Written in clear, non-technical language, Nothing So Absurd is a succinct and accessible introduction to topics in the history of Western philosophy. In seven concise chapters, the author introduces the reader to the central topics within the discipline. In some cases (such as metaphysics and epistemology) he adopts a historical approach, while in others (such as ethics and philosophy of religion) the focus is as much on contemporary issues as it is on historical developments. In each area, he presents material of great intrinsic interest in a fashion that also provides a sense of the broad sweep of the discipline.

This book provides a fair-minded exposition of a wide-range of viewpoints throughout, and dwells, in its final chapter, on the virtues of philosophical realism, thus presenting the reader with the opportunity to engage with a direct philosophical argument. A guide to further reading will assist readers new to philosophy.

Comments:

“Hoffmann's Nothing So Absurd is a delightful read — it's never condescending in tone or vocabulary. It'll make the reader stretch, without ever losing interest.” - Paul Viminitz, University of Lethbridge

"Nothing So Absurd would make an excellent textbook for any Introduction to Philosophy course as well as for a lay person who is eager and motivated to learn what philosophy is all about." - Kamuran Godelek, Mersin University, Turkey in Metapsychology Online Reviews

Phillip Hoffmann is Associate Dean of Degree Studies at SAIT Polytechnic in Calgary, AB.

Table of Contents: [Back to Top]

Acknowledgments

Preface

Introduction: What is Philosophy?

1. Metaphysics: The Nature of Existence
2. Logic: Language, Reason, and Truth
3. Epistemology: Knowledge and Doubt
4. Ethics: Values and Virtues
5. Science: Space, Time, Change, and the Infinite
6. Religion: God, Evil, and the Meanings of Life
7. Some Metaphysical Musings

Further Reading

Index