Reason and Responsibility: Readings in Some Basic Problems of Philosophy

by Joel Feinberg (Editor), Russ Shafer-Landau

REASON AND RESPONSIBILITY: READINGS IN SOME BASIC PROBLEMS OF PHILOSOPHY has a well-earned reputation for clarity and breadth, with a proven selection of high-quality readings that cover centuries of philosophical debate. The anthology includes the central issues in metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of religion, philosophy of mind, and ethics, as well as debates over the value of philosophy and the meaning of life. The book is clearly organized so that the readings complement each other, guiding readers through contrasting positions on key philosophical issues. Clear, concise introductions provide reading tips and background information to help readers engage directly with the primary sources.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Textbooks, College, Reference, Science

702 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

Reviews

[Bri]

Great. This was our main reference for my philosophy course, but there were a few main things it does not cover that we needed to refer to other texts. overall it was great and interesting. I recommend it to anyone interested in philosophy its a slow and steady introduction that isn't too difficult to read.

[Dan]

Read it for college classes. Not too much has stuck with me. I now think of philisophy as "problems that cannot be solved." If they can be solved, they are no longer philosophy.

[Kashyap Shah]

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[Alexandra]

Extremely boring but endlessly useful and informative in learning/understanding basics of philosophy (truth, God, logic, ethical practices, and more) from a myriad of philosophers/authors/religious folks/medical folks, etc.

[Izlinda]

Read selections from this book for my introduction to philosophy class. The selections seemed relevant to the issues covered, though the professor had cut out selections from the former edition on reserve in the library for us to read, sometimes.

[M.J. Mandoki]

Clearly written. Explains basic issues really well. Newer works include more topics, though.

[Priscilla]

Ok, yes, this is a school text book. Yes, I read cover to cover. Yes, I go back and read sections again and again and a very loud YES, I have notes scribbled throughout. Should you just pick this up to read for the hell of it? Sure, if deep thought provoking reflections are your thing. I would suggest reading this in small bites with a group of people willing to push the boundaries on questions from your simple book club. This book and its many sampled passages/writings will make you go "humph"...

[Rajesh]

Hard to read sometimes, but the discussions on religion is a must.

[Rafael]

Offers various viewpoints, and a very good introduction book for philosophy, or anybody who wants a basic foundation on various types (metaphysics, epistemology, morality) of philosophy.

[Andrew Cole]

Great selection of essays for an introductory philosophy class

[Jason King]

Enlightenment for me.

[Xinyan Chen]

will come back to this when i'm feeling more Academic™️

[Omar]

A collection of what philosophers noted about basic problems in reason.