Living Philosophy: A Historical Introduction to Philosophical Ideas

by Lewis Vaughn

Living Philosophy, a historically organized, introductory hybrid text/reader, guides students through the story of philosophical thought from the Pre-Socratics to the present, providing cultural and intellectual background and explaining why key issues and arguments remain important and
relevant today. Featuring an exceptionally clear and accessible writing style, this unique volume brings philosophy to life with well-chosen excerpts from philosophers' works, abundant in-text learning aids, and compelling color photos and illustrations.

FEATURES

* A comprehensive introductory chapter lays the groundwork for philosophical thinking

* "Then and Now," "Details," and "Portrait" boxes throughout the text demonstrate the value and relevance of philosophy

* Additional pedagogical aids-- chapter objectives and summaries, marginal critical thinking questions, essay/discussion questions, and a glossary--make the material even more engaging and accessible

* In-depth coverage of philosophical writing includes step-by-step coaching in argument basics and multiple opportunities to hone critical thinking skills

* Charts, tables, and color photos keep students visually engaged

* A "How to Write a Philosophy Paper" appendix offers concise, step-by-step guidance in crafting an effective philosophical essay

Genres: Textbooks, Philosophy

480 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2014

Reviews

[Brandon Stariha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rate books too high, know I want to rate this a 4 but being fair it’s a 3.

This is the textbook used for my intro to philosophy class. We read all but 3 chapters in it for class but class is over so I just finished up those 3 chapters.

There are 2 general approaches to teaching philosophy (or intro to philosophy books). A content first method(see my “What Does It All Mean? By Thomas Nagel review) vs a historical method.

This was a historical method. I’ll say what I think is the best method at the end of the review.

For about 95% of the stuff in the book I have a good understanding of what was talked about and/or good enough information. In other words, I didn’t really learn much that was new. That’s fine, but where it’s relevant is this.

From the philosophers I’m familiar with such as Kant, who got a chapter all by himself, it seems so criminally short and uninformative, I can’t have imagined I would learn anything if I didn’t know about him already. For another philosopher, Nietzsche, he only got a fourth of a chapter and it felt like they just mentioned his name said a few short things and went on.

Now I think my vision is warped on this and I think that because there were like two chapters on people I never heard of or know very little about. I felt like I did learn a good amount about them.

So then there are are at least two possibilities. What I think about how they barely mentioned Nietzsche and even though Kant got a whole chapter it wasn’t enough, the same could be said for the other chapters on people I didn’t know and it’s only because I don’t know them, I don’t realize how criminally lacking the information is.

Or

Perhaps the chapters on Kant and Nietzsche are actually pretty good, I just know too much and it’s warping my expectations and I’m asking too much out of an intro book.


Without question the history of philosophy is vital,
But the question is, is it a good way to introduce someone to philosophy?

As of right now, I think a content first (explain a question within philosophy we deal with rn, for example, are there universals or is everything particular) THEN use the history (which is more accurately a chain of dialogue/responding from one philosophy to the next) to see how the questions have been answered.

I don’t think I would recommend this as in intro to philosophy, maybe for someone who is more interested in learning fun facts about philosophy rather than get their hands dirty in it.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting for a text book.