Product Description

Philosophy the Basics is the book for anyone coming to philosophy for the first time. Now in its fourth edition, Nigel Warburton's best selling book gently eases the reader into the world of philosophy.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2759 in Books
• Published on: 2004-05-13
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 184 pages

Review
Review quotes from 2nd Edition: 'An ideal introduction to the basics of philosophy for anyone approaching the subject for the first time. The book is beautifully written, admirably clear without being at all solemn, pretentious or patronising.' - D.H. Mellor, University of Cambridge

'I would strongly recommend this to sixth formers studying for A level Philosophy and also for those who are interested in learning something of the scope of philosophy.' - Jennifer Trusted, Chief Examiner, AEB Examining Board

'Philosophy: The Basics deservedly remains the most recommended introduction to philosophy on the market. Warburton is patient, accurate and, above all, clear. There is no better short introduction to philosophy.' - Stephen Law

'Full of entertainingly British sangfroid, Nigel Warburton shows beginners in philosophy how arguments pro and con are collected, marshalled and weighed, across a wide range of standard topics. After ten years and three previous editions, this is still the best book of its kind.' - Don Cupitt, University of Cambridge

'Simply and lucidly, does exactly what it says on the cover. An excellent way into the basics of philosophy, this book doesn't just instruct but tries to set the reader thinking as well.' - Edward Craig, University of Cambridge

'To appreciate philosophy, it's important to engage with arguments, and to see how one's own ideas and those of others may be challenged and refined. Nigel Warburton offers an excellent guide to the practice of philosophical thinking aimed squarely at the newcomer. His lively and stimulating approach, covering a broad range of areas, will be helpful to a wide readership. Those contemplating the study of philosophy at university, for example, will gain much from the text, and from the suggestions for further reading.' - Dave Leal, University of Oxford

'I think Nigel Warburton's little book is a first-rate introduction to philosophy and its issues...It is hard to imagine an introduction to philosophy which, in equally compact form, would cover the basic issues of philosophy with greater clarity, fairness, and relative thoroughness.' - Ronald E Santoni, Professor of Philosophy, Denison University

'I recommend it to majors and non-majors as a way of getting an overall feel for the subject...Superlatively readable style.' - Alex Orenstein, City University of New York

'It is the combination of clarity and brevity that distinguishes Warburton's book from many of its rivals...If I had to recommend a single book to a sixth-former considering coming to university to study philosophy, it would undoubtedly be Warburton's.' - Andrew Pyle, Cogito

'Introductory philosophy can be a lot like learning to ride a bike: intriguing but laced with bumps, bruises, and frustrations. Warburton retains the intrigue but softens the bumps, bruises, and frustrations. And students have a unique opportunity to learn how to ride!' - Paul K. Moser, Loyola University of Chicago

From the Back Cover
Now in its fourth edition, Nigel Warburton's best-selling book gently eases the reader into the world of philosophy. Each chapter considers a key area of philosophy, explaining and exploring the basic ideas and themes.

* What is philosophy?
* Can you prove God exists?
* Is there an afterlife?
* How do we know right from wrong?
* Should you ever break the law?
* Is the world really the way you think it is?
* How should we define Freedom of Speech?
* Do you know how science works?
* Is your mind different from your body?
* Can you define art?

For the fourth edition, Warburton has added new sections to several chapters, revised others and brought the further reading sections up to date. If you've ever asked what is philosophy, or whether the world is really the way you think it is, then this is the book for you.

About the Author
Nigel Warburton is Senior Lecturer at the Open University. He is editor of Philosophy: Basics Readings, co-author of Reading Political Philosophy and author of Philosophy: The Classics, Thinking from A-Z, Freedom: An Introduction with Readings, The Art Question and Ernö Goldfinger: The Life of An Architect.

Customer Reviews

Every philosopher at every level should own this book
I did a philosophy degree and I remember getting a bit dismayed by some of the books I had to read. Then I stumbled across this. In his introduction he writes that philosophy is often seen as harder than it actually is and this is because many philosophers aren't good writers.

This is 100% true and restored my faith in philosophy. Warburton is an extremely clear writer and covers the essential points is a lucid manner. If it's within the scope of this book then any essay you have to write, or topic you are interested in should begin with this book. Of course you will need others but this is a great starting point.

See also his 'philosophy: a-z' You might also find Bryan Magee's books useful and Bertrand Russell is a bit of a genius too.

Great for anyone!
I have just embarked on a two year philosophy A-Level course and i am using Warburton's book as a stepping stone to discoving many aspects of philosophy. The clarity and use of language makes this book easy for anyone to understand, not just academics. It allows easy access to the world of philosophy unlike so many other books on this topic. Well done Nigel!

Excellent summary, ideal for beginner
Context: I always wanted to do a philosophy degree, but other subjects always seemed more practical. So at the age of 32, after a BA, MB, BChir, and MRCS, I started reading with the help of Warburton's book and a couple of philosophy PhD students at Cambridge.

The book: Short, crisp, lays out philosophical positions well. A wonderful starting and jumping-off point and organiser when you don't have the structure of an academic course to follow. I would recommend it to people with similar requirements to me. However, remember that philosophy needs to be discussed, not merely read. My first mistake was to treat philosophy as a body of knowledge to be acquired, much as science and medicine was.