Philosophy

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Don't like the approach - Rated
Having studied philosophy at university (including as it happens briefly under Edward Craig), I bought this book for someone else and haven't read it in detail. However having looked through it I decided I didn't like the approach and so didn't give it to them after all.

The book seems to explain philosophy in terms of the writings of particular philosophers and in particular puts a lot of emphasis on ancient and pre-modern philosophy. This is somewhat in contrast to the reality of philosophy, in which most of the work discussed is from the last century or so. (For a comparison, think of medicine.) Yes, earlier stuff was important for laying the foundations of the subject and defining the major issues, but it seems to be a widespread misconception that philosophy is the study of the works of Socrates, Aristotle, Plato etc.

Also this method of presentation seems to me to be like the old-fashioned 'great man' theory of history, in which individuals are given undue prominence - rather than, in this case, ideas. Which is not to deny that key ideas in philosophy did come from particular individuals.

So I would have preferred a treatment primarily in terms of the problems of philosophy, rather than the people & the history.

An unusual introduction to philosophy - Rated
Introductory philosophical texts tend to adopt one of two possible approaches: Either they give a chronological account of famous thinkers and schools, or they examine a set of topics - ethics, free will, nature of mind, etc. Craig opts for something different and rather interesting. The first three chapters are intended to be read in tandem with the works they summarize, namely Plato's "Crito", Hume's "On Miracles" and the Buddhist "King Milanda's Chariot". How many readers will actually do that is doubtful but it is an interesting idea that introduces the reader to three very different areas of philosophy.

We then, somewhat more traditionally, have summary introductions to some philosophical themes and 'isms'. Next, Craig presents reviews of a very personal selection of philosophical classics. 'Idiosyncratic' may be a better word than 'personal' as it includes Darwin's "The Origin of Species" which would not normally feature in such a list.

Finally, we have a description of philosophy as a discipline, asking what purposes and interests it serves.

There's a lot of good things to say about this little book. It is a well-written, lively and authoritative introduction. Craig references the Hindu tradition as well as the Western and gives plenty of encouragement and advice for further study.

Excellent start for any novice of philosophy - Rated
This is part of the very short introduction books and is an excellent start to philosophy. The author does not try to align you with any particular philosopher or school of thought, he simply introduces the central themes of philosophy and mentions some of the famous philsophers. As it is a short book, it does not discuss a great number of philosophers - and does not pretend to. The great thing about this book is that it made me aware of philosophy and pointed me in the right direction as where to go next.

Unlike some 'philosophy' books, it does not claim and indeed does not 'change your life' but it is an enjoyable read and a gateway to entice you into the world of philosophy. If you have ever wondered what philosophy is or do not know where to start, try this book.

Highly recommended