Description
Book SynopsisThis advanced introductory text offers a synoptic view of philosophical inquiry, discussing such topics as consciousness, the self, meaning, free will, the a priori, and knowledge. The emphasis is on the fundamental intractability of these questions, and a theory is proposed as to why the human mind has so much difficulty in resolving them. This theory turns upon a naturalistic picture of the scope and limits of human intelligence.
Trade Review"In my view, this is an admirable book. It is concise, well organized, and clearly and vigorously written. It presents a real solution to a real and extremely important problem. It is perhaps the only solution to this problem that is currently available."
Peter Van Inwagen, The Philosophical Review "Colin McGinn's thoughts about the nature and state of philosophical inquiry are lucid and suggestive, and, in my personal opinion, on the right track. They merit careful reading, and should place many of the fundamental questions of our intellectual tradition in a new and more wholesome light." Noam Chomsky, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Table of Contents1. Philosophical Perplexity.
2. Consciousness.
3. Self.
4. Meaning.
5. Free Will.
6. The A Priori.
7. Knowledge.
8. Reason, Truth and Philosophy.
9. The Future of Philosophy.
