Philosophy 1: A Guide through the Subject (Vol 1) [Paperback]

A. C. Grayling (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 8, 1999 | ISBN-10: 0198752431 | ISBN-13: 978-0198752431

This is the best general book on philosophy for university students: not just an introduction, but a guide which will serve them throughout their studies. It is intended to orientate, assist, and stimulate the reader at every stage in the study of the subject. Eleven extended essays have been specially commissioned from leading philosophers; each surveys a major area of the subject and offers an accessible but sophisticated account of the main debates.

Editorial Reviews

Review

indispensable to students anxious to please the philosophy examiners THES

About the Author

A. C. Grayling is Lecturer in Philosophy at Birkbeck College, London, and Senior Research Fellow at St Anne's College, Oxford. He is the author of the Past Masters volume on Wittgenstein (OUP, 1988).

Product Details

• Paperback: 688 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (April 8, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198752431
• ISBN-13: 978-0198752431
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #794,354 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Ironically not for the beginner., June 21, 2003

By 

Barry Denn (europe) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Philosophy: A Guide through the Subject (Paperback)

As a graduate student I have taught newcomers to philosophy and I would not recommend this book to them. I agree with the other reviewers that the scope of the book is impressive. But the writing is unnecessarily complicated. Scott Sturgeon's attempt to explain issues in epistemology by use of the biconditional left me dumbfounded. It makes what can be quite a fun topic a dreadful chore and far more difficult to get one's head around than it need be. I found this to be a general flaw with the book. It may be that some people will enjoy the writing in this book but I doubt it. I fear that most people who turn to this book for an introduction to philosophy will be turned off the subject.

I should say that there are exceptions to what I have written above. The most notable one being Tim Crane who always puts a priority on clarity of exposition. But in general the ideas are more obscurely presented than is necessary. For those who are coming to philosophy for the first time I would recommend any of the following:

John Hospers, An Introduction to Philosophical Analysis.
Nigel Warburton, Philosophy: the basics.
Philosophy made simple, (sorry can't recall the authors).

Bottom line: if you are new to philosophy and are thinking of buying this book, then first of all you should read some of it to see if the writing is to your liking.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Introduction and Review, June 20, 2000

By 

Craig A. Munns "Philosophical Counselor" (Enola, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Philosophy 1: A Guide through the Subject (Vol 1) (Paperback)

This is an excellent book for someone with a minimal background in philosophy. The essays are informative and thorough without falling into the usual trap of obfuscation. While the casual reader might find its contents slightly overwhelming, any philosophy major should have this in his or her reference library and anyone taking a philosophy course should not be afraid to consult this book. The detailed bibliographies following each section are indispensible. I highly recommend this text.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Introduction, January 1, 2004

By 

Bukkene Bruse (Iowa) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Philosophy 1: A Guide through the Subject (Vol 1) (Paperback)

"Philosophy 1" is a good introductory survey text. While it is somewhat more technical than what the casual reader may want, my goal was to learn something about "real philosophy, not simplified philosophy." The book hit the mark on this account.

I was drawn to the text because of another (popular) book by A. C. Grayling. Each chapter of the text, however, is written by a different author. Consequently, the chapters vary in style and, to some extent, quality. I particularly enjoyed the chapters on methodology, the rationalists, the empiricists (by A. C. Grayling), and aesthetics.

It took some effort for this casual reader to get through the text, but it was well worth it.