Synopsis
This introductory philosophy textbook describes the discipline's main ideas, historical roots, and current directions. Chapters place philosophical ideas in their historical and social contexts, while excerpts from key texts are provided. Chapters discuss the nature of philosophy, human nature, the nature of reality, God, Knowledge and truth, ethics, social philosophy, and aesthetics. Readings are taken from pre-Socratic philosophers, Plato, Aristotle, Confucius, Hobbes, Berkeley, Aquinas, Descartes, Conway, Hume, Kant, Nietzsche, Wollstonecraft, Marx, and Rawls. Velasquez teaches at Santa Clara University. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)