Teach Yourself
8 total works
The Philosopher's Beach Book invites you to relax and think; to wiggle your toes in the sand (literally or metaphorically) and reflect on the meaning of life.
Have you ever stretched out on a holiday beach or taken a relaxed stroll in the evening, musing on your life 'back home'...
Read moreThe Philosopher's Beach Book invites you to relax and think; to wiggle your toes in the sand (literally or metaphorically) and reflect on the meaning of life.
Have you ever stretched out on a holiday beach or taken a relaxed stroll in the evening, musing on your life 'back home' - your family, your work, your values - and wondered if it all makes sense? This book invites you to ask questions; to explore the assumptions of everyday life; to challenge your own values. You may go on holiday to see something new, but it also offers you a new perspective on the familiar. From the distance of your (literal or metaphorical) beach, now is the chance to give life a gentle, intellectual prod.
Understand Political Philosophy is an in-depth guide to the philosophers and political ideas who have shaped our society. Quickly and easily get to grips with the key thinkers and theories, from Aristotle to Wollstonecraft, from capitalism to utilitarianism. With exploration of contemporary issues and current debates, this book will...
Read moreUnderstand Political Philosophy is an in-depth guide to the philosophers and political ideas who have shaped our society. Quickly and easily get to grips with the key thinkers and theories, from Aristotle to Wollstonecraft, from capitalism to utilitarianism. With exploration of contemporary issues and current debates, this book will put political philosophy in the context of the world we live in today.
NOT GOT MUCH TIME?
One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.
AUTHOR INSIGHTS
Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience.
TEST YOURSELF
Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress.
EXTEND YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Extra online articles to give you a richer understanding of psychology.
FIVE THINGS TO REMEMBER
Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts.
TRY THIS
Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.
Is this the right book for me?
This book is the essential introduction to the history of Western thought. Covering all the key thinkers, both ancient and modern, and all the major branches of philosophy, it will give you new insights about the world we live in. Packed full of...
Is this the right book for me?
This book is the essential introduction to the history of Western thought. Covering all the key thinkers, both ancient and modern, and all the major branches of philosophy, it will give you new insights about the world we live in. Packed full of examples and clear explanations, and with key terms defined and explained, it is ideal whether you are student looking for a quick refresher or just want to explore this fascinating topic out of personal interest.
Understand Philosophy includes:
Chapter 1: The theory of knowledge
Empiricism and rationalism
Knowledge and justification: are you certain?
The external world: appearance and reality
Intuitive knowledge
Scepticism
The proof of the pudding...
Chapter 2: The philosophy of science
A historical overview
From evidence to theory: scientific method
Experiments and objectivity
Right, wrong or what?
The social sciences
What counts as science?
Science and authority
Chapter 3: Language and logic
Language and certainty
Language and perception
Knowledge and language
Linguistic philosophy
Formal logic
Chapter 4: The philosophy of mind
Ancient minds: Plato and Aristotle
'I think, therefore I am'
The relationship between mind and body
Survival?
The concept of mind
A 'place' for mind?
Neurones and computers
Knowing me, knowing you
Cognitive science
A 'personal' postscript
Chapter 5: The philosophy of religion
Faith, reason and belief
Religious language
Religious experience
Does God exist?
The origin and design of the universe: religion or science?
Miracles
The problem of evil
Compensation after death?
Psychological and sociological explanations of religion
Some general remarks
Chapter 6: Ethics
Facts, values and choices
Freedom and determinism
Kinds of ethical language
Three bases for ethics
Absolute or relative morality?
Virtue ethics
The social contract
Applied ethics
Chapter 7: Political philosophy
Only individuals?
The social contract
The general will
Marx and materialism
Justice
Freedom and law
Feminism
Some conclusions
Chapter 8: Continental philosophy
Phenomenology
Existentialism
Structuralism
Postmodernism
Chapter 9: Some other branches of philosophy
Aesthetics
The philosophy of history
The philosophy of education
Chapter 10: The scope of philosophy today
Learn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and interactive features:
Not got much time?
One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.
Author insights
Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience.
Test yourself
Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress.
Extend your knowledge
Extra online articles to give you a richer understanding of the subject.
Five things to remember
Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts.
Try this
Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.
Understand Existentialism: Teach Yourself
by Mel Thompson and Nigel Rodgers
Is this the right book for me?
Understand Existentialism breaks down a complex mode of thought into more manageable sections, enabling you to get to grips with the key concepts within the movement. Chart the origins and development of existentialism in a variety of disciplines and learn about significant thinkers...
Is this the right book for me?
Understand Existentialism breaks down a complex mode of thought into more manageable sections, enabling you to get to grips with the key concepts within the movement. Chart the origins and development of existentialism in a variety of disciplines and learn about significant thinkers from Sartre and De Beauvoir to Beckett and Camus. Whether you are a newcomer or more experienced student, this book will enhance your understanding of a brand of philosophy designed to give meaning and direction amongst the uncertainties of modern life.
Understand Existentialism includes:
Chapter 1: Introduction to existentialism
Chapter 2: Living dangerously: the roots of existentialism
Chapter 3: Between birth and death
Chapter 4: Existence precedes essence
Chapter 5: The authentic life
Chapter 6: Freedom, choice and responsibility
Chapter 7: The individual, art and society
Chapter 8: Existentialism and religion
Chapter 9: Authenticity and the absurd: the fiction of Sartre and Camus
Learn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and interactive features:
Not got much time?
One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.
Author insights
Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience.
Test yourself
Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress.
Extend your knowledge
Extra online articles to give you a richer understanding of the subject.
Five things to remember
Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts.
Try this
Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.
What is your mind? How is it related to your body? What is the effect of artificial intelligence and information technology? These and many other issues are explored in TEACH YOURSELF PHILOSOPHY OF MIND.
- Investigate ideas about the mind, from ancient Greece to present-day cognitive science.
- Explore the concepts...
What is your mind? How is it related to your body? What is the effect of artificial intelligence and information technology? These and many other issues are explored in TEACH YOURSELF PHILOSOPHY OF MIND.
- Investigate ideas about the mind, from ancient Greece to present-day cognitive science.
- Explore the concepts of memory and free will.
- Consider issues relating the mind to religion and artistic creativity.
- Examine the impact of information technology on our understanding of the mind and the way it works.
A modern understanding of the world is unthinkable without science, but what exactly is it? What does it mean to say that something is 'scientific'? How are its results justified? From the genetic basis of life, to the structures of the universe and the atom, TEACH YOURSELF PHILOSOPHY OF...
Read moreA modern understanding of the world is unthinkable without science, but what exactly is it? What does it mean to say that something is 'scientific'? How are its results justified? From the genetic basis of life, to the structures of the universe and the atom, TEACH YOURSELF PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE explores how the key ideas that shape our world have been developed.
- Investigate the history of science.
- Examine scientific method.
- Discover key philosophers and scientists.
- Explore the impact of science on Western thought.
Teach Yourself Eastern Philosophy examines key ideas that developed within the ancient civilisations of India and China. It presents a range of philosophies that both inform discussion of personal, moral and social issues and address the fundamental questions about the nature of reality and the place and purpose of...
Read moreTeach Yourself Eastern Philosophy examines key ideas that developed within the ancient civilisations of India and China. It presents a range of philosophies that both inform discussion of personal, moral and social issues and address the fundamental questions about the nature of reality and the place and purpose of human life within it.
From the erotic images of Tantra to the simple precision of Zen, and from the social order in traditional Confucian teaching to the rich variety of Hindu ideas and lifestyles, Teach Yourself Eastern Philosophy provides a feast of ideas of universal relevance.
Teach Yourself Eastern Philosophy:
- Looks at the ethical and social implications of Eastern philosophy.
- Gives key terms in their original language with full explananations.
- Points to parallels with Western thought, where appropriate.
- Provides essential background information for appreciating the religions of India and the Far East.
Understand Philosophy Of Religion: Teach Yourself (McGraw-Hill Edition)
by Mel Thompson
This book is for anyone wanting to understand what religion is really about. Exploring all the key principles upon which religion is based and setting out the arguments for and against belief in a clear, accessible style, it examines religion against current issues such as terrorism, evolution, and our...
Read moreThis book is for anyone wanting to understand what religion is really about. Exploring all the key principles upon which religion is based and setting out the arguments for and against belief in a clear, accessible style, it examines religion against current issues such as terrorism, evolution, and our multi-cultural society.
NOT GOT MUCH TIME?
One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.
AUTHOR INSIGHTS
Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience.
TEST YOURSELF
Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress.
EXTEND YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Extra online articles at www.teachyourself.com to give you a richer understanding of psychology.
FIVE THINGS TO REMEMBER
Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts.
TRY THIS
Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.