Chapter 1: The Beginning of Reflection Chapter 2: Being Governed By the Mind: Rational Thought Chapter 3: Religious Faith: The Philosophy of Religion Chapter 4: Personal Identity and Human Nature: Metaphysics Chapter 5: How Things Seem and What They Are: Epistemology Chapter 6: The Purpose of Living: Ethics Chapter 7: Contemporary Trends Chapter 8: Epilogue Chapter 9 Index Chapter 10 About the Author
Burton F. Porter is professor of philosophy at Western New England College in Springfield, Massachusetts.
This well-written book, which reads like a novel, will appeal to
anyone who wants to know what philosophy is all about. Arranged
historically, it begins with the Presocratics and ends with
contemporary philosophic trends: linguistic philosophy, feminist
thought, and the moral issues of abortion and racism. Chapters
focus on topics including philosophy of religion, metaphysics,
epistemology, and ethics. The Presocratics are presented as
thinkers who raised questions that still are perplexing, such as
how much to trust the senses and how much to trust reason. The
tortoise in the title refers to Zeno's paradox of the tortoise and
the hare, and teaches readers "to question what we see and take to
be true"—a good statement of philosophy's mission. Porter (Western
New England Univ.) offers enough biographical information to
situate philosophers in their time and place. One quibble is that
Porter says Berkeley "did not believe the world is real"; however,
Berkeley only claimed its reality was not material. The author does
explain Berkeley's view accurately in his exposition. Clearly
written, and offering a good bibliography and index, this book will
be a valuable addition to any library. Summing Up: Recommended.
Lower-level undergraduates through graduate students; general
readers.
*CHOICE*
|
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
