The Philosophy of Religion: An Historical Introduction (Fundamentals of Philosophy) [Paperback]

Linda Zagzebski (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1405118725 | ISBN-13: 978-1405118729 | Publication Date: March 20, 2007 | Edition: 1

An accessible and engaging introduction to the philosophy of religion.

• Written with verve and clarity by a leading philosopher and contributor to the field
  
• Places key issues and debates in the philosophy of religion in their historical contexts, highlighting the conditions that led to the development of the field
  
• Addresses the core topics, among them the the existence of God, the problem of evil, death and the afterlife, and the problem of religious diversity
  
• Rich with argument, yet never obtrusive
  
• Forms part of the Fundamentals of Philosophy series, in which renowned scholars explore the fundamental issues and core problems in the major sub-disciplines of philosophy

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Linda Zagzebski has produced a very impressive, historically-informed introduction to the philosophy of religion. What is achieved in this book is actually something quite rare: a text which, though perfectly accessible to the beginning student, does not oversimplify the complex issues within philosophy of religion, and which, while genuinely introductory, at the same time succeeds in making distinctive contributions to the subject. Also noteworthy here is the exemplary manner in which Zagzebski, though firmly positioned within the analytic tradition, includes sympathetic, non-dismissive discussions of thinkers outside of the analytic mainstream (thinkers such as Kierkegaard, Wittgenstein and Freud). This serves to provide the book with an expansive feel; it gives the beginning student a sense of the wide range of philosophical approaches to religion; and it widens the sometimes narrow focus of contemporary philosophy of religion." (Ars Disputandi, January 2011)

“Zagzebski’s Philosophy of Religion is a lucid, elegantly written, outstanding introduction to the field that includes classical arguments as well as some of the latest, cutting-edge work being done today.”
Charles Taliaferro, St. Olaf College

“One of Zagzebski’s book’s most attractive features is her location of standard arguments and positions in the philosophy of religion in their historical context. I highly recommend this accessible and original introductory text.”
William Wainwright, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee

“Clearly written… worthwhile as a textbook and as an original contribution to [the] philosophy of religion. The excellent ‘further readings’…make this a valuable reference tool.”
Choice

“Zagzebski has done some fine work…[She] hopes to broaden some of the standard topics…These are refreshing and very commendable aims for an introductory text.”
Metapsychology

 

“A readable textbook that … covers all the conventional ground. I found the way in which the arguments for the existence of God were set out extremely helpful … there is much to commend this book.”
The Scientific and Medical Network Review

“An excellent contribution to the field for its historical approach … and its ability to contextualize current discussions in light of history and personal faith.”
Religious Studies Review

Book Description

This illuminating guide places key issues and debates in the philosophy of religion in their historical contexts, highlighting the conditions that led to the development of the field. A range of core topics is addressed, among them: bull; bull;The relationship between religion and philosophy bull;The existence of God bull;Religion and morality bull;The problem of evil bull;Death and the afterlife bull;The problem of religious diversity. Rich with argument, yet never obtrusive, this engaging text not only provides an accessible overview of this vibrant field, but also invites readers to think through the issues in the philosophy of religion themselves.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 1 edition (March 20, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1405118725
• ISBN-13: 978-1405118729
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 9.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #170,427 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Introductory Work, April 15, 2011

By 

D. Perkins (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Philosophy of Religion: An Historical Introduction (Fundamentals of Philosophy) (Paperback)

Dr. Zagzebski is one of the best philosophers in America right now. This book is an introductory level book, which talks about classical philosophy of religion. It has a nice blend mix of western, Greek, and eastern philosophies and goes into great detail in explaining those philosophies. This book is great if you want to start learning about philosophy of religion.

0 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Used Phil of Religion Book Review, October 4, 2008

By 

Jennifer Danalevich "JDanalevich" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Philosophy of Religion: An Historical Introduction (Fundamentals of Philosophy) (Paperback)

The book arrived promptly and is in GREAT condition! It looks just like new!
Thanks!