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Core Questions in Philosophy: A Text with Readings

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Writing in an engaging lecture-style format, Elliott Sober shows students how philosophy is best used to evaluate many different kinds of arguments and to construct sound theories. Well-known historical texts are discussed, not as a means to honor the dead or merely to discuss what various philosophers have thought, but to engage with, criticize, and even improve ideas from the past. In addition—because philosophy cannot function apart from its engagement with the wider society—traditional and contemporary philosophical problems are brought into dialogue with the physical, biological, and social sciences. Text boxes highlight key concepts, and review questions, discussion questions, and a glossary of terms are also included.

Core Questions in Philosophy has served as a premier introductory textbook for more than two decades, with updates to each new edition. New improvements to this seventh edition include a lower price and a new Routledge companion website that



Updated supplementary readings, with the inclusion of more work from female philosophers



New videos and podcasts, organized by their relevance to each chapter in the book.



Visit the companion website www.routledge.com/cw/sober.

360 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1991

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About the author

Elliott Sober

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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Profile Image for Katastrofik  Come.
69 reviews
September 15, 2023
Thousand miles (kilometers) better as launchpads for further philosophical reading and as a introductory textbook compared to that acclaimed 'compelling introduction to philosophy' book. In virtually every way.

The writer emphasized importance of 'doing philosophy' instead of 'learning philosopher's philosophy'. And I really love how he stayed true to his words, by how he took stance and gave endorsement, besides evaluating various ancient and contemporary arguments.

Not a bit of second passed with boredom while reading it, except for 'reading' part where I have to read that boring aristotle work.
216 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2022
My rating: 4.5 stars.

Very good for an introductory textbook. Covers many important viewpoints on a range of important philosophical topics, and is generally fairly unbiased in its discussion. Aided me greatly in getting a understanding of the basics of philosophy, and was very helpful in providing a launching-off point to read the works of other philosophers.
Profile Image for David Fairbairn.
28 reviews
July 21, 2021
A classic philosophy textbook from a well-respected and accessible philosopher of science. The lectures are engaging, thought-provoking and in-depth. I really enjoyed working my way through the lecture questions.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews

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