Description
Book SynopsisAs this book richly and entertainingly demonstrates, philosophy is as much the search for the right questions as it is the search for the right answers. Robert M. Martin’s popular collection of philosophical puzzles, paradoxes, jokes, and anecdotes is updated and expanded in this third edition, with dozens of new entries.
Trade ReviewThe sorts of questions Martin deals with range from the sublime (is it possible to prove the existence of the world outside your own mind?) to the ridiculous (what's the best strategy to win at Let's Make A Deal?), but all are aimed at giving his audience the tools they need to look clearly at complex problems, and distinguish false problems from real ones. Those are skills we all need, especially if we're not very good at common sense, and that, along with Martin's enthusiasm and sense of humour, makes this a perfect book for anyone who likes to think." - Alex Rettie, reviewed in Alberta Views (October 2012)
"In this delightful little book Bob Martin has made philosophy both exciting and fun. I've recommended earlier editions to all my first-year students, and I've gifted it to people aged 12 to 80. Everyone loves it. Philosophy is a collection of puzzles, and Martin covers pretty much all of them, in digestible snippets. If one doesn't grab you, there'll be ten more that do." – Paul Viminitz, University of Lethbridge
"I've used this book in teaching Critical Thinking, but really it's for me. It's useful and fun, and it reminds me why I love philosophy.” – Ben Caplan, Ohio State University
"A wonderful book. Martin presents a wealth of puzzles, paradoxes and jokes, more than ever before, in this new and updated third edition. Frequently these raise significant philosophical issues, which are thus introduced in a natural and interesting way. This is a superb text for stimulating students’ interest and showing them how much sheer fun can be had from doing philosophy." – Adam Rieger, University of Glasgow
Table of Contents
- Acknowledgements
- About This Book
- Chapter I: Differences That Make No Difference
- Chapter II: God
- Chapter III: Taking Chances
- Chapter IV: Making Choices: Decision Theory
- Chapter V: Logic And Paradox
- Chapter VI: Belief, Logic, And Intentions
- Chapter VII: Good And Bad Reasoning
- Chapter VII: Learning From Experience
- Chapter IX: Knowing Without Experience
- Chapter X: Thinking, Saying, And Meaning: The Philosophy Of Mind And Of Language
- Chapter XI: Here And Now; You NDI
- Chapter XII: Why Should I Be Moral?
- Chapter XIII: How To Think Morally
- Chapter XIV: Moral Conundrums
- Chapter XV: Law, Action, And Responsibility
- Chapter XVI: Deep Thoughts
- Bibliography
- Disclaimer
