Provides an accessible introduction to the method and subject of Philosophy. Written to meet the needs of students, this book includes clear note structures at the end of each chapter to help students use the ideas confidently, with movements in thought represented on intellectual maps that will allow them to see how each fits into the whole.

This is a clear, accessible introduction to the method and subject of Philosophy. Written to meet the needs of students, there are clear note structures at the end of each chapter to help students use the ideas confidently, with movements in thought represented on intellectual maps that will allow them to see how each fits into the whole. The text is enriched with fascinating insights into the lives and ideas of philosophers, which makes it an absorbing read.

Introduction - The Subject - The Method - Hypothesizing - The Method - Testing for Validity - The Method - Testing for Truth - PART 1: OUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE EXTERNAL WORLD - Knowledge - Truth - Scepticism - Perception - Rationalism and Empiricism - Perception - Idealism and Phenomenalism - Explanations - Purposive and Causal Explanations - Explanations - Confirming and Falsifying Theories - Religion - Reason and Faith - PART 2: UNDERSTANDING THE INDIVIDUAL - The Mind and Mental Events - The Problem of Dualism - The Essence of Self - Creating the Self - Determinism and Freedom - Freedom in Context - Responsibility and Punishment - PART 3: UNDERSTANDING OUR RELATIONS WITH OTHERS - Metaethics - Normative Ethics: Deontology - Normative Ethics: Consequentialism and Virtue Ethics - Politics: Legitimacy and the State - Politics: The Extent of Power - Politics: Forms of Government - Politics: Political Theories - Conclusion - Glossary - Bibliography - Index