Doing Philosophy

by Gerald Rochelle

First published in 2012, Doing Philosophy presents the basics of how ‘to do’ philosophy ― what philosophy is, how we can think, the nature of logic, some special terms ― in a straightforward and easy to understand style. Then, using questions and exercises as well as everyday examples, the author takes the reader on a wide-ranging tour of key philosophical topics which, as well as the ‘standard fare’ of logic, epistemology, mind, God etc., also includes ethical, social, scientific, cultural and human issues such as time, cosmology, war, animal rights, euthanasia, abortion, genetics, evolution, and the meaning of life. The author’s emphasis throughout is that philosophy is accessible to anyone keen enough to try and do it and that, as a subject, philosophy is practical, fascinating and exciting. By encouraging independent critical thinking and being succinct yet informative, the book involves the reader with the history, the breadth of subject matter, the skills of philosophising and the benefits that philosophy can offer to the enquiring individual. The book accesses major philosophical topics briefly, breaking them down into convenient points, with challenging questions throughout and exercise questions at the end of each chapter, whilst introducing major thinkers and their ideas. There is an extensive further reading list to help those who wish to take this absorbing subject further.

274 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Gerald Rochelle is a well-known practical philosopher, previous editor of the journal Practical Philosophy, lecturer and workshop leader. His work includes the practical philosophical guide Doing Philosophy, studies on the philosophy of time, philosophical biography and a wide variety of fiction.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read the most recent edition of this book, published by Routledge. I can see that it is aimed at students starting Philosophy at A’level or university but I also think it is a very good introduction to the subject for the general reader. Its strengths are the clarity of the writing and the approach it takes which is, as the title implies, a practical one. Many introductions to the subject simply take historical philosophers one after another and explain their ideas. This book, on the other hand, shows how those philosophical ideas can be put to work to help us to think about contemporary issues. I thoroughly recommend it.

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

The introduction to a rigid and outdated way of thinking. The book itself it is okay. It's the way of thinking that disgusts me.

[Ws · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good grounding in the range of philosophical enquiry with thoughtful and stimulating questions to apply this to real life.