Classic Philosophical Questions

by James A. Gould (Editor), Robert J. Mulvaney (Editor)

A proven classic, this anthology stimulates readers' interest in philosophy through an innovative “sides of the argument” presentation, representing positions on each of the fundamental philosophical principles. Each reading contains a biographical sketch of the author, with a group of further readings for those wishing to pursue issues in further depth. Using debate and argument as a vehicle, the eleventh edition of Classic Philosophical Questions simultaneously gives readers the fundamentals of philosophy while demonstrating that philosophy is a discourse that has spanned centuries. Topics covered include knowledge, metaphysics, religion, ethics, social and political philosophy, aesthetics, and the meaning of life. This anthology offers both classic and contemporary selections that challenge readers with the basic inquiries that philosophers have discussed throughout the ages.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

619 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1971

Reviews

[Timothy Rooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very dense subject matter... Most of it is well presented. Some of the material is very tedious so it would be difficult to present in a compelling way. Regardless of that, this seems like a good, thorough introduction to philosophy.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Classic Philosophical Questions" is a brilliant, comprehensive book, in my opinion. It is well structured and detailed; I love how it includes a series of philosophical questions after each section. I run a philosophy club at my highschool, so this book has been a wonderful reference guide for me so far.

[Belle Meade School]

100

[Vince Darcangelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faves:

Bertrand Russell: "The Value of Philosophy"

Charles Pierce: "Four Approaches to Philosophy"

St. Anselm: "The Ontological Argument"

Soren Kierkegaard: "Faith, Not Logic, is the Basis of Belief"

David Hume: "A Good God Would Exclude Evil"

John Hick: "God Can Allow Some Evil"

Jean-Paul Sartre: "Existentialist Ethics"

Bertrand Russell: "Truth is Established by Correspondence"

Norwood Hanson: "Causes and Becauses"

David Hume: "There Are No Possible Grounds for Induction"

Fyodor Dostoyevsky: "Freedom is Authority"

Albert Camus: "Each Person Determines His or Her Life's Meaning"

[Nadosia Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this textbook extremely useful--perhaps the most useful out of all textbooks I have read for class. I loved the summary at the beginning of the works as well as the "further readings" at the end of them. I could easily make interdisiplinary connections with other classes using this books, and indeed I did so often.

Most of the readings are clear and concise which is essential when dealing with intricate philosophical questions. The hardest sections were ones concerned with Kant lol. I don't think I'll ever get used to his writing. I'm definitely keeping this book as a reference/guide in my future studies.

[Krystyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to read as a refresher. The book consists of all major philosophers from ancient times like Socrates and Plato to twentieth century philosophers. It's very interesting to see the diverse uses of logic. I can agree and disagree with parts of each theory. It's interesting. Some of it is dry but that may be because of translation.

[Zedder · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm using this in the intro. class I'm currently teaching. The translation of the Meditations that it contains is horrible. And I mean horrible.

[Jason Emmerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent introduction to Philosophy, though multiple sides to an argument are not always fairly represented.

[Regina Hunter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the way of learning by questioning, but thranslations are horrible... easier to read the complete works.

[Christine MM · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED this textbook. Teaching you basic principles of philosophy with actual texts by famous (or not so famous) philosophers. Would read again!