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Philosophy for Everyone
Philosophy for Everyone begins by explaining what philosophy is before exploring the questions and issues at the foundation of this important subject. Key topics in this new edition and their areas of focus This book is designed to be used in conjunction with the free ‘Introduction to Philosophy’ MOOC (massive open online course) created by the University of Edinburgh’s Eidyn research centre, and hosted by the Coursera platform (www.coursera.org/course/introphil).This book is also highly recommended for anyone looking for a short overview of this fascinating discipline.
186 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 21, 2020
So why did I even read this? Well, I was taking a course on Coursera on philosophy and this was the recommended "textbook" (definitely for sure 100% got this in a legal and non-shady way). It's really quite short but as I was taking notes (such a student, I know) it took more time to read it than I would've expected. Why was I taking a course on philosophy? Dude, idk, some branches of it are REALLY interesting and I also wanted to refresh my knowledge from uni.
So, this was a really mixed bag since every chapter was written by a different person. Some of them were absolutely fantastic and some of them pretty much useless.
The fantastic ones were (in no particular order):
- "Morality: objective, relative, or emotive?" I've always been somewhere in between the camps of "morality is relative" and "morality doesn't even exist, bro". So, I don't think that changed much after reading this but it still was enjoyable.
- "Should you believe what you hear?" Ok, so this was about Hume and Kant shitting on people who believe in miracles. And you know what? Since I'm also reading The God Delusion atm, Hume's arguments against believing in miracles were referenced by Dawkins there. And I had the opportunity to be all "OOH, YES YES, I AM INDEED FAMILIAR WITH MR. HUME'S IDEAS". Was truly satisfying for my inflated ego.
- "What is it to have a mind?" This was my peak excitement. So much cool shit got introduced to me that I added most of the "suggested further reading" recommendations into my to-be-read shelf. In the beginning this chapter focused a lot on Rene Descartes and his idea of physical substance being different from the "thinking" substance with which we, well, think. Now, let me tell you what I find absolutely hilarious. There is a sub-category of pseudo-intellectuals on the internet who like to quote Descartes's "I think, therefore I am" (even saw one instance where the prick wrote it in French to sound even more pretentious). The funny part is that from what I gather these pseudo-intellectuals would not agree that the "thinking" substance is anything different from the physical one (their brains). So yeah, don't take things out of context even if they make you sound smart and well-read. Other than that, this chapter introduced me to the actual Turing test, idk how I never got around to checking what was the methodology behind it, I just was aware that it existed and what it was for. Towards the end, there was a part about the "extended mind" which presented the idea that if you're a forgetful dumbass and write things in your notebook to remember them later, that notebook then can be considered an external part of your mind. My question is: IF THAT'S TRUE, THEN IF I USE GOOGLE IN THE SAME WAY, AM I A CYBORG??? I'm telling you, this chapter was a blast, read it on it's own if you don't want the entire book.
-"Do we have free will? (And does it matter?)" My relationship with the idea of free will was always a little complicated. I don't think we have free will in a way that we like to think that we do. But then what about responsibility for your actions? Turns out it's not black or white, turns out a lot of philosophers say that determinism and responsibility are not mutually exclusive, turns out it's a bit of a spectrum. I'm not yet sure where I fall on that spectrum but I haven't had much time to think about it yet.
Yeah, that's about it, 4/9 chapters were cool.
So, this was a really mixed bag since every chapter was written by a different person. Some of them were absolutely fantastic and some of them pretty much useless.
The fantastic ones were (in no particular order):
- "Morality: objective, relative, or emotive?" I've always been somewhere in between the camps of "morality is relative" and "morality doesn't even exist, bro". So, I don't think that changed much after reading this but it still was enjoyable.
- "Should you believe what you hear?" Ok, so this was about Hume and Kant shitting on people who believe in miracles. And you know what? Since I'm also reading The God Delusion atm, Hume's arguments against believing in miracles were referenced by Dawkins there. And I had the opportunity to be all "OOH, YES YES, I AM INDEED FAMILIAR WITH MR. HUME'S IDEAS". Was truly satisfying for my inflated ego.
- "What is it to have a mind?" This was my peak excitement. So much cool shit got introduced to me that I added most of the "suggested further reading" recommendations into my to-be-read shelf. In the beginning this chapter focused a lot on Rene Descartes and his idea of physical substance being different from the "thinking" substance with which we, well, think. Now, let me tell you what I find absolutely hilarious. There is a sub-category of pseudo-intellectuals on the internet who like to quote Descartes's "I think, therefore I am" (even saw one instance where the prick wrote it in French to sound even more pretentious). The funny part is that from what I gather these pseudo-intellectuals would not agree that the "thinking" substance is anything different from the physical one (their brains). So yeah, don't take things out of context even if they make you sound smart and well-read. Other than that, this chapter introduced me to the actual Turing test, idk how I never got around to checking what was the methodology behind it, I just was aware that it existed and what it was for. Towards the end, there was a part about the "extended mind" which presented the idea that if you're a forgetful dumbass and write things in your notebook to remember them later, that notebook then can be considered an external part of your mind. My question is: IF THAT'S TRUE, THEN IF I USE GOOGLE IN THE SAME WAY, AM I A CYBORG??? I'm telling you, this chapter was a blast, read it on it's own if you don't want the entire book.
-"Do we have free will? (And does it matter?)" My relationship with the idea of free will was always a little complicated. I don't think we have free will in a way that we like to think that we do. But then what about responsibility for your actions? Turns out it's not black or white, turns out a lot of philosophers say that determinism and responsibility are not mutually exclusive, turns out it's a bit of a spectrum. I'm not yet sure where I fall on that spectrum but I haven't had much time to think about it yet.
Yeah, that's about it, 4/9 chapters were cool.
January 4, 2015
This book is a tie-in to the Coursera MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) called Introduction to Philosophy, offered by The University of Edinburgh.
Given the content in the book is pretty much identical to the lectures, and the lectures are quite good, purchasing this is not a necessity. However, in the manner I used it; completing all of the online lectures/quizzes, then reading the book as a 'refresher' of the material, seemed to be the way to go. Helped me to retain my new-found knowledge.
This book/MOOC is best for those who haven't already studied philosophy in any way. It is purely a gateway into the more popular Philosophy studies. Given the sheer amount of references provided for each topic, and how interesting each of them are, I'll certainly be pursuing this interest further.
The essays are crafted well, and so too are the lectures. Highly recommended for anyone beginning the descent into philosophical studies.
Given the content in the book is pretty much identical to the lectures, and the lectures are quite good, purchasing this is not a necessity. However, in the manner I used it; completing all of the online lectures/quizzes, then reading the book as a 'refresher' of the material, seemed to be the way to go. Helped me to retain my new-found knowledge.
This book/MOOC is best for those who haven't already studied philosophy in any way. It is purely a gateway into the more popular Philosophy studies. Given the sheer amount of references provided for each topic, and how interesting each of them are, I'll certainly be pursuing this interest further.
The essays are crafted well, and so too are the lectures. Highly recommended for anyone beginning the descent into philosophical studies.
September 12, 2022
خیلی کتاب جالبی بود. از این لحاظ که هر دیدگاهی که میگفت، سوالات و ایرادات به دیدگاه رو میگفت. کتاب سیر زمانی نداشت و برعکس اکثر کتابهای آشنایی با فلسفه، تاریخ فلسفه نمیگفت. برعکس صرفا آشنایی بود با فلسفهی سیاسی، اخلاق، علم و...
ترجمهی خوبی هم بود واقعا.
خلاصه خیلی لذت بردم.
ترجمهی خوبی هم بود واقعا.
خلاصه خیلی لذت بردم.
September 27, 2020
Ward, Dave
(Alasadair Richmond, Matthew Chrisman, Duncan Pritchard, Jane Suilli Lavelle, Michela Massimi)
Philosophy for Everyone
Routledge, London and New York,
The University of Edimburgh, 2014
It was great finding the PDF file of this text, convert it to Word, and using it as one of the tools for the Coursera / University of Edinburgh introductory 5-week course of Introduction to Philosophy. The six authors write on epistemology, philosophy of science, philosophy of mind, moral philosophy, and metaphysics.
The book was a powerful tool because it is structured like the university course. Then it becomes a good instrument to find relevant questions, reading references, advanced reading, podcasts … and homework! The experience is that though it offers a vast content in 5 weeks, it goes far beyond the student’s capacity.
In our present world, when the key political systems have failed, and when we have the COVID19 pandemics, Philosophy is one of the most important topics to think about what should be coming next, after Capitalism or Communism, at the moment when computer languages, systems, and networks are “replacing” many functions of individuals. In this field, we are connecting the pre-Socratic philosophers (5th century BC) with authors like Yuval Noah Harari (XXI st Century).
I enjoyed how the authors characterize philosophy as stepping back on any of its fields, even philosophy included: getting it right and think! Well, and this has been happening during the last 26 centuries, at least! It has been difficult, important, and developed everywhere.
The titles of the different chapters were:
• Knowledge we have and meaning of having a mind
• Morality, is it objective, relative, or emotive?
• Should we believe what we hear?
• Are scientific theories true?
• Time travel and metaphysics
I love the way how every chapter ends with:
• Summary
• Study questions
• Further reading
• Advanced further reading
• Internet resources
• Glossary of key terms (final chapter).
It’s interesting to see how the text opens the readers’ attention to the many ways of thinking and tools that have been used by philosophers.
Philosophy is something that we can’t escape in our lives. For philosophers, this is the same as the task of trying to think about things in the right, or best, way. What might be meant by the ‘right way’ to think about things? Could I consider the Eightfold Path from Buddhists?
Let’s see about the importance of developing philosophical works as dialogues. Are we free? Capacity to formulate hypotheses.
Two things that just about every epistemologist agrees on are that a prerequisite for possessing knowledge is that one has a belief in the relevant proposition and that that belief must be true.
Consciousness is the ‘what-it’s-likeness’ to have certain psychological states. There is something it is like to listen to a symphony orchestra, to smell baking bread, or to see a red rose, however, pinning down consciousness beyond this what-it’s-likeness is very difficult.
Moral judgments explain three types of philosophical theories about the status of morality: objectivism, relativism, and emotivism.
My feeling is that I should:
• find the time to go back to the book,
• work on the different chapters (which means reading again the specific chapter) and develop a deeper understanding.
• Read and study about the Enlightenment, which was an important period of intellectual history, roughly from 1700 to 1800.
• Hume
• Kant - Enlightenment is man’s emergence from his self-incurred immaturity. Immaturity is the inability to use one’s own understanding without the guidance of another. … The motto of the enlightenment is, therefore: Sapiere aude! Have the courage to use your own understanding. (1784/1991: 54)
• Scientific antirealism: Bas van Fraassen’s constructive empiricism.
• Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
That’s why I think that working through this book, you will be investing time in an activity that is valuable for us all.
(Alasadair Richmond, Matthew Chrisman, Duncan Pritchard, Jane Suilli Lavelle, Michela Massimi)
Philosophy for Everyone
Routledge, London and New York,
The University of Edimburgh, 2014
It was great finding the PDF file of this text, convert it to Word, and using it as one of the tools for the Coursera / University of Edinburgh introductory 5-week course of Introduction to Philosophy. The six authors write on epistemology, philosophy of science, philosophy of mind, moral philosophy, and metaphysics.
The book was a powerful tool because it is structured like the university course. Then it becomes a good instrument to find relevant questions, reading references, advanced reading, podcasts … and homework! The experience is that though it offers a vast content in 5 weeks, it goes far beyond the student’s capacity.
In our present world, when the key political systems have failed, and when we have the COVID19 pandemics, Philosophy is one of the most important topics to think about what should be coming next, after Capitalism or Communism, at the moment when computer languages, systems, and networks are “replacing” many functions of individuals. In this field, we are connecting the pre-Socratic philosophers (5th century BC) with authors like Yuval Noah Harari (XXI st Century).
I enjoyed how the authors characterize philosophy as stepping back on any of its fields, even philosophy included: getting it right and think! Well, and this has been happening during the last 26 centuries, at least! It has been difficult, important, and developed everywhere.
The titles of the different chapters were:
• Knowledge we have and meaning of having a mind
• Morality, is it objective, relative, or emotive?
• Should we believe what we hear?
• Are scientific theories true?
• Time travel and metaphysics
I love the way how every chapter ends with:
• Summary
• Study questions
• Further reading
• Advanced further reading
• Internet resources
• Glossary of key terms (final chapter).
It’s interesting to see how the text opens the readers’ attention to the many ways of thinking and tools that have been used by philosophers.
Philosophy is something that we can’t escape in our lives. For philosophers, this is the same as the task of trying to think about things in the right, or best, way. What might be meant by the ‘right way’ to think about things? Could I consider the Eightfold Path from Buddhists?
Let’s see about the importance of developing philosophical works as dialogues. Are we free? Capacity to formulate hypotheses.
Two things that just about every epistemologist agrees on are that a prerequisite for possessing knowledge is that one has a belief in the relevant proposition and that that belief must be true.
Consciousness is the ‘what-it’s-likeness’ to have certain psychological states. There is something it is like to listen to a symphony orchestra, to smell baking bread, or to see a red rose, however, pinning down consciousness beyond this what-it’s-likeness is very difficult.
Moral judgments explain three types of philosophical theories about the status of morality: objectivism, relativism, and emotivism.
My feeling is that I should:
• find the time to go back to the book,
• work on the different chapters (which means reading again the specific chapter) and develop a deeper understanding.
• Read and study about the Enlightenment, which was an important period of intellectual history, roughly from 1700 to 1800.
• Hume
• Kant - Enlightenment is man’s emergence from his self-incurred immaturity. Immaturity is the inability to use one’s own understanding without the guidance of another. … The motto of the enlightenment is, therefore: Sapiere aude! Have the courage to use your own understanding. (1784/1991: 54)
• Scientific antirealism: Bas van Fraassen’s constructive empiricism.
• Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
That’s why I think that working through this book, you will be investing time in an activity that is valuable for us all.
November 26, 2023
Buen libro introductorio a la filosofía, aparentemente diseñado para acompañar a un curso MOOC de la Universidad de Edimburgo titulado "Introduction to Philosophy". Aborda diferentes temas genéricos (epistemología, teoría del conocimiento, percepción de la realidad, metafísica, etc.) por diferentes autores. Espero volver a leerlo
August 1, 2020
Great for starter
This is a good book for student starting their path with philosophy, I didn't like the last chapter where it talk about time traveling. Im not much of a fan with time travel, its all hypotheses; I rather research more philosophical ideas that is actually with nature and the people
This is a good book for student starting their path with philosophy, I didn't like the last chapter where it talk about time traveling. Im not much of a fan with time travel, its all hypotheses; I rather research more philosophical ideas that is actually with nature and the people
October 19, 2017
An easy to read introduction to some of the most interesting philosophical questions.
November 1, 2014
The book is fine, but given that the lectures are all available for free on YouTube or through the Coursera MOOC, I'm not sure it's worth buying. The content is almost exactly the same as the lectures, and the lectures are generally interesting, engaging and nicely produced. Highlights are the contrasts between Hume and Reid (Chapter 5) and the philosophy of time travel (chapter 7). The video lectures for chapter 7 are a must--Alasdair Richmond is great fun. Try watching the movie Primer after, though, and see if it doesn't perhaps present a logically possible alternative.
October 11, 2020
Un libro interesante para aprender un poquito acerca de qué es la filosofía y algunos de sus campos. Accesible y comprensible incluso para aquellos que nunca se hayan aproximado a esta disciplina, como era mi caso.
March 27, 2022
A compulsory reading for "Philosophy for Everyone" in coursera. It slightly covers a large area of philosophy from general philosophy, philosophy of science, philosophy of mind, moral, ethics, up to "Is time travel (logically) possible?"
May 13, 2024
A good short introductory text for those interested in exploring the contours of philosophy. The book accompanies a course designed by the University of Edinburgh’s Department of Philosophy which is available through Coursera.
Each chapter of the book is a ‘week’ in the Coursera course ‘Introduction to Philosophy’. Edinburgh University has two other Philosophy courses on Coursera, ‘Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences’ and ‘Introduction to the Philosophy of Cognitive Sciences’ both also worth looking at.
In Philosophy for Everyone, the topics are: What is Philosophy? (Dave Ward); Morality (Matthew Chrisman); Do We have an obligation to obey the law? (Guy Fletcher); What is knowledge (Duncan Pritchard); Should you believe what you hear?; What is it to have a mind (Jane Suilin Lavelle); Do we have free will? (Elinor Mason); Are scientific theories true? (Michela Massimi); and Is time travel possible? (Alasdair Richmond).
As with the lecture notes on Coursera, there is plenty of suggested additional reading provided in the book, and pointers to online resources. It is easy to get caught in a field of rabbit-holes, however, as the topics themselves have many opposing views. Some of the literature is a bit esoteric, and the book does a good job of introducing and explaining the key concepts, so that a deeper dive into the additional material is less daunting.
As a standalone text, the book may disappoint some readers, but as a companion to the Coursera course, it is a useful resource. That said, if you do the Coursera course, do some of the additional readings and preserve through the links, you will have covered everything in the book.
I gave the book four stars.
Each chapter of the book is a ‘week’ in the Coursera course ‘Introduction to Philosophy’. Edinburgh University has two other Philosophy courses on Coursera, ‘Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences’ and ‘Introduction to the Philosophy of Cognitive Sciences’ both also worth looking at.
In Philosophy for Everyone, the topics are: What is Philosophy? (Dave Ward); Morality (Matthew Chrisman); Do We have an obligation to obey the law? (Guy Fletcher); What is knowledge (Duncan Pritchard); Should you believe what you hear?; What is it to have a mind (Jane Suilin Lavelle); Do we have free will? (Elinor Mason); Are scientific theories true? (Michela Massimi); and Is time travel possible? (Alasdair Richmond).
As with the lecture notes on Coursera, there is plenty of suggested additional reading provided in the book, and pointers to online resources. It is easy to get caught in a field of rabbit-holes, however, as the topics themselves have many opposing views. Some of the literature is a bit esoteric, and the book does a good job of introducing and explaining the key concepts, so that a deeper dive into the additional material is less daunting.
As a standalone text, the book may disappoint some readers, but as a companion to the Coursera course, it is a useful resource. That said, if you do the Coursera course, do some of the additional readings and preserve through the links, you will have covered everything in the book.
I gave the book four stars.
December 11, 2018
Well-written textbook that goes with the e-learning course from Edinburg University on Coursera: Introduction to Philosophy. The course vocers the same ontent as the book:
What is Philosophy?; Morality: Objective, relative or emotive?; Do we have an obligation to obey the law?; What is knowledge: Do we have any?; Should you believe in what you hear?; What is it to have a mind?; Do we have free will? (and does it matter?); Are scientific theories true?; Is time travel possible?
The book is easy to read, fun and to the point. Highly recommended.
What is Philosophy?; Morality: Objective, relative or emotive?; Do we have an obligation to obey the law?; What is knowledge: Do we have any?; Should you believe in what you hear?; What is it to have a mind?; Do we have free will? (and does it matter?); Are scientific theories true?; Is time travel possible?
The book is easy to read, fun and to the point. Highly recommended.
February 7, 2022
This was well worth reading in accompanied study of the University of Edinburgh course, "Introduction to Philosophy" available for free on Coursera.
It is seeking to give a broad overview but in combination with the course, gives plenty of food of thought and avenues for further study and application.
Speaking of which onto the next book and related online course: Philosophy, Science and Religion.
It is seeking to give a broad overview but in combination with the course, gives plenty of food of thought and avenues for further study and application.
Speaking of which onto the next book and related online course: Philosophy, Science and Religion.
February 19, 2021
I'm not a philosophy student and, so, consider the content of great value as a first touching point for learning major philosophy discussions.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in understanding philosophy as a whole, and to all who take pleasure in thinking for themselves about reality of nature. I really enjoyed it.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in understanding philosophy as a whole, and to all who take pleasure in thinking for themselves about reality of nature. I really enjoyed it.
July 12, 2021
I read bits and pieces of this book as part of the Coursera MOOC 'Introduction to Philosophy.' As someone who's never in his life thought of taking a course on this subject, it was very clear and digestible. Definitely studying more in depth about some topics referred in this book.
January 7, 2023
It goes well with Coursera's Intro to Philosophy. It is a nice broad introduction to the fields of study of philosophy, and it comes with good book recommendations for further beginner and advanced reading. I think it is a good way to start your Philosophy journey.
May 31, 2020
Buena introducción, buenas referencias.
September 16, 2020
Great book as a starter in the discipline of philosophy.
October 15, 2021
First book of philosophy
کتاب خوبی برای شروع مفاهیم انتزاعی و معمول فلسفه است.
کتاب خوبی برای شروع مفاهیم انتزاعی و معمول فلسفه است.
Read
January 26, 2022Wasn't useful
October 23, 2022
كتاب رائع يحمل العديد من أهم المواضيع الفلسفية علي شكل مداخل ضرورية تستطيع من بعده التوسع لاي موضوع تود البحث فيه انصح بشده به مع مساق الفلسفة من جامعة إدنبرة المجاني علي كورسيرا
December 28, 2022
روی سیر زمانی پیش نمیرفت و آشنایی خوبی بود برای شروع سفر فلسفیدن.
August 2, 2025
good introduction, easy to read, built my time machine and watched helplessly as all the other time travelers failed to assassinate Hitler
August 12, 2016
I bought this as an assist for the MOOC, but would recommend for anyone with an interest in philosophy.
This book contains seven essays introducing some of the basics of modern philosophy. Starting with a general introduction to what philosophy is, and how to practice philosophy. Working through theories of Knowledge, Belief, and Mind. And ending with a thought provoking introduction to the logical arguments for and against the possibility of Time Travel.
At the end of each chapter, there is a short summary of the key points and a list of open questions that you can use as an aid to refining your understanding. There is also a short further reading list (helpfully split into simple and advanced reading!) if you are interested in learning more about the concerts and theories introduced in each chapter.
This book contains seven essays introducing some of the basics of modern philosophy. Starting with a general introduction to what philosophy is, and how to practice philosophy. Working through theories of Knowledge, Belief, and Mind. And ending with a thought provoking introduction to the logical arguments for and against the possibility of Time Travel.
At the end of each chapter, there is a short summary of the key points and a list of open questions that you can use as an aid to refining your understanding. There is also a short further reading list (helpfully split into simple and advanced reading!) if you are interested in learning more about the concerts and theories introduced in each chapter.
February 28, 2014
I have this book as a tie-in to the Intro Phil course I'm taking on Coursera. It's a more in-depth version of the video lectures, and due to extenuating circumstances, I was unable to finish reading the book and just watched the lectures. It's pretty good intro to philosophy if you haven't taken the course, in terms of explaining what philosophy is and introducing one to basic philosophical concepts.
November 29, 2014
This really hit the spot. I'd reread it but I'd rather push forward. Definitely could benefit from rereading it, but I'd rather get another source to spice up the writing.
Thought the last chapter was a bit far out, but in a cool philosophical way on the potential of time traveling.
Thought the last chapter was a bit far out, but in a cool philosophical way on the potential of time traveling.
January 25, 2014
Threw up some interesting concepts and has made me think differently. Now waiting to start the online course on Coursera.
January 3, 2015
Clear introductory overview of major philosophical themes. The chapter on time travel was lots of fun.
August 1, 2014
Very good introduction to the problems in contemporary philosophy. Easy to read and with some extra resources for each chapter.
November 14, 2016
This is a very clear introductory work, and works well as a learning tool in conjunction with the MOOC it essentially transcribes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews