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

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195052161 ISBN 13: 9780195052169

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1987

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.

About the Author:

Thomas Nagel is at New York University.

Review:

"A very well written book...great for introducing the topics to an intro-level class. It touches on key issues and brings up the relevant points, yet all in relatively short and easy-to-understand chapters. Would be a great supplement for a course in metaphysics."--Jack Bowen, DeAnza
College

"An excellent introduction; it introduces students to some of the important philosophical questions without overwhelming them with terminology or history."--Jason A. Beyer, College of Lake County

"A phenomenal amount of material in a tiny book coupled with humor."--Joan Anderson, Orange Coast College, CA

"A good philosophy book for neophytes. It is penetrable for the beginner and comprehensive enough to elucidate a spectrum of traditional philosophic issues."--David Wolf, SUNY at Albany

"A good, clearly interesting book to use for an Introduction to Philosophy course. Thomas Nagel has done a fine job."--Stephen Joseph, Framingham State College

"This little book by Nagel is quite simply the best introduction to philosophy ."--Graham Oddie, University of Colorado at Boulder

"The perfect title for a writing that offers no answers while helping the student formulate their own responses to life's greatest questions."--JoAnn L. Smith, North Central Bible College

"An outstanding introductory textbook to philosophy. The best textbook I know to give freshmen an idea of what philosophy is."--Ran Lahay, Southern Methodist University

"We are already using this book as a text, and we are enjoying it."--Martin E. Bayang, New Mexical State University

"An outstanding introductory framework to many of the most important problems in philosophy. It is clear and simple--even my freshman can read it--yet never simplistic...Ties in well with many traditional theories."--Richard M. Wolters, Doane College