Philosophy: The Quest for Truth

About this book

Praised for its unique combination of accessibility and comprehensiveness Philosophy: The Quest for Truth is one of the best-selling textbooks for the introduction to philosophy course. Now in its seventh edition this acclaimed text provides an excellent selection of classical and contemporary readings on nineteen key problems in philosophy. Louis P. Pojman and new coeditor Lewis Vaughn have carefully organized the essays in each section so that they present pro/con dialogues that allow students to compare and contrast the philosophers positions. Topics covered include the nature of philosophy logic the existence of God immortality knowledge the mind-body question personal identity free will and determinism ethics political philosophy the meaning of life abortion capital punishment animal rights and affirmative action. Pojman and Vaughn provide substantial introductions to each major section. In addition each of the eighty-four readings is accompanied by study questions end-of-reading reflective questions and an individual introduction featuring a biographical sketch of the philosopher. Short bibliographies following each major section a detailed glossary of key terms and an appendix--on reading and writing philosophy papers--further enhance the texts pedagogical value. FEATURES OF THE SEVENTH EDITION Eleven new readings including selections by David Chalmers Roderick M. Chisholm Jerry A. Fodor David Hume Sren Kierkegaard Don Marquis Michael Martin James Rachels Bertrand Russell Harvey Siegel and Judith Jarvis Thomson An expanded and improved discussion of logic and arguments (in Part I) Updated headnotes and bibliographies An Instructors Manual that provides a concise summary of each reading; a bank of 672 test questions (multiple-choice and true/false); a set of essay questions for each reading; a list of key terms; sample syllabi/course schedules; and useful web links An Online Student Study Guide containing more than three hundred study questions; flashcards for all key terms; two essay questions for each reading; and a list of helpful web links categorized by philosophical problem