Core Questions in Philosophy

In this 9th edition of Core Questions in Philosophy, Elliott Sober and Joel Velasco use an engaging lecture-style format to show students how philosophy is best used to evaluate many different kinds of arguments and to construct sound theories. Well-known historical texts are discussed, not as a means to honor the dead or merely to describe what various philosophers have thought, but to engage with, criticize, and even improve ideas from the past. In addition - because philosophy cannot function apart from its engagement with the wider society - traditional and contemporary philosophical problems are brought into dialogue with the physical, biological, and social sciences. Text boxes highlight key concepts, and review questions, discussion questions, and a glossary of terms are also included.Core Questions in Philosophy has served as a premier introductory textbook for three decades, with updates to each new edition.Key updates to this 9th edition include:A new concluding chapter on the meaning of lifeThe integration of non-Western thinkers throughout the bookExpanded discussions on utilitarianism, virtue ethics, free will, and epistemologyUpdated material from philosophy and empirical research throughoutRevisions to the online list of recommended resources include:Additional recommendations of supplementary readings, with updated source links to all reading materialNew recommended videos and podcasts, all organized by their relevance to each chapter in the book