogently about important issues."--John O'Connor, Professor of Philosophy, William Paterson University, and former Executive Director, American Philosophical Association

"Steven M. Cahn's Exploring Philosophy provides a selection of readings for introductory courses that offers unusual depth of treatment, combining contemporary and historical sources chosen and edited for accessibility." --Robert L. Simon, Professor of Philosophy, Hamilton College

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0195133528
• ISBN 13: 9780195133523
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 448
• Editor: Cahn Steven M.