Contemporary Debates in Philosophy – serie

This volume introduces central issues in cognitive science by means of debates on key questions. The debates are written by renowned experts in the field. The debates cover the middle ground as well as the extremes Addresses topics such as the amount of innate knowledge, bounded rationality and the role of perception in action. Provides valuable overview of the field in a clear and easily comprehensible form.

Now in an updated edition with fresh perspectives on high-profile ethical issues such as torture and same-sex marriage, this collection pairs cogently argued essays by leading philosophers with opposing views on fault-line public concerns. Revised and updated new edition with six new pairs of essays on prominent contemporary issues including torture and same-sex marriage, and a survey of theories of ethics by Stephen DarwallLeading philosophers tackle colleagues with opposing views in contrasting essays on core issues in applied ethicsAn ideal semester-length course text certain to generate vigorous discussion

Lively debates on controversial and compelling questions in the philosophy of religion — an updated edition of the bestselling titleBuilding upon the reputation of the first edition, the extensively revised second edition of Contemporary Debates in Philosophy of Religion features fifteen essays which present arguments on some of the most central and controversial topics in philosophy of religion from the discipline’s most influential thinkers. Considering questions of both emerging and perennial interest from atheistic, theistic, and agnostic viewpoints, the book adopts the series structure which pairs essays espousing opposing perspectives on a particular question or theme in an engaging pro and con format.Following accessible introductions to each debate, the volume’s new and newly-revised contributions set the stage for thoughtful and lively discourse between philosophers in philosophy of religion and analytic theology. Debates range from vigorous disagreements between theists and their critics to arguments between theists of different philosophical and theological persuasions, highlighting points of contrast for readers while showcasing the field’s leading minds in dialogue. The head-to-head chapters offer forceful advocacy for some of the most compelling ideas, beliefs, and objections in the philosophy of religion, opening the conversation up to students to weigh the arguments and engage in comparative analysis of the concepts for themselves.Written to appeal to the non-specialist as well as the professional philosopher, Contemporary Debates in Philosophy of Religion is ideal as both a provocative primary text for coursework in analytical theology and philosophy of religion, and as a broad survey of the field for scholars and general readers with an interest in the questions which underpin contemporary philosophy of religion and theology.

A timely collection of debates concerning the major themes and topics in philosophy of mind, fully updated with new topics covering the latest developments in the field Contemporary Debates in Philosophy of Mind provides a lively and engaging introduction to the conceptual background, ongoing debates, and contentious issues in the field today. Original essays by more than 30 of the discipline’s most influential thinkers offer opposing perspectives on a series of contested questions regarding mental content, physicalism, the place of consciousness in the physical world, and the nature of perception and mental capacities. Written to appeal to non-specialists and professional philosophers alike, the second edition of Contemporary Debates in Philosophy of Mind features five entirely new debates on the relation between perception and cognition, whether pain is a natural kind, whether perception is best understood through representational content or direct contact with the world, whether we need imagination that goes beyond imagery and supposition, and whether perceptual contents are general, particular, or a hybrid. Presents 15 sets of specially commissioned essays with opposing viewpoints on central topics in philosophy of mind Offers head-to-head debates on central topics such as consciousness, intentionality, normativity, mental causation, materialism, and perceptionProvides a dynamic view of contemporary thinking about fundamental and controversial issuesIncludes a thorough introduction providing a comprehensive background to the issues explored in each debate Part of Wiley-Blackwell’s acclaimed Contemporary Debates in Philosophy series, Contemporary Debates in Philosophy of Mind, Second Edition is essential reading for undergraduate and graduate students, academics, professional philosophers, and sophisticated general readers with an interest in the subject.

The perfect introduction to contemporary epistemology, completely overhauled for its third edition In Contemporary Debates in Epistemology, pairs of specially commissioned essays defend opposing views on some of today’s most compelling epistemological issues and problems. Offering a unique blend of accessibility and originality, this timely volume brings together fresh debates on hotly contested issues to provide readers with the opportunity to engage in comparative analysis of constantly changing and developing epistemological concepts. Now in its third edition, Contemporary Debates in Epistemology features up-to-date coverage of the latest developments in the field. Entirely new essays examine questions of epistemic normativity and knowledge, the relationship between belief and credence, the possibility of internalist epistemology, epistemic instrumentalism, norms of assertion, the use of thought experiments in epistemology, and more. Presents a rigorous yet accessible introduction to the major topics in contemporary epistemologyContains head-to-head chapters offering forceful advocacy of opposing philosophical stances Focuses on core areas of epistemologyUses a lively debate format that sharply defines the issues and encourages further discussionAll-new chapters provide fully updated coverage of new and emerging topics in epistemologyPart of the Wiley-Blackwell Contemporary Debates in Philosophy series, Contemporary Debates in Epistemology, Third Edition, remains an essential resource for advanced undergraduate philosophy majors, graduate students in philosophy, and epistemologists who want to keep current with contemporary epistemological debates.

A cutting-edge selection of current issues and explorations of the ethics of artificial intelligence As artificial intelligence continues to influence virtually every facet of modern life, Contemporary Debates in the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence offers a timely and rigorous examination of the field's most pressing questions. Equally useful in the classroom or as a reference for interdisciplinary research, this volume fosters informed and critical engagement with the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence in today's world. Curated by renowned scholars Sven Nyholm, Atoosa Kasirzadeh, and John Zerilli, Contemporary Debates in the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence brings together a dynamic mix of established leaders and emerging voices from both philosophy and computer science. The result is a uniquely structured collection of debates that not only introduces key concepts—such as agency, moral status, and value alignment—but also challenges readers to engage deeply with controversies around bias, transparency, and the societal risks posed by AI technologies. Providing frameworks for engaging responsibly with current and future AI technologies, Contemporary Debates in the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence: Presents a dual-perspective debate format that fosters critical thinking and comparative analysisIncludes both foundational conceptual discussions and cutting-edge applied ethical issuesFeatures original contributions from interdisciplinary experts in philosophy, law, cognitive science, and computer scienceAddresses timely topics such as algorithmic bias, opacity, value alignment, and the moral status of AIExplores forward-looking concerns, including the future of AI governance and long-term existential risksContemporary Debates in the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence is ideal for undergraduate, advanced undergraduate, and graduate-level courses in philosophy, computer science, public policy, and related disciplines. It is well-suited for courses such as Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, Technology and Society, and Digital Ethics in philosophy, computer science, political science, international relations, and data science programs.

Contemporary Debates in Philosophy of Science contains sixteen original essays by leading authors in the philosophy of science, each one defending the affirmative or negative answer to one of eight specific questions, including: Are there laws of social science? Are causes physically connected to their effects? Is the mind a system of modules shaped by natural selection? Brings together fresh debates on eight of the most controversial issues in the philosophy of science.Questions addressed include: "Are there laws of social science?"; "Are causes physically connected to their effects?"; "Is the mind a system of modules shaped by natural selection?"Each question is treated by a pair of opposing essays written by eminent scholars, and especially commissioned for the volume.Lively debate format sharply defines the issues, and paves the way for further discussion.Will serve as an accessible introduction to the major topics in contemporary philosophy of science, whilst also capturing the imagination of professional philosophers.

Contemporary Debates in Philosophy of Science contains sixteen original essays by leading authors in the philosophy of science, each one defending the affirmative or negative answer to one of eight specific questions, including: Are there laws of social science? Are causes physically connected to their effects? Is the mind a system of modules shaped by natural selection? Brings together fresh debates on eight of the most controversial issues in the philosophy of science.Questions addressed include: "Are there laws of social science?"; "Are causes physically connected to their effects?"; "Is the mind a system of modules shaped by natural selection?"Each question is treated by a pair of opposing essays written by eminent scholars, and especially commissioned for the volume.Lively debate format sharply defines the issues, and paves the way for further discussion.Will serve as an accessible introduction to the major topics in contemporary philosophy of science, whilst also capturing the imagination of professional philosophers.

Contemporary Debates in Moral Theory features pairs of newly commissioned essays by some of the leading theorists working in the field today. Brings together fresh debates on the most controversial issues in moral theoryQuestions include: Are moral requirements derived from reason? How demanding is morality? Are virtues the proper starting point for moral theorizing?Lively debate format sharply defines the issues, and paves the way for further discussion.Will serve as an accessible introduction to the major topics in contemporary moral theory, while also capturing the imagination of professional philosophers.

Contemporary Debates in Moral Theory features pairs of newly commissioned essays by some of the leading theorists working in the field today. Brings together fresh debates on the most controversial issues in moral theoryQuestions include: Are moral requirements derived from reason? How demanding is morality? Are virtues the proper starting point for moral theorizing?Lively debate format sharply defines the issues, and paves the way for further discussion.Will serve as an accessible introduction to the major topics in contemporary moral theory, while also capturing the imagination of professional philosophers.

Contemporary Debates in Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art features pairs of newly commissioned essays by some of the leading theorists working in the field today. Brings together fresh debates on eleven of the most controversial issues in aesthetics and the philosophy of artTopics addressed include the nature of beauty, aesthetic experience, artistic value, and the nature of our emotional responses to art.Each question is treated by a pair of opposing essays written by eminent scholars, and especially commissioned for the volume.Lively debate format sharply defines the issues, and paves the way for further discussion.Will serve as an accessible introduction to the major topics in aesthetics, while also capturing the imagination of professional philosophers

Contemporary Debates in Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art features pairs of newly commissioned essays by some of the leading theorists working in the field today. Brings together fresh debates on eleven of the most controversial issues in aesthetics and the philosophy of artTopics addressed include the nature of beauty, aesthetic experience, artistic value, and the nature of our emotional responses to art.Each question is treated by a pair of opposing essays written by eminent scholars, and especially commissioned for the volume.Lively debate format sharply defines the issues, and paves the way for further discussion.Will serve as an accessible introduction to the major topics in aesthetics, while also capturing the imagination of professional philosophers

In this important and engaging volume, international scholars present opposing viewpoints to debate ten of the most important issues in contemporary social philosophy. Provides an original analysis of some of society’s most pressing issues Written by an outstanding cast of international scholars Issues covered include the nature of freedom, the limits of religious tolerance, affirmative action, parenting, the death penalty, privacy, violence, world hunger, social diversity, homosexuality, and abortion Invites the reader to participate in the exchange of arguments

In this important and engaging volume, international scholars present opposing viewpoints to debate ten of the most important issues in contemporary social philosophy. Provides an original analysis of some of society’s most pressing issues Written by an outstanding cast of international scholars Issues covered include the nature of freedom, the limits of religious tolerance, affirmative action, parenting, the death penalty, privacy, violence, world hunger, social diversity, homosexuality, and abortion Invites the reader to participate in the exchange of arguments

In a series of thought-provoking and original essays, eighteen leading philosophers engage in head-to-head debates of nine of the most cutting edge topics in contemporary metaphysics. Explores the fundamental questions in contemporary metaphysics in a series of eighteen original essays - 16 of which are newly commissioned for this volumeFeatures an introductory essay by the editors on the nature of metaphysics to prepare the reader for ongoing discussionsOffers readers the unique opportunity to observe leading philosophers engage in head-to-head debate on cutting-edge metaphysical topicsProvides valuable insights into the flourishing field of contemporary metaphysics

In a series of thought-provoking and original essays, eighteen leading philosophers engage in head-to-head debates of nine of the most cutting edge topics in contemporary metaphysics. Explores the fundamental questions in contemporary metaphysics in a series of eighteen original essays - 16 of which are newly commissioned for this volumeFeatures an introductory essay by the editors on the nature of metaphysics to prepare the reader for ongoing discussionsOffers readers the unique opportunity to observe leading philosophers engage in head-to-head debate on cutting-edge metaphysical topicsProvides valuable insights into the flourishing field of contemporary metaphysics

This volume introduces central issues in cognitive science by means of debates on key questions. The debates are written by renowned experts in the field. The debates cover the middle ground as well as the extremes Addresses topics such as the amount of innate knowledge, bounded rationality and the role of perception in action. Provides valuable overview of the field in a clear and easily comprehensible form.

Contemporary Debates in Applied Ethics features pairs of newly commissioned essays by some of the leading theorists working in the field today. Brings together fresh debates on eleven of the most controversial issues in applied ethicsTopics addressed include abortion, affirmative action, animals, capital punishment, cloning, euthanasia, immigration, pornography, privacy in civil society, values in nature, and world hunger.Lively debate format sharply defines the issues, and paves the way for further discussion.Will serve as an accessible introduction to the major topics in applied ethics, whilst also capturing the imagination of professional philosophers.

Contemporary Debates in Philosophy of Mind showcases the leading contributors to the field, debating the major questions in philosophy of mind today. Comprises 20 newly commissioned essays on hotly debated issues in the philosophy of mindWritten by a cast of leading experts in their fields, essays take opposing views on 10 central contemporary debatesA thorough introduction provides a comprehensive background to the issues exploredOrganized into three sections which explore the ontology of the mental, nature of the mental content, and the nature of consciousness

This collection of 24 essays, written by eminent philosophers and political theorists, brings together fresh debates on some of the most fundamental questions in contemporary political philosophy, including human rights, equality, constitutionalism, the value of democracy, identity and political neutrality. Presents fresh debates on six of the fundamental questions in contemporary political philosophy Each question is treated by a pair of opposing essays written by eminent scholars Lively debate format sharply defines the issues, invites the reader to participate in the exchange of arguments and paves the way for further discussion Will serve as an accessible introduction to the major topics in political philosophy, whilst also capturing the imagination of professional philosophers Offers the unique opportunity to observe leading philosophers engaging in head-to-head debate

This collection of 24 essays, written by eminent philosophers and political theorists, brings together fresh debates on some of the most fundamental questions in contemporary political philosophy, including human rights, equality, constitutionalism, the value of democracy, identity and political neutrality. Presents fresh debates on six of the fundamental questions in contemporary political philosophyEach question is treated by a pair of opposing essays written by eminent scholarsLively debate format sharply defines the issues, invites the reader to participate in the exchange of arguments and paves the way for further discussionWill serve as an accessible introduction to the major topics in political philosophy, whilst also capturing the imagination of professional philosophersOffers the unique opportunity to observe leading philosophers engaging in head-to-head debates

This collection of specially commissioned essays puts top scholars head to head to debate the central issues in the lively and fast growing field of philosophy of biology Brings together original essays on ten of the most hotly debated questions in philosophy of biologyLively head-to-head debate format sharply defines the issues and paves the way for further discussionIncludes coverage of the new and vital area of evolutionary developmental biology, as well as the concept of a unified species, the role of genes in selection, the differences between micro- and macro-evolution, and much moreEach section features an introduction to the topic as well as suggestions for further readingOffers an accessible overview of this fast-growing and dynamic field, whilst also capturing the imagination of professional philosophers and biologists

This collection of specially commissioned essays puts top scholars head to head to debate the central issues in the lively and fast growing field of philosophy of biology Brings together original essays on ten of the most hotly debated questions in philosophy of biologyLively head-to-head debate format sharply defines the issues and paves the way for further discussionIncludes coverage of the new and vital area of evolutionary developmental biology, as well as the concept of a unified species, the role of genes in selection, the differences between micro- and macro-evolution, and much moreEach section features an introduction to the topic as well as suggestions for further readingOffers an accessible overview of this fast-growing and dynamic field, whilst also capturing the imagination of professional philosophers and biologists

Contemporary Debates in Bioethics features a timely collection of highly readable, debate-style arguments contributed by many of today's top bioethics scholars, focusing on core bioethical concerns of the twenty-first century. Written in an engaging, debate-style format for accessibility to non-specialistsFeatures general introductions to each topic that precede scholarly debatesPresents the latest, cutting-edge thoughts on relevant bioethics ideas, arguments, and debates