First published in 1990 The Philosopher's Habitat introduces the subject by investigating a variety of the problems which are currently engaging philosophers, and which can be made intelligible to an absolute beginner. Rather than introducing philosophy by examining, in the traditional way, the writings of great philosophers, the author has inverted this procedure. The idea is that the reader will become absorbed in these dramas, will thereby come to appreciate the ways in which the stage was set by the great writers of the past, and will feel the urge to participate. Questions at the end of each chapter encourage the reader to push beyond the text. This book is a must read for students of philosophy.
Preface Acknowledgements Introduction Part I: Theory of Mind and the Philosophy of Psychology 1. What is pain? 2. The mystery of dreaming 3. What are thoughts made of? 4. Prospects for artificial intelligence Part II: Philosophy of Language and Logic 5. Humor as a guide to the study of language 6. Speaking your mother tongue: nature or nurture? 7. This statement is false 8. The Sorites paradox: vagueness and slippery slopes 9. Logic and reasoning Part III: Epistemology 10. The Surprise Examination 11. How are knowledge and belief related? 12. Why are we taught what we are taught? Part IV: Ethical and Social Issues 13. The right to life 14. Patriotism and racism 15. Love and fidelity 16. How (if at all) should we be governed? Part V: Science and Metaphysics 17. The myth of simplicity 18. Free action in a material world 19. The world as we perceive it and as it really is 20. Is it rational to fear being dead? 21. Arguments for and against God’s existence Index
Biography
Laurence Goldstein
