Philosophical Problems and Arguments (Fourth Edition)

Widely used by instructors who emphasize the logical structure of philosophical theories and the dialectical play of argument, this popular work provides clear, reliable, and up-to-date discussions of central philosophical debates. The fourth edition incorporates major revisions—the first since 1982—and features an extensive change in content. Every chapter has been reworked to improve its organization, to make it more accessible and engaging to the student, and to reflect recent discussions.

Contents:

1. The Contents and Methods of Philosophy. What is Philosophy? The Tools of the Trade.

2. The Problem of Knowledge and Skepticism. About Skepticism. Skepticism with Regard to the Senses. New Knowledge as Undefeated Justification: A Revisionist Alternative to the Skeptic and the Epistemist.

3. The Problem of Freedom and Determinism. The Nature of the Problem. The Determinist Position. The Libertarian Position. The Compatibilist Position. The Incompatibilist Position. Final Compatibilist Argument: Evidence for Freedom Reconsidered.

4. The Mind-Body Problem. Definitions of Key Terms. Dualistic Interactionism. Paralellism. Epiphenomenalism. Idealism. Materialism. Eliminative Materialism. Reductive Materialism: The Type-Type Identity Theory.

5. The Problem of Justifying Belief in God. Examination of the Concept of a Supreme Being. Can the Belief in the Existence of a Supreme Being Be Justified? Appeal to Experience of God. Three A Posteriori Arguments. An A Priori Argument: The Ontological Argument. A Pragmatic Justification of Belief in the Existence of God. Evil as Evidence against the Existence of God.

6. The Problem of Justifying an Ethical Standard. Theological Ethics. Ethical Relativism. Ethical Nihilism. The “No-Standard” Theory. Ethical Skepticism. Ethical Egoism. Utilitarianism: Bentham’s Version. Utilitarianism: Mill’s Version. Deontological Ethics: Kant’s Theory. Rule Utilitarianism. Six Requirements for a Satisfactory Ethical Standard. A Proposal for a Satisfactory Ethical Standard: A Utilitarian Kantian Principle.

Index.