Think Independently

by Chauncey C. Riddle

How do humans know? What are the nature and limits of science? What are the nature and limits of history? What is real? What should each person do to be good and wise? What is the basic framework of our thinking?

These questions give rise to a broad array of investigations. Dr. Riddle effectively addresses these and many other questions relating to the topic of knowledge sand the study of think and most importantly how to think independently.

Genres: Philosophy, Religion

148 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a survey of some important aspects of philosophy and their connection/relationship to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. The book was written by a BYU Professor of philosophy near the end of his 40-year career.

This is a really thought-provoking book that changed my perspective (in a really good way) about philosophy, religion, science, and human thinking, knowing, acting, and being. The chapters on epistemology were especially valuable to me, as were the many insights into our limits and foibles as fallen men and women and our dependency on the omniscience, wisdom, and power of God to truly be able to act in ways that are wise, true, and good. This book was enlightening and mind-expanding while also humbling and faith-promoting. I highly recommend it.

[Steven A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very helpful in both understanding the philosophical backgrounds of individuals and the different cultures that people come from. I also believe that the author is correct in stating that all people practice some kind of religion and believe in some kind of god, whether they will admit it or not. And, I also found it interesting to learn about many different philosophical terms, many of which I had never really known the actual definitions. Thanks

[Annaleah Faith Woodard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Riddle lays out briefly the history of modern philosophy in all its major branches, and then finishes off each section with an LDS perspective on this area in philosophy. Intertwined in the writing is keys to help us understand where to find truth, and offers warnings that so much of the truths we hold to may not be well founded. HE also briefly goes into the means through which we may find truth in all things. I found this books so refreshing.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally my life-changing professor put it down in a book. Cerebral no-nonsense with profound spiritual insight. 146 pages of intense and condensed, no frills, truth and light. Thank you Dr. Riddle!

[Paul Callister · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally Riddle has set down the essentials of his thinking--the product of years of teaching. It is a major contribution to Mormonism and its relationship to philosophy. It provides essential tools to reforming the self and coping in the modern world with the "philosophies of men."

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Riddle lays out the major areas of philosophy and epistemology in a straightforward, and understandable way. Each chapter finishes with the LDS perspective of the topic.
Helpful, understandable and dense - this is a good book to provide a foundation for how to think about thinking.

[Tyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super straight forward. No nonsense. No fluff. Very spiritual and insightful.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic overview/introduction to philosophy, written with an LDS Gospel lens. Highly recommend this to anyone looking to think deeper about existential questions.