A thoughtful introduction to the big question of philosophy today: how can we make sense of world, self, and belief?
The book presents an introductory address that looks at philosophy’s purpose and the forms the problem has taken in recent times. It argues that philosophy aims to offer a general view that reconciles our experience of the world, our sense of self, and our beliefs about the infinite. The talk situates this task in the context of modern criticism, science, and religious thought, showing how thinking must bridge gaps between material and spiritual life.
Readers will see how the author grounds philosophy in past work and invites a critical reconstruction of belief. The discussion covers the tension between science and faith, the limits of agnosticism, and the idea that philosophy is a necessary, ongoing project rather than a finished system. It is a call to approach philosophy with openness to others’ views while seeking a coherent view of reality.
- What philosophy seeks: a unifying view of world, self, and the divine.
- How modern criticism and science affect our beliefs and aims.
- Ways philosophy can reconstruct belief without abandoning past wisdom.
- Connections between religious experience, practical life, and intellectual inquiry.
Ideal for readers of philosophy and students looking for a concise, accessible overview of the field’s central challenges in the modern era.