1 SENTENCE SUMMARY: This book provides an accessible introduction to the major questions that philosophers have asked throughout history, as well as offering insight into how to think philosophically about our own lives.
“The unexamined life is not worth living” – Socrates
Quick Info
Category: Philosophy
Publish Date: 2012-10-31
# Pages: 184
ISBN: 9780415693165
Where to Get It:
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Table of Contents
Overview
Philosophy: The Basics, written by Nigel Warburton, is an incredibly comprehensive overview of the subject of philosophy.
The book begins by introducing the reader to the core concepts of philosophy, such as metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics, and then explains the various theories and ideas that have been developed by famous philosophers throughout history.
The book also provides a vivid insight into the issues that still puzzle philosophers today and how these issues can be resolved.
Warburton’s accessible and engaging writing style makes Philosophy: The Basics an ideal introduction for those who are new to the subject and for those who are already familiar with the fundamentals.
It is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in understanding the history, philosophy and development of the field.
4 Key Lessons from Philosophy: The Basics by Nigel Warburton
1. Understand the Questions
One of the most important lessons to be learned from the book Philosophy
The Basics is the importance of understanding the questions you are trying to answer.
It is essential to be able to identify and articulate the questions you are trying to answer in order to be able to reason and think through the answers.
As Warburton explains in the book, “The ability to identify and articulate the right questions is crucial to philosophical thinking, and is often more important than the answer you give to them.” This lesson is important because it helps the reader to develop the skill of asking the right questions which will help them to think deeply and come up with more meaningful answers.
2. Look for the Hidden Assumptions
This is another important lesson to be learned from the book.
Warburton explains that “The ability to identify and investigate the hidden assumptions underlying any argument or position is an essential part of philosophical thinking.” This means that the reader must be able to look beyond the surface of an argument and identify any assumptions that may be influencing the conclusion of the argument.
This is an important skill to have as it helps the reader to understand the implications of an argument and allows them to develop their own opinion on the matter.
3. Understand the Different Perspectives
Warburton explains that “Philosophy requires an ability to take a detached view of an argument or position, and to consider it from different perspectives.” This means that the reader must be able to look at an argument from different angles and perspectives in order to understand it more deeply.
This is important because it will help the reader to form their own opinion on the matter and to be able to identify any weaknesses or biases in the argument.
4. Think Critically
Last but not least, the book explains that “Philosophy requires an ability to think critically and to evaluate arguments.” This lesson is important because it encourages the reader to think critically and to challenge the assumptions that are made in an argument.
Critical thinking is an essential skill to have as it helps the reader to come to their own conclusions and to think more intelligently about the arguments they are presented with.
Who Should Read It
Anyone interested in gaining an introduction to philosophy or in refreshing their knowledge of the subject should read Philosophy: The Basics by Nigel Warburton.
The book is suitable for both students and non-students alike, and can serve as an excellent starting point for those looking to explore the field of philosophy.
Where to Get It
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About Nigel Warburton
Nigel Warburton is a senior lecturer in philosophy at the Open University and a freelance writer, broadcaster and lecturer.
He has written numerous books on philosophy and has been published in The Times, The Guardian, The Independent, and The New Statesman.
He also writes a blog for A-Level philosophy students called Philosophy Bites, and is a regular guest on BBC Radio 4’s In Our Time.
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Other Philosophy Books you may Like:
- Best Philosophy Books
- Physics, Ethics, Poetics, Metaphysics, Categories, On Logic, On the Soul by Aristotle
- Reasons and Persons by Derek Parfit
- Republic by Plato
- Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder
Over to You
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Thanks a lot,
Simon
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