Philosophy: Basic Readings

by Nigel Warburton

Nigel Warburton brings philosophy to life with an imaginative selection of philosophical writings on key topics. Basic Readings is the ideal introduction to some of the most accessible and thought-provoking pieces in philosophy, both contemporary and classic.

The second edition of Basic Readings has been expanded to include new pieces in each major area of
· What is philosophy?
· God
· Right and wrong
· The external world
· Science
· Mind
· Art

The readings in Basic Readings complement the chapters in The Basics (4th edition 2004).

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

571 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Nigel Warburton is Senior Lecturer at the Open University and author of a number of popular books about philosophy.

Warburton received a BA from the University of Bristol and a PhD from Darwin College, Cambridge and was a lecturer at the University of Nottingham before joining the Department of Philosophy at the Open University in 1994.

He runs a popular philosophy weblog Virtual Philosopher and with David Edmonds regularly podcasts interviews with top philosophers on a range of subjects at Philosophy Bites. He also podcasts chapters from his book Philosophy: The Classics.

Reviews

[Maycon Dimas]

As an introduction to the subject this book is comprehensive; as for the understanding of the matter this book is maybe too comprehensive.

[Ietrio]

If the author were more sincere the book would have been called Basic Catholic Thinking with Some Conservatism Thown In. Amazing how in the 21st century people still sell this kind of theology as the love of knowledge when knowledge is the ONLY thing these people avoid.

[Dio Mavroyannis]

I read all of the papers in this volume separately. They are the papers I return to very often, I was pleased to discover that there is a book that compiles such a good reading list from all the different branches of philosophy. This is a must for anyone with even a passing interest in philosophy.

[Jim]

This a companion to Warburton's "Philosophy: The Basics." It is a collection of other's writings, intended to augment topics in Philosophy discussed in "The Basics." I think these other authors largely succeed in the intended use Warburton makes of them. I would consider this a worthwhile read for anyone looking to have a deeper discussion of some philosophical concepts.

[Michael Prendergast]

A great introduction to some of the philosophical issues that have been debated for decades. A good short and interesting read. At the end of each chapter is recommended reading for those who want to know more about the subject. Great book