Description
A Very Short Introduction
- Introduces important themes in philosopy such as ethics, knowledge, and the self
- Includes a new chapter on free will, discussing determinism and indeterminism in the context of the work of Descartes and Hegel
- Includes Eastern philosophy and thinkers from the Continental tradition as well as from Anglo-American philosophy
- Discusses how philosophy has been used in the interests of particular groups, such as the priesthood, women, animals, and political activists
How ought we to live? What really exists? How do we know? This Very Short Introduction discusses some of the key questions philosophy engages with. Edward Craig explores important themes in ethics, and the nature of knowledge and the self, through readings from Plato, Hume, Descartes, Hegel, Darwin, and Buddhist writers. Throughout, he emphasizes why we do philosophy, explains how different areas of philosophy are related, and explores the contexts in which philosophy was and is done.
This new edition includes a new chapter on free will, discussing determinism and indeterminism in the context of Descartes and Hegel’s work. Craig also covers the Problem of Evil, and Kant’s argument on the source of moral obligation.
ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
