Philosophy for Dummies - Paperback

by Tom Morris (Author)

You think, therefore you are. Get a straightforward rundown on philosophy from the ancient world to today

If you've ever pondered your existence over your morning coffee or considered the nature of crime and punishment, you're an amateur philosopher. From everyday questions about happiness and responsibility to deep, spiritual examinations about God and the cosmos, philosophy pervades every part of our lives. And even though it might seem complex at first glance, these questions that affect everyone on the planet can be understood and talked about by anyone!

In Philosophy For Dummies, Dr. Tom Morris delivers a refreshing and engaging exploration of the fundamentals of philosophy and shows you that philosophy can be fascinating and fun at the same time. You'll be introduced to topics like the meaning of life, religious belief, and ways to live in the most satisfying ways. You'll also learn about the insights of some of history's greatest philosophers.

This book is full of the questions--and proposed solutions--to the questions that keep philosophers up at night, like:

• When should we doubt our beliefs and knowledge?
• Is there a God? What is His/Her/Their nature?
• Do we have free will or are we simply acting out physical imperatives?

Whether you're interested in the nature of the mind/soul versus the body, or you want to learn more about morals and ethics, Philosophy For Dummies will be your personal guide to some of life's most enduring problems and questions.

Back Jacket

Learn to philosophize with the best of them

The human experience comes prepackaged with lots of questions--what are right and wrong? Is there a God? What's the meaning of life? Philosophy For Dummies helps you grapple with all the head scratchers, without confusing you. Learn what the brightest minds of the past thought about the big issues, and why you should care. Spoiler: philosophy can help you live a more satisfying life, appreciate religion, and look at the world in a whole new light. Pretty cool stuff--and fun, too, with the classic, lighthearted Dummies approach.

Inside...

• Build critical thinking skills
• Consider what life is about
• Discover great philosophers: Plato, Kant, Aquinas, and more
• Contemplate free will
• Learn to challenge authority
• Make convincing arguments
• Identify fallacious reasoning

Author Biography

Tom Morris holds a PhD degree in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Yale University, and is a former Professor of Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame. He is also the founder of the Morris Institute for Human Values and author of over 30 books, including The Stoic Art of Living: Inner Resilience and Outer Results.