Product Description

This new textbook is a lively and highly accessible introduction to philosophy. From the fundamental issues of philosophical thought to the latest theories in the philosophy of mind, An Introduction to Philosophy provides clear and incisive discussion of the key areas of philosophy for students new to the subject.


∗ Provides the tools new students need to tackle philosophical arguments themselves

∗ Clearly presents and explains contemporary issues and current debates

∗ Covers the key areas of philosophy, including perception, epistemology, metaphysics, the mind, philosophy of religion, ethics and political philosophy

∗ Contains numerous learning features such as introductions, summaries, questions and further reading



An Introduction to Philosophy is an ideal text for AS level, A level and first–year undergraduate students or anyone studying the subject for the first time.

Product Details

• Published on: 2002-05-24
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 272 pages

Review
"This book, a welcome addition to a crowded field, is a lucid and wide–ranging introduction that will give students a very good sense of what philosophy is. Nuttall is particularly successful at integrating contemporary and historical sources, and he brings to his discussion both an enthusiasm and a lightness of touch." Nick Everitt, Department of Philosophy, University of East Anglia

"Crisp, and written with exceptional clarity, this book will entice readers keen to explore the major issues debated in philosophy. Beginning with Descartes, Nuttall demonstrates a deep and wide–ranging understanding of the main questions in philosophy. The book will be valuable for those engaging with philosophy for the first time, including students studying it for AS– and A–level. "K. T. Maslin, Head of Philosophy, Esher Sixth Form College

From the Back Cover
This new textbook is a lively and highly accessible introduction to philosophy. From the fundamental issues of philosophical thought to the latest theories in the philosophy of mind, An Introduction to Philosophy provides clear and incisive discussion of the key areas of philosophy for students new to the subject.

• Provides the tools new students need to tackle philosophical arguments themselves
  
• Clearly presents and explains contemporary issues and current debates
  
• Covers the key areas of philosophy, including perception, epistemology, metaphysics, the mind, philosophy of religion, ethics and political philosophy
  
• Contains numerous learning features such as introductions, summaries, questions and further reading

An Introduction to Philosophy is an ideal text for AS level, A level and first–year undergraduate students or anyone studying the subject for the first time.

About the Author
John Nuttall teaches Philosophy at St. John′s School, Leatherhead.

Customer Reviews

For Philosophy: start here
When I started reading this book, I was unsure of whether or not to do philosophy A-level, a few chapters in, I knew I had to. I was engrossed by the fascinating way in which Nuttal treats philosophical issues.

Importantly, the writing style is really very good. Jon Nuttall is not a pompous academic; the right amount of technical terms are used and each one is introduced (so that you can use them with confidence in the future) rather than used without explanation. Nuttall realises the importance of writing in an engaging way; the book is friendly and unintimidating. Yet it still maintains an authoritative and informative register.

The content is of a high quality. Pretty much all the major topics (knowledge, perception, some metaphysics, the mind, religion, morality, politics) are included in relatively good depth considering it is just an introduction. As it is an introduction, clearly some advanced details are absent. Perhaps once or twice in certain topics there is some material the book could've done with including, but this is, after all, an introduction. All the really main points, aspects and discussions that you will want to know about are included and treated very well. Generally, there is no skimping of detail even though the book is relatively short.

Indeed, the book is about the perfect length to be meaty yet accessible introduction. Reading the whole book through shouldn't take you a long time and doing so will give you a clear, detailed overview of the fundamentals of philosophy. Alternatively, it is still written in such a way that it is ideal for reference or 'dipping-in'. From a educational course viewpoint (whether A-level or higher), having it on your bookshelf offers an extremely useful place to go to when a new topic looms on the horizon. It is clearly not a textbook made for your specification but it is the undeniably useful compliment to soemthing of that nature.

There is obviously a wealth of introductions to philosophy out there, some of which are going to be equally good as this one. Still, I can imagine there are many more which are a lot worse, and it would be difficult to find anything substantially better. For philosophy: start here.