Published April 2008
Paul Smith's clear and concise introduction provides a comprehensive and incisive examination of key concepts and theories in moral and political philosophy. With a clear focus on the essentials of each topic, he presupposes no prior knowledge and relates moral philosophy to social and political issues. Chapters can be read independently, but are interconnected, enabling students to develop a coherent understanding of the subject, including:
- the controversial and topical practical issues of drug laws, justifications of punishment, civil disobedience and whether there is a duty to obey the law, and global poverty.
- key concepts in moral and political theory: liberty, reasons for laws that limit liberty (harm to others, offence, harm to self, and harmless wrongdoing), rights, equality and social justice.
- critical evaluation of moral and political theories: moral relativism, utilitarianism, Kantian moral philosophy, and Rawls’s theory of justice, together with libertarian and egalitarian criticisms of Rawls.
Published August 2007
Immanuel Kant's Critique of Pure Reason is both one of the most rewarding of all philosophical works, and one of the most difficult. Norman Kemp Smith's translation is immensely valuable, not simply because he rendered Kant's language into readable English, but also because his own extensive understanding of the Critique made him acutely aware of the pitfalls of translation.
The text followed is that of the second edition of 1787, and a translation is also given of all first-edition passages which in the second edition have been either altered or omitted. For this reissue of Norman Kemp Smith's classic translation, renowned Kant scholar Gary Banham has contributed a unique, extensive bibliography of secondary resources. Combined with Howard Caygill's context-setting introduction and guide to further reading, this reissue provides the definitive edition of this cornerstone of Western intellectual history.
Published November 2007
The broadside against religion launched by a new breed of evangelical atheists has generated much heat but little light. Locked in battle against their Christian opponents the argument goes nowhere fast, and in an age of extremism, nurtures the dangerous vice of intolerance. Mark Vernon was an Anglican priest, left a conviction atheist, but now finds himself to be a committed and increasingly passionate agnostic. Part personal story, part philosophical search, After Atheism argues that the contemporary lust for certainty is demeaning of our humanity. The key to wisdom - as Socrates, the great theologians and the best scientists know - is understanding the limits of our knowledge.
'For twenty years I have been waiting for a book that exposes the empty certainties of religious fundamentalism and its secular twin: scientific triumphalism. Mark Vernon has delivered that and much, much more.' - Mark Dowd, broadcaster and film-maker
‘He defends ambiguity and undecidability with an almost Evangelical zeal. And because he writes with such a delicate blend of deft coolness on the one hand, and fervour on the other, many are likely to be both enchanted and persuaded by his apologetics. - Martyn Percy, Church Times
'The strength of the book...is in challenging false certainties, whether pseudo-scientific or pseudo-religious.' - Dolan Cummings, The Institute of Ideas
‘This book is more than a well-reasoned argument for agnosticism; it is a timely reminder of the recognition of human limits, in all areas, and a suggestion that the possibility of living within the mystery that is the world can be a good thing.' - Robert L. Smith, Jr., International Journal of Public Theology
Published May 2006
'I think this will make a fine textbook. It's a book I would have very much wished to have read when I first studied philosophy. It is consistently engaging and lucid. It never patronises the reader, it challenges the reader in just the right way. It is historically informed, without being a history of philosophy, and it covers a lot of philosophical ground. This is really a remarkable achievement for a lone author.' - Dr. Damian Cox, School of History, Philosophy, Religion and Classics, University of Queensland, Australia
This is a clear, accessible introduction to the method and subject of Philosophy. Written to meet the needs of students, there are clear note structures at the end of each chapter to help students use the ideas confidently, with movements in thought represented on intellectual maps that will allow them to see how each fits into the whole. The text is enriched with fascinating insights into the lives and ideas of philosophers, which makes it an absorbing read.
Published December 2004
'Invaluable for students and anyone wishing to understand many of the main issues in Philosophy for the first time.' - Keith Maslin, Head of Philosophy and Critical Thinking, Esher College
This substantially revised and updated edition of Calvin Pinchin's balanced and lucid introductory guide to philosophy is organized around the key areas students will cover, including: Theory of Knowledge; Ethics; Social and Political Philosophy; Philosophy of Religion; Philosophy of Mind; and - new for this edition - Philosophy of Science.
Published September 2002
'...these are very useful books, both of which I would recommend as valuable contributions to introductory literature in the field of philosophy.' - Elizabeth Burns, Think
Designed for complete beginners, Philosophy: Key Texts is an introduction to philosophy and gives a clear, readable overview of five major texts by Aristotle, Descartes, Hume, Sartre and Russell. As well as providing help in how to analyze these sources, Baggini encourages the reader to question the arguments and positions presented. Invaluable at the start of a course of study, as a concise revision aid, or as a lucid, jargon-free guide for anyone who wants an insight into philosophy, Philosophy: Key Texts can be used either independently, or together with its companion volume - Philosophy: Key Themes.
Published September 2002
'A concise and well-structured overview of 5 of the themes taught at AS and A2 level: Theory of Knowledge, Philosophy of Religion, Moral Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind and Political Philosophy.' - Gareth Southwell, Philosophy Online
Philosophy: Key Themes is a beginner's guide to understanding and critiquing philosophical arguments. Each chapter introduces one of the five major themes covered on philosophy courses: Theory of Knowledge, Moral Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion, Philosophy of Mind and Political Philosophy. Baggini's approach combines explanation with summary while encouraging the reader to question the arguments and positions presented. This text can be used either independently, or together with its companion volume - Philosophy: Key Texts.
Published February 2001
Mastering Philosophy introduces the beginner to all the main areas of this fascinating subject. A wide range of problems are investigated within a generally historical framework from the Ancient Greeks through to the present day. The book provides guided answers and comments to encourage the reader to engage in philosophical 'dialogue', and contains extensive suggestions for further reading. In this second, comprehensively revised edition, attention has been paid to recent developments in continental philosophy. New chapters on critical thinking and oriental philosophy have also been included.
