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Little Books
A Little Book for New Philosophers: Why and How to Study Philosophy
What's the point of studying philosophy when we have theology? Is philosophy anything more than a preparation for apologetics? Often called "theology's handmaid," philosophy has sometimes suffered from an inferiority complex in the church. Many Christians see little point in it at all. But as Paul Copan contends, it is possible to affirm theology's preeminence without diminishing the value and contribution of philosophy. In A Little Book for New Philosophers, Copan offers a concise introduction to the study of philosophy. Aimed at newcomers, this brief overview is both a survey of philosophy's basic aims and categories and an apology for its proper function in the life of the Christian. "By God's grace," Copan writes, "philosophy can enhance our understanding and worship of God . . . and assist us in defending the coherence of our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ."
127 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 19, 2016
30 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Paul Copan
87 books167 followersPaul Copan is a Christian theologian, analytic philosopher, apologist, and author. He is currently a professor at the Palm Beach Atlantic University and holds the endowed Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics.
From 1980-1984, he attended Columbia International University and earned a B.A. degree in biblical studies. Copan attended Trinity International University, where he received his M.A. in philosophy of religion, as well as his M.Div. at Trinity International. Copan received the Prof. C.B. Bjuge Award for a thesis that “evidences creative scholarship in the field of Biblical and Systematic Theology.”
In May 2000, Copan received his Ph.D. in philosophy of religion from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His dissertation topic was "The Moral Dimensions of Michael Martin’s Atheology: A Critical Assessment."
From 1980-1984, he attended Columbia International University and earned a B.A. degree in biblical studies. Copan attended Trinity International University, where he received his M.A. in philosophy of religion, as well as his M.Div. at Trinity International. Copan received the Prof. C.B. Bjuge Award for a thesis that “evidences creative scholarship in the field of Biblical and Systematic Theology.”
In May 2000, Copan received his Ph.D. in philosophy of religion from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His dissertation topic was "The Moral Dimensions of Michael Martin’s Atheology: A Critical Assessment."
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 24, 2021
Ended a bit abruptly (I would have liked a little bit more on how to do Philosophy), but I enjoyed it. Good introduction for those considering going into Philosophy and for those who oppose people going into Philosophy.
October 7, 2016
In this book Paul Copan introduces readers to both the significance of philosophy, and the skills in studying it. I really enjoyed the first half, as Copan explained how important philosophy is to the Christian mind. It undergirds everything we believe and practice, and is therefore an essential element of our worldview. It ask not just what we believe, but why we believe that, and examines our presuppositions. In the section dedicated to showing the reader why to study philosophy, the book was fantastic. But the "how," though helpful, felt a little random for my taste. There was a lot of helpful advice, but I couldn't tell exactly where the author was going, and had trouble getting on board. Overall, the book is still a worthy read.
February 5, 2017
You can find a copy of this review at:
https://thequidnuncblog.wordpress.com...
This is the first time I come across Copan's writing, therefore I humbly state that I am a complete novice in theological criticism. I picked up the book on the advise of my boyfriend who studies theology and is very knowledgeable on the topic. He said I quote: "In order to understand were my patience and tolerance come from you need to understand who I think."
Mind you a man's mind is a complete mystery to the mere mortal women out there, yours truly included, so I was definitely intrigued to learn more about the opposite gender.
In short, the book is a beginners guide to philosophy, most of the information that I found in it I was vaguely roughly familiar with, what I loved about it, though, was the smooth language, the easy with which Copen gently introduces you to theory, terminology and basic tools to approach the topic.
I always tend to admire such talent and skill, for I am, sadly, I very poor teacher and my explaining skills are, well, let's call them non-existent for lack of a more drastic word. After reading this small, but in the same time very grand book, I understand why my boyfriend suggested I should start with it. You see Copen, he focuses on philosophically inclined Christians who are fearful or cynical about philosophy. He contends that philosophy done right can benefit our understanding and worship of God. And after a brief discussion with my friends who are believer( unlike me) I believe it is save to say that I have gained knowledge at a new level of perceiving religion and belief in general.
I will be completely honest here, I tend to dismiss most of the fanatic believers with a gesture of mere tolerance, for they have made their choice and they do have their reasoning behind it. I never agreed, thou, that one should be devoted to an entity, because at the end of the day, after I have met numerous bad Christians ( here I mean, people who hide behind the safety of their religion, while not taking responsibility for their actions), I have concluded that as and atheist I am a better person, than they will ever be.
Copen, managed to help me see the other side. His book is targeting the intelligent Christians, who have a deep understanding of God and how the whole belief shenanigans work. This book forced me to put aside my skepticism and open my eyes to perceive another cast of believers, who indeed are people more attuned with the way religion fits in reality. I found that extremely refreshing.
https://thequidnuncblog.wordpress.com...
This is the first time I come across Copan's writing, therefore I humbly state that I am a complete novice in theological criticism. I picked up the book on the advise of my boyfriend who studies theology and is very knowledgeable on the topic. He said I quote: "In order to understand were my patience and tolerance come from you need to understand who I think."
Mind you a man's mind is a complete mystery to the mere mortal women out there, yours truly included, so I was definitely intrigued to learn more about the opposite gender.
In short, the book is a beginners guide to philosophy, most of the information that I found in it I was vaguely roughly familiar with, what I loved about it, though, was the smooth language, the easy with which Copen gently introduces you to theory, terminology and basic tools to approach the topic.
I always tend to admire such talent and skill, for I am, sadly, I very poor teacher and my explaining skills are, well, let's call them non-existent for lack of a more drastic word. After reading this small, but in the same time very grand book, I understand why my boyfriend suggested I should start with it. You see Copen, he focuses on philosophically inclined Christians who are fearful or cynical about philosophy. He contends that philosophy done right can benefit our understanding and worship of God. And after a brief discussion with my friends who are believer( unlike me) I believe it is save to say that I have gained knowledge at a new level of perceiving religion and belief in general.
I will be completely honest here, I tend to dismiss most of the fanatic believers with a gesture of mere tolerance, for they have made their choice and they do have their reasoning behind it. I never agreed, thou, that one should be devoted to an entity, because at the end of the day, after I have met numerous bad Christians ( here I mean, people who hide behind the safety of their religion, while not taking responsibility for their actions), I have concluded that as and atheist I am a better person, than they will ever be.
Copen, managed to help me see the other side. His book is targeting the intelligent Christians, who have a deep understanding of God and how the whole belief shenanigans work. This book forced me to put aside my skepticism and open my eyes to perceive another cast of believers, who indeed are people more attuned with the way religion fits in reality. I found that extremely refreshing.
November 30, 2024
Copan writes clearly and practically in this brief introduction to philosophy from a Christian perspective. Four stars for readability and integration of faith and Biblical worldviews, minus 1 star for not getting a bit more specific in the “how” of philosophy. As an amateur philosopher, a very amateur philosopher, I found this book to be helpful for framing philosophy as a field, but it was less helpful in showing me where to start and how to refine my skills. If you’re interested in an introductory approach to philosophy that takes you into the conceptual engineering of the field, I recommend Think by Simon Blackburn.
January 3, 2020
Le chapitre sur le doute est formidable.
February 19, 2019
"Paul Copan gives this extra defense skillfully in "A Little Book for New Philosophers." The first half of the book is even called “Why Study Philosophy?” But, in the course of giving a thoughtful answer to that question, Copan also presents an introduction both to the subject matter of philosophy as a whole and to some of its major subcategories. The second half of the book, “How to Study Philosophy”, outlines the various settings in which philosophy operates, including the personal obligations of philosophers to be virtuous themselves, the community in which philosophy happens, the criteria for proper skepticism, and some guiding questions to help us decide if philosophy is something we ought to be intentionally (or even professionally) pursuing."
Read the rest here: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/schaeff...
Read the rest here: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/schaeff...
August 31, 2020
I just finished this. It's written by an evangelical Christian, and it shows. I was looking for a book that would introduce doing Christian philosophy, especially the methods and perhaps the areas covered, but this author seemed like he couldn't decide if he wanted to write an apologetic book or a religious tract, combined them instead, threw in a few mentions of philosophy, and called it a day. I would say three stars, because the why of studying it as a Christian is well explained, but the how is lacking.
January 26, 2024
This is a good opening primer for believers interested in, or even uncertain of, philosophy. It delves into some arguments that you'll hear from skeptical Christians, & Copan does a good job of answering them.
It's short, as the title implies, which does leave some terms unexplained that might best be explained, particularly when referring to philosophical branches of study. But, Copan does honestly call this book little for a reason, so can't blame him for not writing a dictionary! 😂
It's short, as the title implies, which does leave some terms unexplained that might best be explained, particularly when referring to philosophical branches of study. But, Copan does honestly call this book little for a reason, so can't blame him for not writing a dictionary! 😂
May 23, 2025
Intellectual Christianity is back, baby!
January 2, 2017
Not far into Paul Copan’s A Little Book for New Philosophers: Why and How to Study Philosophy I thought to myself, “This may become required reading for all introductory courses in Bible and theology programs.” The first two chapters are absolutely fantastic and rightly demonstrate a place for philosophy within Christianity. However, Copan thereafter takes a sharp dive into axioms and poorly articulated arguments that leave the reader wondering how this was ever intended to be a primer on philosophy for Christians. It feels as if Copan assumes a priori knowledge of the very reasoning espoused so that it need not be articulated, which is contrary to the book’s purpose. Unfortunately, rather than introducing the reader to philosophy’s place in Christianity, this fits better as an exercise in dogma. (Concerning much of what is actually articulated, Copan relies heavily on Alvin Plantinga, which speaks to his tradition and philosophical presuppositions.)
Concerning the positive note, the following are included in the first two chapters:
“Philosophy is mind-sharpening.” (20)
“Philosophy helps us to see that ideas have consequences.” (21)
“Philosophy expands our horizons.” (21)
“Philosophy can help isolate bad or sloppy thinking.” (22)
“Philosophy can strengthen our theology.” (24)
“Everyone takes a philosophical view of things—a worldview, some call it—even if their philosophical assumptions are subconscious and unexplored. Like it or not, whatever your outlook or training, you are a philosopher!” (31)
“Another way of looking at philosophy is as a kind of tool. In this sense it is a way of thinking, not the result of your thinking.” (33, emphasis original.)
I expected more from IVP Academic with this one, but it does fit a theological trend in what I’m seeing from them recently. However, despite my overall opinions of the text, I would still recommend students read through chapter 2 of this book.
*I received a temporary digital copy for review from IVP Academic via NetGalley.
Concerning the positive note, the following are included in the first two chapters:
“Philosophy is mind-sharpening.” (20)
“Philosophy helps us to see that ideas have consequences.” (21)
“Philosophy expands our horizons.” (21)
“Philosophy can help isolate bad or sloppy thinking.” (22)
“Philosophy can strengthen our theology.” (24)
“Everyone takes a philosophical view of things—a worldview, some call it—even if their philosophical assumptions are subconscious and unexplored. Like it or not, whatever your outlook or training, you are a philosopher!” (31)
“Another way of looking at philosophy is as a kind of tool. In this sense it is a way of thinking, not the result of your thinking.” (33, emphasis original.)
I expected more from IVP Academic with this one, but it does fit a theological trend in what I’m seeing from them recently. However, despite my overall opinions of the text, I would still recommend students read through chapter 2 of this book.
*I received a temporary digital copy for review from IVP Academic via NetGalley.
September 5, 2016
In recent years, certain Christian sects have taken an anti-academic view, holding that higher learning and abstract thinking is the road to secularism. In A Little Book for New Philosophers, Copan makes the case that Christianity has nothing to fear from such pursuits and is strengthened by sound wisdom.
After all, if philosophy is by definition the love of all wisdom, then Copan argues if as we believe “Christ rules over every square inch of the universe”, then “all truth is his”.
Copan explores the use of philosophy and philosophical arguments by Christians. He points out that when Paul confronted the Stoics at Athens he did so by quoting Stoic thinkers. From the very beginning Christianity has used philosophy and reason as tools to educate and engage in discourse with non-believers. There is little need for the religious to adopt a standoffish manner with such learning in modern times.
In discussing the need for philosophy, Copan touches on familiar battlegrounds from the defence of miracles, the problem of induction and also the hard problem of consciousness. Each are broken down and explained, highlighting that the study of philosophy does not necessarily lead to atheism and that strong arguments for theism can be found within.
Finally, the book closes with considerations for Christians wanting to pursue philosophy academically. It is not simply a call to man the ramparts, Copan cautions that philosophy should studied by those with a love and talent for it.
Copan reminds us that philosophy is neither a path to Atheism nor a blunt tool to be wielded against the irreligious. Instead as with all we do, the study and love of wisdom can be an act of worship intended to bring us closer to discovering God’s truth.
After all, if philosophy is by definition the love of all wisdom, then Copan argues if as we believe “Christ rules over every square inch of the universe”, then “all truth is his”.
Copan explores the use of philosophy and philosophical arguments by Christians. He points out that when Paul confronted the Stoics at Athens he did so by quoting Stoic thinkers. From the very beginning Christianity has used philosophy and reason as tools to educate and engage in discourse with non-believers. There is little need for the religious to adopt a standoffish manner with such learning in modern times.
In discussing the need for philosophy, Copan touches on familiar battlegrounds from the defence of miracles, the problem of induction and also the hard problem of consciousness. Each are broken down and explained, highlighting that the study of philosophy does not necessarily lead to atheism and that strong arguments for theism can be found within.
Finally, the book closes with considerations for Christians wanting to pursue philosophy academically. It is not simply a call to man the ramparts, Copan cautions that philosophy should studied by those with a love and talent for it.
Copan reminds us that philosophy is neither a path to Atheism nor a blunt tool to be wielded against the irreligious. Instead as with all we do, the study and love of wisdom can be an act of worship intended to bring us closer to discovering God’s truth.
December 17, 2016
A helpful introductory book that balances knowledge and heart/spirit.
April 4, 2017
When one reads a book, even a book as little as this one (about 120 pages and small enough to fit in a pocket), one has to ask what motive the author has for writing it. What agenda is the author trying to promote? What audience is he (or she) aiming at? In this particular book, we find that a suitably introductory work to encourage philosophy as a profession--the author even asks the obvious question of what kind of living a professional philosopher can make--ends up also being an appeal for Neoplatonism. As someone who has mixed feelings about the relationship between Christianity and philosophy [1], this book gave me profoundly mixed feelings, as I could not completely buy the author's argument but at the same time agreed that there were ways that Christians can and should practice philosophy. There is good philosophy, but this particular book does not quite qualify as it. To be sure, this is a book that encourages and legitimizes good Christian philosophy, but it does not quite live up to the high standard it aims at. At least it aims well, though.
The contents of this short volume are two parts with four chapters each. The first half of the book discusses why a Christian should study philosophy. The author compares philosophy to baking bread and comments on the concerns that many people have about practicality. Then the author talks about what philosophy means as loving wisdom--not necessarily being wise, about the relationship between faith, philosophy, and scripture, and then the way that we should think about God. Unfortunately not all of the author's advice on this last score is very accurate or wise, to say nothing about biblical. Those who believe in illogical contradictions when it comes to the nature of God should refraim from considering themselves fitting models of biblical philosophy. The second half of the book consists of the author talking about how to study philosophy--as an encouragement to the virtuous life, as part of a godly Christian community, with wise doubts and humility, and as a pursuit. After that comes a couple of indices. Overall it can be said that this book does not overstay its welcome, and it provides a lot of worthwhile quotes and thought-provoking material, so there is a lot to enjoy here, but I have to admit that I was a little bit disappointed by it myself.
After all, this author is a Hellenistic Christian and not a biblical one. Those who are intellectually-minded professed Christians will likely greatly appreciate this book. They will find nothing wrong with believing in a faith that does not take the Bible completely seriously and that seeks to curry favor with other intellectual people like deists through having a deeply cerebral religious worldview. To be sure, that is the ideal audience of the book, the people who are already involved in the sort of synthesis the author represents that was typical of medieval Catholicism or certain strains of Reformed thought. I am not the ideal audience for this work, because although I am a cerebral person with a great interest in philosophy, I face a much more difficult task than that dealt with by the author and those he is writing for. Unlike them, I don't come from a tradition that views Athens with even the grudging respect given by others, and this book quite frankly is not a help to me as an intellectual Christian. It would be nice if it was, but perhaps I simply expected too much.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2011...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
The contents of this short volume are two parts with four chapters each. The first half of the book discusses why a Christian should study philosophy. The author compares philosophy to baking bread and comments on the concerns that many people have about practicality. Then the author talks about what philosophy means as loving wisdom--not necessarily being wise, about the relationship between faith, philosophy, and scripture, and then the way that we should think about God. Unfortunately not all of the author's advice on this last score is very accurate or wise, to say nothing about biblical. Those who believe in illogical contradictions when it comes to the nature of God should refraim from considering themselves fitting models of biblical philosophy. The second half of the book consists of the author talking about how to study philosophy--as an encouragement to the virtuous life, as part of a godly Christian community, with wise doubts and humility, and as a pursuit. After that comes a couple of indices. Overall it can be said that this book does not overstay its welcome, and it provides a lot of worthwhile quotes and thought-provoking material, so there is a lot to enjoy here, but I have to admit that I was a little bit disappointed by it myself.
After all, this author is a Hellenistic Christian and not a biblical one. Those who are intellectually-minded professed Christians will likely greatly appreciate this book. They will find nothing wrong with believing in a faith that does not take the Bible completely seriously and that seeks to curry favor with other intellectual people like deists through having a deeply cerebral religious worldview. To be sure, that is the ideal audience of the book, the people who are already involved in the sort of synthesis the author represents that was typical of medieval Catholicism or certain strains of Reformed thought. I am not the ideal audience for this work, because although I am a cerebral person with a great interest in philosophy, I face a much more difficult task than that dealt with by the author and those he is writing for. Unlike them, I don't come from a tradition that views Athens with even the grudging respect given by others, and this book quite frankly is not a help to me as an intellectual Christian. It would be nice if it was, but perhaps I simply expected too much.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2011...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
December 31, 2017
I was hoping this book would leave me with a foundational understanding of the study of philosophy and some key philosophical concepts. Instead, the author’s focus was primarily on defending the place of philosophy within Christianity and defending the validity of Christian viewpoints within the field of philosophy.
I can’t fault the author for my unmet expectations but I did have other issues with the book. He spent a lot of the book criticising the ideas of other philosophers without bringing a whole lot else to the table. This left me primarily with critiques of viewpoints I’ve never held rather than new ideas.
The main areas where I brought prior knowledge to the discussion were his criticisms of certain scientists and scientific ideas. In these cases I felt that his arguments were weak, showing a limited understanding of the scientific theories he was discussing and misrepresenting the words of scientists. This diminished my trust in the other claims he was making throughout the book.
Early on he called Christian philosophers to engage others in a respectful way that sought out the best of their arguments but often throughout the book I found myself annoyed that he was quoting people and arguing against them whilst completely missing the point of what they had said.
Overall this book has strengthened my interest in philosophy. Although it didn’t answer many of my questions I’m keen to keep exploring.
I can’t fault the author for my unmet expectations but I did have other issues with the book. He spent a lot of the book criticising the ideas of other philosophers without bringing a whole lot else to the table. This left me primarily with critiques of viewpoints I’ve never held rather than new ideas.
The main areas where I brought prior knowledge to the discussion were his criticisms of certain scientists and scientific ideas. In these cases I felt that his arguments were weak, showing a limited understanding of the scientific theories he was discussing and misrepresenting the words of scientists. This diminished my trust in the other claims he was making throughout the book.
Early on he called Christian philosophers to engage others in a respectful way that sought out the best of their arguments but often throughout the book I found myself annoyed that he was quoting people and arguing against them whilst completely missing the point of what they had said.
Overall this book has strengthened my interest in philosophy. Although it didn’t answer many of my questions I’m keen to keep exploring.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews