The Norton Introduction to Philosophy, 2nd Edition

Philosophy made accessible for introductory students.

The Second Edition of this path-breaking collection gives students all the tools they need to understand and engage with major philosophical issues. Students are presented with clear yet thorough topic introductions, historical context, reading guides for challenging selections, and exclusive commissioned essays written by leading contemporary philosophers specifically for undergraduates. The Second Edition features a NEW co-author, a NEW focus on diversity within the field, and NEW readings and topics relevant to students’ lives.

Table of Contents

Part I – Philosophy of Religion
Chapter 1 – Does God Exist?
Chapter 2 – Is It Reasonable To Believe Without Evidence?

Part II – Epistemology
Chapter 3 – What Is Knowledge?
Chapter 4 – How Can We Know About What We Have Not Observed?
Chapter 5 – How Can You Know Your Own Mind Or The Mind Of Another Person?
Chapter 6 – How Can We Know About The External World?

PART III – Metaphysics and the philosophy of Mind
Chapter 7 – Is Mind Material?
Chapter 8 – What Is Consciousness?
Chapter 9 – Are Things As They Appear?
Chapter 10 – What Is There?

PART IV – From Metaphysics to Ethics
Chapter 11 – What Is Personal Identity?
Chapter 12 – What Is Race? What Is Gender?
Chapter 13 – Do We Possess Free Will?

PART V – Ethics
Chapter 14 – What Is The Right Thing To Do?
Chapter 15 – Do Your Intentions Matter?
Chapter 16 – Which Moral Theory Is Correct?
Chapter 17 – Is Morality Objective?
Chapter 18 – Why Do What Is Right?
Chapter 19 – What Is The Meaning Of Life?

PART VI – Political Philosophy
Chapter 20 – How Can The State Be Justified?
Chapter 21 – What Is The Value Of Liberty?
Chapter 22 – Does Justice Require Equality?