Product Description

This volume introduces the beginner to all the main areas of this fascinating subject. A wide range of problems are investigated within a generally historical framework from the Ancient Greeks through to the present day. The book provides guided answers and comments to encourage the reader to engage in philosophical "dialogue", and contains extensive suggestions for further reading. In this second, comprehensively revised edition, attention has been paid to recent developments in continental philosophy. New chapters on critical thinking and oriental philosophy have also been included.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #158106 in Books
• Published on: 2001-02-08
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 528 pages

About the Author
ANTHONY HARRISON-BARBET has had many years' experience as a philosophy teacher for the London B.A. and, more recently, as a Senior Tutor for Dublin City University's National Distance Education Centre. He has also been an examiner for both the International Baccalaureate and the Associated Examining Board.

Customer Reviews

Not for those who like clarity!
This book is a little too wordy for my tastes. It uses a whole page to describe something it could have described in one sentence. It does, however, have a lot of depth and covers all the usual philosophical issues. Great for degree level students of philosophy and maybe those doing a-levels (though a-level students would be better off going for something lighter and cheaper). Not good for anyone else.

Effective and Concise
I found that 'Mastering Philosophy' was an excellent book, which presented the major concepts of Philosophy in a clear and concise manner with suggested readings, criticisms and questions at the end of each section.
I would say that it is most definately for the serious amateur Philosopher, and is excellent for those who are studying it as a subject and teaching it.
For the general reader, I would say that it is perhaps a little too heavy going, but if your interest is keen enough, this book is a blessing.
Covers a wide range of topics without going overboard on each. If your philosophical interests are broad and general, then this book is for you.

A wonderful work for would-be Wittgensteins.
Even if you already own the first edition of this excellent book it is worth buying the second edition. +It is visually more appealing in a slightly larger, better produced format. What is inside is as clear and stimulating as possible, now with additional chapters on Critical thinking and Oriental philosophy. It remains wide enough in scope to stimulate the reader to further study, yet deep enoughto satisfy the layman wishing to know 'what's it all about?'. Each chapter has ample questions and reading lists. A wonderful work for would-be Wittgensteins.