Six Philosophical Appetizers

By Dale Jacquette

Are you curious about philosophy, but unsure about how to begin? This text can help you get started by offering a selection of bitesize philosophical reasonings to sample. This book invites the reader... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0073659347
• ISBN13: 9780073659343
• Release Date: May 2000
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Langua
• Length: 165 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.

Customer Reviews

the best place to start

I have read a lot of introductions to philosophy that promised to make the transition from ordinary subjects into philosophical subjects easier. This is the only one I have found that lives up to its promise. For example, on page 66, after a clear and careful discussion of what makes minds different from computers, the author writes: "If intrinsic intentionality is vital to the mind, as we have previously concluded, then two important consequences result. It follows, first, that the mind is not a machine and, second, that functionalism is false." This example shows the author's style is not to designate another philosopher as an enemy to attack, but rather he takes a conclusion to prove or disprove. It also shows the author is confident enough to reach an actual conclusion. Two conclusions are stated clearly here: that the mind is not a machine and that functionalism is false. A philosopher who makes clear assertions instead of muddles is refreshing. There are no names or dates to memorize. No dogma to commit it. There aren't even any footnotes. Through this book one gradually enters the notoriously deep waters of profound philosophy. It matters crucially that one be able to trust one's teacher when there is so much potential for deceiving. The teacher in this case does not let the student down. I have read ahead in this author's work and I have found that he does not mislead even when fathoming the most advanced reaches of philosophy. One need not fear a subsequent outrageous claim will ruin everything. That is what makes this book the best place for one to start one's experience with philosophy. This book has a non-ideological future in the connections it makes to the most advanced topics. No other book that I have found can lead one through, from beginning to end in philosophy, without some hidden agenda to worry about.