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Does the Center Hold?: An Introduction to Western Philosophy
 
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Does the Center Hold?: An Introduction to Western Philosophy (Paperback)

~ Donald Palmer (Author)
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Does the Center Hold? is an entertaining, topically-organized introductory text with more than 500 original illustrations. The ideas and issues typically covered in introductory courses are presented here in a remarkably accessible and enjoyable manner. The author demonstrates that serious philosophical inquiry may be perplexing but is ultimately enlightening and liberating.

Product Details

  • Paperback: 492 pages
  • Publisher: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages; 4 edition (August 3, 2007)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0073535710
  • ISBN-13: 978-0073535715
  • Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #332,285 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

More About the Author

Donald Palmer
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Customer Reviews

10 Reviews
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3 star:    (0)
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Average Customer Review
4.8 out of 5 stars (10 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars A fun introduction, October 13, 2001
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.

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18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to philosophy, November 7, 1999
By A Customer
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.
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining, yet Serious Introduction to Philosopy, April 30, 2003
By Micheal W. Palmer (Chapel Hill, NC United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
This topical introduction has hundreds of humorous illustrations drawn by the author. Writing in an engaging conversational style, he presents the issues typically covered in introductory courses, but with unusual clarity. I used the first edition several times as the core text for my Introduction to Philosophy class with great success.

Those who have read the first edition will miss the wonderful handwritten script. It has been replaced by a font called Tekton that is, unfortunately, somewhat tiring to read.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Very fast delivery!
The book was in described condition and it came quicker than expected. I recommend this seller.
Published 6 months ago by Joshua A. Donovan

5.0 out of 5 stars Book purchase
I received the book quickly and in very good condition. I am extremely satisfied with my purchase.
Published 7 months ago by msconfidence

5.0 out of 5 stars Does The Center Hold?
Perfect seller!! Great condition. Product arrived exactly as seller described and on time. Would definitely buy from seller again. Thank you!!
Published 9 months ago by L. Sam

5.0 out of 5 stars Does the Center Hold
A LIFE SAVER!!!! While our current epistemology is founded on classical philosophy...who can read and understand it?!?!?! Read more
Published 23 months ago by Renee B. Kealey

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best introductions
A handwritten typeface and lots of amusing illustrations by the author make this an unusual book. It's a very light survey with very little source material but it is framed in a... Read more
Published on July 12, 2007 by sean kroah

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice book
I purchased this book for my Philosophy class and I must say it is a very easy text to understand. The illustrations help dirve points that would normally be overlooked. Read more
Published on March 31, 2006 by Rodica Berns

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Introduction to Philosophy
This book is an excellent introduction to philosophy. The author makes complex philosophical problems relatively clear without sacrificing their inherent complexity, and he... Read more
Published on September 21, 2003 by J. Brooks

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