Exploring Philosophy: An Introductory Anthology

by Steven M. Cahn

Extensively revised and expanded in this fourth edition, Exploring Philosophy: An Introductory Anthology is a uniquely accessible and engaging introduction to philosophy. Steven M. Cahn brings together exceptionally clear recent essays by noted philosophers and supplements them with influential historical sources. Most importantly, the articles have been carefully edited to make them understandable to every reader. The topics are drawn from across the major fields of philosophy and include knowledge and skepticism, mind and body, freedom and determinism, the existence of God, identity and immortality, ethical reasoning, abortion, euthanasia, world hunger, democracy, social justice, art, and life and death. The readings are enhanced by concise introductions, study questions, explanatory notes, and suggestions for further reading.
NEW TO THE FOURTH EDITION:
* More than fifty new readings greatly expand the book's coverage and its flexibility for course use
* More than half of the new readings are "Historical Sources," which introduce students to philosophical classics and help them understand the contemporary selections
* Four new sections--Identity and Immortality, Social Justice, Art, and Life and Death--extend the anthology's range into areas that today's students find especially compelling
* Study Questions after each reading help students test their comprehension and encourage class discussion
SUPPORT PACKAGE
OFFERED FOR THE FIRST TIME WITH THIS EDITION:
* An Instructor's Manual features PowerPoint-based lecture outlines, reading summaries, a glossary, and a Test Bank of objective and essay questions
* A Companion Website at www.oup.com/us/cahn contains all the material from the Instructor's Manual along with student resources including self-test questions, suggested readings, and helpful links

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

720 pages, Paperback

First published January 13, 2000

About the author

Steven M. Cahn, Ph.D. (Philosophy, Columbia University, 1966; A.B., Columbia College, 1963), teaches academic ethics, philosophy of religion, and philosophy of education at the Graduate Center and has published widely in the field of philosophy and education.

Cahn joined the Graduate Center as professor of philosophy and dean of graduate studies in 1983. He was named provost and vice president for academic affairs in 1984, remaining in that position until 1992. He previously taught at Dartmouth College, Vassar College, the University of Rochester, New York University, and the University of Vermont, where from 1973 to 1980 he headed the department of philosophy. He held executive positions with the Exxon Education Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Humanities, and he is longtime president of the John Dewey Foundation.

Reviews

[Zach M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exploring Philosophy is a great introduction to the variety of questions and elements that philosophy has engaged with.

Broken up into sections based on different topics, the book is packed with quality essays that are very insightful.

[Tara Lnberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had to get it for a class. We didn't read more than 40 pages or so, but after the class I went on and finished it cover to cover. ('Course it took me QUITE a while.) What a fantastic read; what a perfect anthology! Professor Cahn is an utter genius!