Moving on...

Philosophy Made Simple, by Richard Popkin and Avrum Stroll. Popkin was a giant, both physically and reputationally. He was considered one of the more important historians of philosophy, and he was also very large--had-a-lot-of-difficulty-getting-on-the-bus large. Moreover, he was one of the first JRK assassination conspiracy theorists. He's dead now. But this should be good.

Philosophy for Dummies, by Thomas Morris. No one actually linked to this book, although someone mentioned that he/she had read that it got reviews for being overly dismissive of certain views. Well, here's what I know about the book: I've heard from one friend that it's good. Here's what I know about Thomas Morris: he's a very good philosopher who used to teach at Notre Dame and now has his own consulting firm, where he makes a lot of money. He's a very clear and engaging writer, but, as mentioned, he does have an agenda; for instance, he thinks God exists, and that there are good arguments for this conclusion. Of course, that's not really that un-inclusive, given that every other introduction to philosophy (except one) thinks that God doesn't exist, and thinks that arguments show this to be the case. (That might not be the case with Stephenson's guide, but I doubt it.)

why the long link of ****** ?

Didn't close a tag correctly, but should be fixed now.

Happy that Bob is here.

gotcha. Yes, I will get home via 7 fine and dandy, I hope.

Moving on...

Sophie's World, by Jostein Gaarder. I read this book from cover to cover when I was in Germany. The writing was clear enough for me to read it in German, and it's quite comprehensive. I think this might be the best book to read if philosophy-writing normally makes your eyes glaze over.

Think, by Simon Blackburn. This seems to be the introduction that most philosophers use for their students. Of all these philosophers, Blackburn is probably the most important for contemporary debates, and is also quite a good writer. The book is short, and very good. It's also biased (especially regarding philosophy of religion. Ugh!), but whatcha gonna do? There's no way to escape bias in these things. There's a companion volume all about ethics called Being Good. This one receives my highest recommendation.

Timelies all!

Fun thing I remember from my childhood is tobogganing in our backyard. Our backyard had a nice slope to it, plus there was this rock that made a great ramp when covered in snow. You just had to be careful not to crash into the fence(s).

Corwood Industries asked about Philosophy for Beginners. I have not read that book, but I have read others in the series, e.g., Kierkegaard for Beginners. The Kierkegaard one was funny and enjoyable to read, but made only the sparest of contact with anything resembling philosophical rigor. In my soon-to-be professional opinion (come on, December 2006!) I wouldn't start with this one. But like I said, I have read the Philosophy for Beginners one, and that might be different.

Oops. I should have said, "I have not read the Philosophy for Beginners one, and that one might be different."

bob bob!!!

Give me the definition of ethics and morals. I love this. pops corn

Think, by Simon Blackburn.

This sounds like a winner. If I know what the biases are walking in to it, it won't enrage me and make me toss the book against a wall.