What Does It All Mean?: A Very Short Introduction to Philosophy

Thomas Nagel

ISBN 10: 0195052927 / ISBN 13: 9780195052923

Published by Oxford University Press Inc, 1988

About this Item

In this cogent and accessible introduction to philosophy, the distinguished author of Mortal Questions and The View From Nowhere sets forth the central problems of philosophical inquiry for the beginning student. Arguing that the best way to learn about philosophy is to think about its questions directly, Thomas Nagel considers possible solutions to nine problems--knowledge of the world beyond our minds, knowledge of other minds, the mind-body problem, free will, the basis of morality, right and wrong, the nature of death, the meaning of life, and the meaning of words. Although he states his own opinions clearly, Nagel leaves these fundamental questions open, allowing students to entertain other solutions and encouraging them to think for themselves.

Seller Inventory # CIN0195052927A

Bibliographic Details

• Title: What Does It All Mean?: A Very Short Introduction to Philosophy
• Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc
• Publication Date: 1988
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0195052927
• ISBN 13: 9780195052923
• Binding: Hardback
• Condition: Fair

About this title

Synopsis

In this cogent and accessible introduction to philosophy, the distinguished author of Mortal Questions and The View From Nowhere brings the central problems of philosophical inquiry to life, demonstrating why they have continued to fascinate and baffle thinkers across the centuries. Leading students into the consideration of nine philosophical questions, he states his own opinions but leaves the issues open, encouraging students to think for themselves about these fundamental problems.

About the Author

Thomas Nagel is Professor of Philosophy and Law at New York University. His previous books are The View From Nowhere, Mortal Questions and The Possibility of Altruism.