Product Description

Philosophy at its best is an activity more than a body of knowledge. In an ancient sense, done right, it is a healing art. It’s intellectual self–defense. It’s a form of therapy. But it’s also much more. Philosophy is map–making for the soul, cartography for the human journey. It’s an important navigational tool for life that too many modern people try to do without.

Philosophy For Dummies is for anyone who has ever entertained a question about life and this world. In a conversational tone, the book′s author – a modern–day scholar and lecturer – brings the greatest wisdom of the past into the challenges that we face now. This refreshingly different guide explains philosophical fundamentals and explores some of the strangest and deepest questions ever posed to human beings, such as

• How do we know anything?
• What does the word good mean?
• Are we ever really free?
• Do human beings have souls?
• Is there life after death?
• Is there a God?
• Is happiness really possible in our world?

This book is chock full of all those questions you may have long wanted to think about and talk with someone about, but have never had the time or opportunity to tackle head on. Philosophy For Dummies invites you to discuss the issues you find in the guide, share perspectives, and compare thoughts and feelings with someone you respect. You′ll find lots of material to mull over with your friends or spouse, including thoughts on

• When to doubt, and when to doubt our doubts
• The universal demand for evidence and proof
• The four dimensions of human experience
• Arguments for materialism
• Fear of the process of dying
• Prayers and small miracles
• Moral justification for allowing evil

The ancient philosopher Socrates (fifth century, B.C.) thought that, when it comes to the Ultimate Questions, we all start off as dummies. But if we are humbly aware of how little we actually know, then we can really begin to learn. Philosophy For Dummies will put you on the path to wising up as you steer through the experience called life.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #70953 in Books
• Published on: 1999-09-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

From the Back Cover
Praise for Tom Morris
"Tom Morris is no dummy and I′m no philosopher, so we′re probably a matched set for his wonderful exercise in unraveling some of life′s most elusive and enduring mysteries. Read it and grow wise!" —Ken Schanzer, President, NBC Sports

"Like nobody else, Tom Morris brings the field of philosophy to life." —Paul K. Moser, Professor and Chairperson of Philosophy, Loyola University of Chicago

Discover how to apply ancient wisdom to your everyday life

Brimming with great ideas that will rock your world

If you think philosophy is complicated or boring, think again! In this refreshing different guide, author Tom Morris not only explains philosophical fundamentals, but show you how philosophy can help you find more meaning in life, understand religious belief, and look at the world in a whole new light.

Discover how to:

• Think about life′s ultimate questions
• Apply the insights of great philosophers
• Develop your own personal philosophy
• Expand your mind

• Register to win cool prizes
• Browse exclusive articles and excerpts
• Get a free Dummies Daily e–mail newsletter
• Chat with authors and preview other books
• Talk to us, ask questions, get answers

About the Author
Tom Morris, Ph.D., author of True Success and other books, taught philosophy at Notre Dame University for 15 years and currently heads the Morris Institute for Human Values.

Customer Reviews

Wouldn't even give it to a dummy
This book, as stated by other reviewers, is heavily biased. The author constantly dismisses the arguments - even the strong ones - of various philosophers as "baloney" and then goes on to give his own flimsy arguments. He also takes the time (and ink and paper) to give details on his own delightful little stories of the supernatural, which support his belief in God. I'd hate for someone to read this book thinking that it sums up the basics of Philosophy. It's more or less just a collection of beliefs and opinions of an *ahem* academic.

For those wishing to get their hands on an accessible and well structured book, which covers (much more objectively) the main branches of Philosophy, I'd strongly recommend 'Think' by Simon Blackburn.

A moderately successful introduction with strong biases
I think that an introductory book which aims to simplify the subject is to be welcomed. However, I have some reservations.

My first recommendation is to check other '..FOR DUMMIES' books to decide whether their style appeals to you. Some may feel that it is too informal; others may be uncomfortable with american English or with american cultural assumptions.

Secondly, ask yourself whether you are likely to find acceptable a book which seems heavily biased towards christian views of philosophy.

I think I might suggest an alternative title, 'Christian Philosophy for Dummies', though I would not want this to imply that either all non-christians or all christians are 'dummies'.

Theology for dummies
Do not read this book and think you are getting an introduction to Philosophy. This book is instead a thinly disguised justification for the authors belief in a Christian God, the afterlife, christian morals etc. A worthy topic for philosophical study, but in no way an appropriate introduction to the subject.

I had the good fortune to read Bryan Magee's 'The Story of Philosphy' before this book, and it is by contrast a facinating and readable introduction to the subject .. for Christian, Aethiest or Agnostic.

How does Philosophy for Dummies measure up as philosophical study? His 'Great idea' which he repeatedly goes back to to justify his beliefs is, the 'Principal of belief conservation'. Essentially this states that we should not reject a belief if that would cause us to have to reject alot of our other current beliefs'. Essentially a philosphy of faith. Sorry, to me that is not what Philosophy is all about.

How about teaching us about philosphical enquiry? Surely a Philosophy proffessor can help us out here? Afraid not. His agruments are truly light weight. The authors arguments consist mainly of putting up 'straw men' by simplifiying or trivialising some particular philosophical or scientific idea and shooting them down.

I loved his dismissal of Kant as Baloney.

So are there any good points? Well, if you are a Christian, conservative republican from middle America, and you would like to feel more secure in your beliefs rather than question them, this is the book for you.