Does the Center Hold?: An Introduction to Western Philosophy [Paperback]

Donald Palmer (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1559344830 | ISBN-13: 978-1559344838 | Publication Date: November 1995 | Edition: 2nd

A topically organized introductory philosophy text that takes the position that the study of philosophy is both natural and fun. The text includes separate chapters on philosophy of art, philosophy of freedom, and social and political philosophy.

Product Details

• Paperback: 447 pages
• Publisher: Mayfield Pub Co; 2nd edition (November 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559344830
• ISBN-13: 978-1559344838
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #538,336 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A fun introduction, October 13, 2001

By 

Pumpkin King - See all my reviews

This review is from: Does the Center Hold?: An Introduction to Western Philosophy (Paperback)

This book is probably as good as any other general overview of philosophical ideas. It covers epistemology, ontology, religion, freedom, ethics, political and social philosophy, and art. Donald Palmer includes some people quite a lot (Plato, Marx, Freud, Sartre) while there are many philosophers who are not mentioned at all, but considering the number of philosophers and their numerous ideas, this may not be a fair objection.

What makes this book different from others is that it is very light reading. It isn't condescending, or excessively simple, but Palmer writes in a conversational manner and with a frank, sometimes humorous tone. And you see how no philosophical ideas, however convincing, are free from being challenged and scrutinized. This may not be a book you refer to time and again, but for a relaxed and entertaining introduction to different branches of philosophy, Palmer does a fine job. Tedious and confusing language is something you won't have to worry about.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to philosophy, November 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Does the Center Hold?: An Introduction to Western Philosophy (Paperback)

Since reading it in a high school philosophy class, for years I've found this book the best introduction to many branches of philosophy. Easy to read and written with a sense of humor, it's a fun guide to the ideas and the questions that have made people think for thousands of years. You will find Palmer's book both enlightening and entertaining, whether you've never read philosophy before or are graduating with a degree in it.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Introduction to Philosophy, September 21, 2003

By 

J. Brooks (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Does The Center Hold?: An Introduction to Western Philosophy (Paperback)

This book is an excellent introduction to philosophy. The author makes complex philosophical problems relatively clear without sacrificing their inherent complexity, and he organizes philosophers and philosophies according to their response to various philosophical problems. His writing is fair and honest and he does not appear to have an axe to grind. The illustrations are both humorous and really helpful. It is through books like this that anyone can gain insight into the importance of philosophy and its ramifications in daily life.