Customer Reviews

A Preface to Philosophy

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While I agree with the other reviewer of this book in that is definately over-priced, this book is still very useful. Starting out I did NOT like this book as it was the very first book I had so far as a general introductory work in a college class ( prior to that I had Geisler's book the other reviewer mentions, it is more bang for the buck). However after taking my philosophy course I found myself going back to the book because of the nuances covered in it. I think his comments about the pitfalls beginners deeply affected by a postmodernist high school education might make was timely, and his distinctions between what are philosophical and empirical problems is helpful as well. It isn't just an intro to philosophy that goes over the various branches systematically explaining what they are and their scope of investigation but rather maybe a very broad survey of philosophy itself and the way it's careful distinctions are broadly applicable. He also has a short section on writing philosophical essays and review exercises that allow one to drill what they've been reading. While not very comprehensive, I think it's still a good read you might refer to again and again.

I was forced to buy this book to serve as a textbook for a college philosophy class. We covered Woodhouse's small booklet (barely over 100 pages of actual text) in a week. While I understand that the book is to be a preface to philosophy, I found myself covering terms and definitions that I had learned in my middle-school logic class. You definitely do not get your money out of this one. If you have a choice at buying this, consider Introduction to Philosophy by Norman Geisler and Paul Feinberg instead. Longer, more informative, and cheaper.

All the books that I ordered from this person came super fast. I love how the books were in the best condition too!!