"Thinking Philosophically: An Introduction to the Great Debates" presents a highly accessible introduction to five of the most fundamental debates in world philosophy. Introduces five fundamental philosophical debates in a highly engaging and accessible manner that invites readers to enter the discussion themselves Features chapters that each consider a central philosophical question dialectically by exploring the conflicting approaches of different philosophers Argues that the work of philosophers like Plato and Rousseau is just as relevant today as it was in their own time Provides a structure that encourages readers to apply philosophical principles to their everyday lives
David Roochnik is Professor of Philosophy and Maria Stata Professor of Classical Greek Sudies at Boston University. Prior to that he was Associate Professor of Philosophy and Classical Studies at the Iowa State University, and during the 1992/93 year Visiting Associate Professor at Williams College.
He joined Boston University in the fall of 1995. In 1996, he was awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award by the Undergraduate Philosophy Club. In 1997, Dr. Roochnik was awarded both the Gitner Award for Distinguished Teaching at the College of Arts and Sciences and the Outstanding Teaching Award by the Honors Program in the College of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Roochnik is also winner of Boston University’s 1999 Metcalf Award for Excellence in Teaching. Recipients of this award are chosen after a university-wide competition and assessment. Most recently Dr. Roochnik won the John Donovan Best Paper Award, New England Political Science Association. May, 2004 (for a paper given in May, 2003: “Plato’s Defense Of Diversity.”)
Dr. Roochnik is the author of thirty-five articles on Greek philosophy, Greek literature, rhetoric ancient and modern, post-modernism, and the nature of philosophy. He is the recipient of grants and fellowships from the NEH and the Earhart Foundation. He was also invited to give the inaugeral lecture of the Ancient Philosophy Society in Eugene, Oregon, October 7, 1999.