Philosophy

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WONDERFUL SELECTION - Rated
A review by Luciano Lupini. A truly wonderful selection of readings about philosophy and philosophy's central issues by professor Nigel Warburton. Very highly recommended for those that want to enhance their knowledge and have a better understanding of the basic topics that torture human mind, without having to yawn and dwell with dull or inextricable texts, as it happens with other anthologies, of a more complex and ambitious structure (which usually remain unread). This compilation indeed lives up to the purpose that the author set up to accomplish, as it is set forth in the Preface: "My aim has been to select writing that will repay study, and which is, above all interesting. Part of the point of this anthology is to demonstrate philosophy in action.."
The book is divided in eight parts, if you count the Introduction about the topic "What is Philosophy ?", as one. Here, scope, method and value of P. are presented through writings by Warnock, Mellor,Ayer and the Earl Russell. Then the subject of God, its existence and the discussion about the proofs of God is left to the writings of Pascal, Gardner, Mackie, Swinburne, Hume and Dawkins. Another section deals with ethics and morals, titled "Wright and Wrong". Other sections dwell with the subjects of Politics, The External World, Science, the Mind and, finally, Art. Each section has a brief and balanced introduction by the author. Here, again, he accomplishes the task of setting the basic mainframe to aid the reader, and refrains from providing a resume that, in other anthologies, enables the reader to dispense with the reading of the material itself.....
This selection can be read with relative ease and constitutes a fresh and modern approach to the divulgation of philosophy. Kudos to professor Warburton !

A very good introduction - Rated
As a newcomer to philosophy I find this an absorbing and approachable book. I imagine it would be suitable for reading cover-to-cover or dipping into. The selections are stimulating without being too daunting, and Warburton has minimised his own commentary, making for a book that shows rather than telling, and also invites you to join in.