Philosophy begins with questions about the nature of reality and how we should live. These were the concerns of Socrates, who spent his days in the ancient Athenian marketplace asking awkward questions, disconcerting the people he met by showing them how little they genuinely understood. This engaging book introduces the great thinkers in Western philosophy and explores their most compelling ideas about the world and how best to live in it. In forty brief chapters, Nigel Warburton guides us on a (...) chronological tour of the major ideas in the history of philosophy. He provides interesting and often quirky stories of the lives and deaths of thought-provoking philosophers from Socrates, who chose to die by hemlock poisoning rather than live on without the freedom to think for himself, to Peter Singer, who asks the disquieting philosophical and ethical questions that haunt our own times. Warburton not only makes philosophy accessible, he offers inspiration to think, argue, reason, and ask in the tradition of Socrates. _A Little History of Philosophy_ presents the grand sweep of humanity's search for philosophical understanding and invites all to join in the discussion. (shrink)

Philosophy begins with questions about the nature of reality and how we should live. These were the concerns of Socrates, who spent his days in the ancient Athenian marketplace asking awkward questions, disconcerting the people he met by showing them how little they genuinely understood. This engaging book introduces the great thinkers in Western philosophy and explores their most compelling ideas about the world and how best to live in it. In forty brief chapters, Nigel Warburton guides us on a (...) chronological tour of the major ideas in the history of philosophy. He provides interesting and often quirky stories of the lives and deaths of thought-provoking philosophers from Socrates, who chose to die by hemlock poisoning rather than live on without the freedom to think for himself, to Peter Singer, who asks the disquieting philosophical and ethical questions that haunt our own times. Warburton not only makes philosophy accessible, he offers inspiration to think, argue, reason, and ask in the tradition of Socrates. _A Little History of Philosophy_ presents the grand sweep of humanity's search for philosophical understanding and invites all to join in the discussion. (shrink)

How important is free speech? Should it be defended at any cost? Or should we set limits on what can and cannot be said? This Very Short Introduction offers a lively and thought-provoking guide to these questions, exploring both the traditional philosophical arguments as well as the practical issues and controversies facing society today.

__‘Philosophy: The Basics deservedly remains the most recommended introduction to philosophy on the market. Warburton is patient, accurate and, above all, clear. There is no better short introduction to philosophy.’_ - Stephen Law, author of The Philosophy Gym_ _Philosophy: The Basics_ gently eases the reader into the world of philosophy. Each chapter considers a key area of philosophy, explaining and exploring the basic ideas and themes including: Can you prove God exists? How do we know right from wrong? What are (...) the limits of free speech? Do you know how science works? Is your mind different from your body? Can you define art? How should we treat non-human animals? For the fifth edition of this best-selling book, Nigel Warburton has added an entirely new chapter on animals, revised others and brought the further reading sections up to date. If you’ve ever asked ‘what is philosophy?’, or wondered whether the world is really the way you think it is, this is the book for you. (shrink)

This is a critical survey of writing on the philosophy of photography.

If an artist sends a live peacock to an exhibition, is it art? 'What is art?' is a question many of us want answered but are too afraid to ask. It is the very question that Nigel Warburton demystifies in this brilliant and accessible little book. With the help of varied illustrations and photographs, from Cézanne and Francis Bacon to Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst, best-selling author Warburton brings a philosopher's eye to art in a refreshing jargon-free style. With customary (...) clarity, he explains art theories, that are much discussed but little understood, by thinkers such as Clive Bell, R.G Collingwood and Wittgenstein. He illuminates other perplexing problems in art, such as the artist's intention, representation and emotion. Drawing on photographs of Cindy Sherman and Tiananmen Square, Warburton shows that, if we are ever to answer the art question, we must consider each work of art on its own terms. A stimulating and handy guide through the art maze, _The Art Question_ is essential reading for anyone interested in art, philosophy or those who simply like looking at and thinking about pictures. (shrink)

What is ‘humpty-dumptying’? Do ‘arguments from analogy’ ever stand up? How do I know when someone is using ‘weasel words’? What’s the difference between a ‘red herring’ and a ‘straw man’? This superb book, now in its third edition, will help anyone who wants to argue well and think critically. Using witty and topical examples, this fully-updated edition includes many new entries and updates the whole text. New entries include: Principle of Charity Lawyer’s Answer Least Worst Option Poisoning the Well (...) Sentimentality Sunk Cost Fallacy Weasel Words ‘You would say that wouldn’t you’. _Thinking from A to Z_ may not help you win every argument, but it will definitely give you the power to tell a good one from a bad one. (shrink)

In Philosophy Bites Again, a brand new selection of interviews from the popular podcast, leading philosophers explore some of the major philosophical questions that affect us all. Both thought-provoking and engaging, the discussion ranges from pleasure, pain, and himour, to free will, the self, and the meaning of life.

This clear and thorough introduction provides students with the skills necessary to understand the main thinkers, texts and arguments of political philosophy and thought. Each chapter comprises a brief overview of a major political thinker, followed by an introduction to one or more of their most influential works and an introduction to key secondary readings. Key features include: * exercises * reading notes * guides for further reading The book introduces and assesses: Machiavelli's _Prince_; Hobbes' _Leviathan_; Locke's _Second Treatise on (...) Government_; Rousseau's _Social Contract_; Marx and Engels' _German Ideology_ ; Mill's _On Liberty and The Subjection of Women_. _Reading Political Philosophy_ requires no previous knowledge of philosophy or politics and is ideal for newcomers to political philosophy and political thought. (shrink)

This clear and thorough introduction provides students with the skills necessary to understand the main thinkers, texts and arguments of political philosophy and thought. Each chapter comprises a brief overview of a major political thinker, followed by an introduction to one or more of their most influential works and an introduction to key secondary readings. Key features include: * exercises * reading notes * guides for further reading The book introduces and assesses: Machiavelli's _Prince_; Hobbes' _Leviathan_; Locke's _Second Treatise on (...) Government_; Rousseau's _Social Contract_; Marx and Engels' _German Ideology_ ; Mill's _On Liberty and The Subjection of Women_. _Reading Political Philosophy_ requires no previous knowledge of philosophy or politics and is ideal for newcomers to political philosophy and political thought. (shrink)

About the book: The Prix Pictet Commission is an invitation for one of the photographers short-listed for the Prix Pictet, to document a sustainability project in a particular country or region. For the third Commission, Chris Jordan took photographs on a fieldtrip to the Nakuprat-Gotu Conservancy in Northern Kenya, an initiative led by tribal Elders, which aims to bring peace and prosperity to a region ravaged by violence and climate change. Jordan’s photographs both document the problems— particularly the poaching of (...) elephants— and celebrate the heroes and triumphs of what he calls a “quiet revolution” aimed at building a sustainable future for this community. (shrink)

First Published in 2007. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

First Published in 2007. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

First Published in 2007. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

First Published in 2007. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Nigel Warburton brings philosophy to life with an imaginative selection of philosophical writings on key topics. Philosophy: 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 Philosophy: Basic Readings has been expanded to include new pieces in each major area of philosophy: What is philosophy? God right and wrong the external world science mind art. The readings in Philosophy: Basic Readings complement the chapters in (...) Philosophy: The Basics. (shrink)

This is the ideal introduction to key philosophical texts for students. Nigel Warburton brings philosophy to life with an imaginative selection of philosophical writings on key topics. Each chapter considers a key area of philosophy, complementing the sections in _Philosophy: The Basics_ with a selection of readings.

Ideal readings for anyone coming to philosophy for the first time. Nigel Warburton brings philosophy to life with an imaginative selection of philosophical writings on key topics. These carefully chosen readings are easy to understand, are accessible and will give the reader a thorough understanding of philosophy. Each chapter considers a key area of philosophy grouped under the following themes: * What is philosophy? *God * Right and wrong * Politics * The external world * Mind * Science * Art (...) Each theme in this book complements the sections in _Philosophy: The Basics_ with a selection of readings. This is an ideal introduction to key philosophical texts for students. (shrink)

This is the ideal introduction to key philosophical texts for students. Nigel Warburton brings philosophy to life with an imaginative selection of philosophical writings on key topics. Each chapter considers a key area of philosophy, complementing the sections in Philosophy: The Basics with a selection of readings.

__‘Philosophy: The Basics deservedly remains the most recommended introduction to philosophy on the market. Warburton is patient, accurate and, above all, clear. There is no better short introduction to philosophy.’_ - Stephen Law, author of The Philosophy Gym_ _Philosophy: The Basics_ gently eases the reader into the world of philosophy. Each chapter considers a key area of philosophy, explaining and exploring the basic ideas and themes including: Can you prove God exists? How do we know right from wrong? What are (...) the limits of free speech? Do you know how science works? Is your mind different from your body? Can you define art? How should we treat non-human animals? For the fifth edition of this best-selling book, Nigel Warburton has added an entirely new chapter on animals, revised others and brought the further reading sections up to date. If you’ve ever asked ‘what is philosophy?’, or wondered whether the world is really the way you think it is, this is the book for you. (shrink)

One of the best-selling authors of his generation, Nigel Warburton has written extensively in the field of philosophy to great acclaim. As such, A Level students as well as anyone with an interest in philosophy would be well advised to obtain a copy of his Philosophy: The Classics, now in its third edition. In his exemplary clear style, Warburton introduces and assesses twenty-seven philosophical classics from Platoâ¬"s Republic to Rawlâ¬"s A Theory of Justice. The new text design and revised further (...) reading make this the ideal book for all students, while three new chapters on Nietzscheâ¬"s Beyond Good and Evil, Russellâ¬"s The Problems of Philosophy and Sartreâ¬"s Existentialism and Humanism mean that all the A Level set texts are covered. This brisk and invigorating tour through the great books of western philosophy explores the works of Plato, Aristotle, Boethius, Machiavelli, Descartes, Hobbes, Spinoza, Locke, Hume, Rousseau, Kant, Schopenhauer, Mill, Kierkegaard, Marx and Engels, Nietzsche, Russell, Ayer, Sartre, Wittgenstein, and Rawls. Offering twenty-five guidebooks for the price of one, not only is this great value, itâ¬"s the most comprehensive introduction to philosophers and their texts currently available. (shrink)

One of the best-selling authors of his generation, Nigel Warburton has written extensively in the field of philosophy to great acclaim. As such, A Level students as well as anyone with an interest in philosophy would be well advised to obtain a copy of his Philosophy: The Classics, now in its third edition.In his exemplary clear style, Warburton introduces and assesses twenty-seven philosophical classics from Platoâ¬"s Republic to Rawlâ¬"s A Theory of Justice. The new text design and revised further reading (...) make this the ideal book for all students, while three new chapters on Nietzscheâ¬"s Beyond Good and Evil, Russellâ¬"s The Problems of Philosophy and Sartreâ¬"s Existentialism and Humanism mean that all the A Level set texts are covered.This brisk and invigorating tour through the great books of western philosophy explores the works of Plato, Aristotle, Boethius, Machiavelli, Descartes, Hobbes, Spinoza, Locke, Hume, Rousseau, Kant, Schopenhauer, Mill, Kierkegaard, Marx and Engels, Nietzsche, Russell, Ayer, Sartre, Wittgenstein, and Rawls.Offering twenty-five guidebooks for the price of one, not only is this great value, itâ¬"s the most comprehensive introduction to philosophers and their texts currently available. (shrink)

Warburton'sPhilosophy: The Classicsintroduces philosophy through its key writings and does not assume any previous knowledge of philosophy. It is a clear and concise explanation of some of the great works of Western philosophy from Plato'sRepublicto Wittgenstein'sPhilosophical Investigations. The second edition of this best-selling book includes four new chapters covering great works by Boethius, Machiavelli, Spinoza and Rawls. Philosophy: The Classicsoffers the reader an accessible introduction to these texts, identifying and clearly explaining the key themes as well as subjecting them to (...) critical scrutiny. This is an ideal book for anyone who wants to discover philosophy since it gracefully introduces the subject to anyone who ever hesitated to approach it. (shrink)

This is the ideal book for anyone who wants to discover philosophy. Philosophy: The Classics gracefully introduces philosophy to anyone who ever hesitated to approach philosophy - until now.

Now in its fourth edition, Philosophy: The Classics is a brisk and invigorating tour through the great books of western philosophy. In his exemplary clear style, Nigel Warburton introduces and assesses thirty-two philosophical classics from Plato's Republic to Rawls' A Theory of Justice.'The fourth edition includes new material on: Montaigne Essays Thomas Paine Rights of Man R.G. Collingwood The Principles of Art Karl Popper The Open Society and Its Enemies Thomas Kuhn The Structure of Scientific Revolutions With a glossary and (...) suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter, this is an ideal starting point for anyone interested in philosophy. (shrink)

Demystification of the question 'What is art?', with examples of art works, photographic and film images.

If an artist sends a live peacock to an exhibition, is it art? 'What is art?' is a question many of us want answered but are too afraid to ask. It is the very question that Nigel Warburton demystifies in this brilliant and accessible little book. With the help of varied illustrations and photographs, from Cézanne and Francis Bacon to Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst, best-selling author Warburton brings a philosopher's eye to art in a refreshing jargon-free style. With customary (...) clarity, he explains art theories, that are much discussed but little understood, by thinkers such as Clive Bell, R.G Collingwood and Wittgenstein. He illuminates other perplexing problems in art, such as the artist's intention, representation and emotion. Drawing on photographs of Cindy Sherman and Tiananmen Square, Warburton shows that, if we are ever to answer the art question, we must consider each work of art on its own terms. A stimulating and handy guide through the art maze, _The Art Question_ is essential reading for anyone interested in art, philosophy or those who simply like looking at and thinking about pictures. (shrink)

Nigel Warburton, bestselling author and experienced lecturer, provides all the guidance and advice you need to dramatically improve your essay - writing skills. The book opens with a discussion of why it is so important to write a good essay, and proceeds through a step-by-step exploration of exactly what you should consider to improve your essays and marks. You will find help on how to: focus on answering the question asked research and plan your essay build and sustain an argument (...) improve your writing style and tone. The Basics of Essay Writing is packed full of good advice and practical exercises. Students of all ages and in every subject area will find it an easy-to-use and indispensable aid to their studies. (shrink)

The first biography of the Hungarian architect Erno Goldfinger, famous for his commitment to rational design as well as for lending his name to James' Bond's enemy. Goldfinger was one of the most important figures in post-war modern architect in Britain. This biography sheds light on the social and artistic interconnections that underpinned the modern movement and on the controversies that surrounded high-rise building in Britain.

Nigel Warburton is not betting that God exists….