The Great Conversation: A Historical Introduction to Philosophy

About this book

Now in its sixth edition this historically organized introductory text treats philosophy as a dramatic and continuous story--a conversation about humankinds deepest and most persistent concerns. Tracing the exchange of ideas among historys key philosophers The Great Conversation: A Historical Introduction to Philosophy Sixth Edition demonstrates that while constructing an argument or making a claim one philosopher almost always has others in mind. The book addresses the fundamental questions of human life: Who are we? What can we know? How should we live? and What sort of reality do we inhabit? The sixth edition retains the distinctive feature of previous editions: author Norman Melchert provides a generous selection of excerpts from major philosophical works and makes them more easily understandable to students with his lucid and engaging explanations. Ranging from the Pre-Socratics to Derrida Quine and Dennett the selections are organized historically and include four complete works: Platos Euthyphro Apology and Crito and Descartes Meditations on First Philosophy. The authors commentary offers a rich intellectual and cultural context for the philosophical ideas conveyed in the excerpts. Extensive cross-referencing shows students how philosophers respond appreciatively or critically to the thoughts of other philosophers. The text is enhanced by two types of exercises--"Basic Questions" and "For Further Thought"--and fifty illustrations. NEW TO THE SIXTH EDITION: Coverage of Taoism Iris Murdoch and Zen An expanded portrait of Jean-Paul Sartre A more concise single-chapter treatment of Wittgenstein (Chapter 22) Key terms boldfaced throughout and listed at chapter ends Brief and provocative quotations that stimulate thought and provoke questions A new section on how to read philosophy A new appendix: Writing a Philosophy Paper A two-color format that enhances the texts visual appeal A Companion Website at www.oup.com/us/melchert featuring resources for students including key points flashcards multiple-choice questions and Internet resources A revised Instructors Manual and Test Bank (available on the companion website and on CD) containing key points teaching suggestions and multiple-choice short-answer and essay exam questions The Great Conversation Sixth Edition is also available in two paperback volumes to suit your course needs. Volume I: Pre-Socratics through Descartes includes chapters 1-13 of the combined volume while Volume II: Descartes through Derrida and Quine includes chapters 12-25.