Philosophy and Contemporary Issues

One of the most successful volumes in its field over the last 20 years, Philosophy and Contemporary Issues introduces today's readers to philosophy with timely, approachable readings of philosophical significance. The authors strive to demonstrate how philosophy illuminates and helps solve some of the important problems facing contemporary man, and they encourage readers to engage in philosophizing themselves. This book successfully makes the subject interesting and intelligible for readers encountering philosophy for the first time. Essays address freedom and determinism, morality and society, state and society, and knowledge and science. For individuals interested in an accessible introduction to philosophy.

One of the most successful texts in its field over the last 30 years, Philosophy and Contemporary Issues introduces today's students to philosophy with timely, approachable readings of philosophical significance. The authors strive to demonstrate how philosophy illuminates and helps solve some of the important problems facing contemporary man, and they encourage students to engage in philosophizing themselves. This book successfully makes the subject interesting and intelligible for students encountering philosophy for the first time.

• Seventeen new readings—Incorporated throughout in sections devoted to philosophical issues, contemporary issues, and puzzles and problems. Includes selections from Richard Dawkins, Richard Swinburne, A.C. Grayling, Peter Singer and others.
• One major philosophical problem covered in each section—Followed by contemporary issues stemming from that problem.
• Articles selected for their readability.
• Interesting pro and con articles on various contemporary issues.
• Problems and Puzzles section.
• The relation of traditional philosophical issues to key contemporary problems—An explanation of each issue is followed by a related reading and a Puzzles and Problems reading.
• Challenges conventional thinking and presents opposing viewpoints—Covers topics such as the limitation of immigration, the existence of God, science and pseudo-science and the relation of mind and body.
• End-of-section bibliographies—Lists books and articles that are accessible to undergraduates.