"This second edition of Morton's <i>Philosophy in Practice</i> is the best introductory textbook on the market. Morton's approach to teaching takes into account what we have learned about learning and critical thinking over the past twenty years, and the text emphasizes <i>doing</i> philosophy as an integral part of learning it. If you want an introductory textbook which makes it possible to teach philosophy as a verb to undergraduates, one that makes possible real conversation with beginners, this is it." <i>Michael Silberstein, Elizabethtown College</i> <br /> <p><br /> </p> <p>"I find it hard to imagine that one could get very far into this engaging book without wanting to think through, for oneself, the core issues of philosophy. Fortunately, Adam Morton has also provided the basic resources one would need to deal responsibly with those great issues." <i>Gareth B. Matthews, University of Massachusetts–Amherst, author of Socratic Perplexity and the Nature of Philosophy</i></p>
- Thoroughly revised edition of a popular introductory philosophy textbook.
- Contains new discussions of philosophy of religion, freedom, The Matrix, and the epistemology of the internet.
- Offers a wealth of pedagogical features to guide students through the text, including discussion plans at the beginning of each section, questions, chapter summaries, annotated guides to further reading, and a glossary.
- Classic passages from the history of philosophy are used throughout, and each part ends with a one-page historical summary.
- Includes an on-line teacher's guide with teaching suggestions, tests, and essay topics at: www.blackwellpublishing.com/pip
Note to Teachers.
The Contract.
Part I: The Lure of Certainty:.
1. Certainty and Doubt.
2. Sources of Conviction.
3. Rationalism.
4. Rationalism versus Relativism in Morals.
5. Induction and Deduction.
6. The Retreat from Certainty.
Postcard History of Philosophy I.
Part II: Life in an Uncertain World: .
7. Utilitarianism.
8. Kantian Ethics.
9. Empiricism.
10. Beyond Empiricism.
11. Objectivity.
Postcard History of Philosophy II.
Part III: Reality: .
12. Materialism and Dualism.
13. Morality for Naturalists.
14. Deep Illusions.
15. Realism.
Postcard History of Philosophy III.
Definitions.
Index.
The book is divided into three parts, concentrating on issues of reason, experience, and reality. Each is covered in a way that makes clear both the key connections between metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics, and the main trends in the history of philosophy. It provides the ideal general introduction to philosophy.
This second edition has been extensively revised. There are new discussions of the philosophy of religion, freedom, The Matrix, and the epistemology of the Internet. In addition, a companion website includes an online teacher's guide with resources for students, suggestions for teaching with the book, plus tests and essay topics: www.blackwellpublishing.com/pip