The Basics of Western Philosophy

Subjects:

• Philosophy » Philosophy (General)
• Philosophy » History of Philosophy

Reviews:

• More than a mere survey, this is a work of philosophical comprehension limited only in its compass because of its intended audience (high school and undergraduate students as well as the general public). Highly recommended.
  —Library Journal August 2004
• This is a good book and it performs well when considered against its intended market.
  —Practical Philosophy Autumn 2007
• [K]elly's work provides a straightforward and complete introduction to the field of philosophy in the Western world. It would not be difficult to imagine reading The Basics of Western Philosophy cover to cover in order to gain a useful overview of Western philosophy. It might even serve beautifully as a textbook for an introductory philosophy course. The work belongs on the shelves of academic libraries, high school libraries, and public libraries that wish to provide such an educational resource to their patrons. In any case, one might consider whether this work is more appropriate to a circulating collection than on the reference shelf.
  —Reference & User Services Quarterly Spring 2005

Table of Contents:

• Preface
• The Activity of Philosophy
• The Nature of Philosophy
• Logic and Language
• A Sketch of the History of Philosophy
• The Problems of Philosophy
• Metaphysics
• Epistemology
• Ethics
• Social and Political Philosophy
• Philosophy of Religion
• Science and Human Nature