The Rediscovery of Common Sense Philosophy [Hardcover]

Stephen Boulter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2, 2007 | ISBN-10: 0230002463 | ISBN-13: 978-0230002463 | Edition: First Edition

This book is a defence of the philosophy of common sense broadly in the spirit of Thomas Reid and G.E. Moore. It breaks new ground by drawing on the work of Aristotle, contemporary evolutionary biology and psychology, and historical studies on the origins of early modern philosophy. Part One offers new answers to the questions: What counts as a common sense belief? Why should common sense beliefs be considered default positions?, and Why is it that philosophers so frequently end up denying what we all know to be true? Part Two defends common sense beliefs from specific challenges from prominent philosophers on topics from metaphysics to ethics.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'According to common sense, we human beings can reliably perceive physical objects; we can acquire true beliefs (and sometimes knowledge) about the external world; we can act in the world on the basis of our desires and beliefs; we are sometimes responsible for what we do because we have free will; certain things are good or bad, and certain acts are right or wrong, and these are facts which do not depend on our attitudes or beliefs and facts about which we can be correct or mistaken. These doctrines have been relentlessly attacked by legions of philosophers from ancient times to the present. In the tradition of Aristotle, Thomas Reid, and G. E. Moore, Stephen Boulter mounts a formidable defense of commonsense philosophy, drawing on rigorous philosophical argument and recent scientific research, including evolutionary biology and psychology. ' - Fred D. Miller, Jr., Bowling Green State University

About the Author

STEPHEN BOULTER is Senior Lecturer and Field Chair of Philosophy and Ethics within the Division of Theology, Philosophy and Religious Studies at the University of Oxford Brookes.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan; First Edition edition (October 2, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0230002463
• ISBN-13: 978-0230002463
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,391,783 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)