Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction

• Provides a broad overview of the field, and guides the reader through specific examples
• Teaches the reader how to read philosophy rather than just summarizing it
• Includes Eastern philosophy and thinkers from the Continental tradition as well as from Anglo-American philosophy
• Emphasizes the point of doing philosophy
• Discusses how philosophy has been used in the interests of particular groups, such as the priesthood, women, animals, and political activists

Readership: Students of philosophy, or those considering taking undergraduate philosophy courses. General readers interested in the history of philosophical thought, past and present.

Edward Craig, Knightbridge Professor of Philosophy, University of Cambridge

"[The Very Short Introduction to Philosophy] shows that philosophy really can be fascinating, broad-minded and full of surprise. As a means of stimulating interest in the subject it has few rivals." - Julian Baggini, The Philosopher's Magazine

1: Introduction
2: What should I do? Plato's Crito
3: How do we know? Hume's, Of Miracles
4: What am I? An unknown Buddhist on the Self: 'The Chariot' from The Questions of
King Milinda
5: Some themes
6: Of 'isms'
7: Some more high spots -- a personal selection
8: What's in it for whom?
Bibliography

Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction - a reading guide