Reason and Culture: An Introduction to Philosophy

This introduction to philosophy offers a selection of readings based on an interdisciplinary, applied approach and illustrating the challenges religion, science, and morality pose to one another. It demonstrates to readers how philosophy is practiced today, rather than in years past, and engages them in a relevant and immediately comprehensible manner. The book maintains the critical, rational edge of traditional philosophical writing, while at the same time incorporating material and approaches not usually found in introductory volumes. Reason sections provide traditional philosophical truth claims made in each subject; Culture sections investigate the social issues that arise from these claims. What Is Morality? Morality and the Good Life. Morality in Higher Education. Morality in Film. Morality in Law. Morality in Markets. Morality and Rational Self-Interest. Classical Theories of Morality. Critical Perspectives on Morality. Feelings and Reason in Morality. What Is Science? Science and a Meaningful Life. The Scientific World View and Its Critics. Science, Technology and the Transformation of Culture. Biology and Ethics. Scientific Determinism and Human Responsibility. Objectivity and Values in Science. Truth and Progress in Science. How Much Can Science Explain? What Is Religion? Religion and the Meaning of Life. Pluralism and Religious Diversity. Religion and Politics. Religion and Education. Evidence for the Existence of God? Evidence Against the Existence of God? Faith and Reason? Religious Practice without God? For anyone interested in philosophy.

Everyone's life is fashioned in large measure from the three practices of morality, science, and religion. This fresh approach to philosophy focuses on these practices, each studied from the dual perspectives of reason and culture. Discussion and analysis of morality, science, and religion are infused with philosophical arguments and concepts. The book discusses each practice from three points of view: the nature of the practice (including its connections with larger issues of the purpose and meaning of human life), its ielttion to culture, and the role reason plays in the practice.

Reason and Culture, First Edition, shows how traditional philosophical problems emerge naturally, out of our relationships with morality, science, and religion. Students will see that the philosophical issues raised in these readings are intrinsic elements in their daily lives.

Key features of the book include:

• links traditional philosophical issues to the practices of morality, science, and religion
• uses an interdisciplinary perspective to demonstrate philosophy's breadth; uses the critical, rational edge of philosophical writing as a tool to understand interactions among cultural practices
• emphasizes the impact of science on culture
• integrates the readings into a coherent whole
• allows instructors great flexibility, enabling them to tailor the readings to their own needs within a clear, thematic course
• shows how philosophical reflection is a natural part of human experience; encourages students to think critically about their own lives