Core Questions in Philosophy

In this 9th edition of Core Questions in Philosophy, Elliott Sober and Joel Velasco use an engaging lecture-style format to show 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 describe 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, review questions, discussion questions, and a glossary of terms are also included.

Core Questions in Philosophy has served as a premier introductory textbook for three decades, with updates to each new edition.

Key updates to this 9th edition include:

• A new concluding chapter on the meaning of life.
• The integration of non-western thinkers throughout the book.
• Expanded discussions on Utilitarianism, virtue ethics, free will and epistemology.
• Updated material from philosophy and empirical research, throughout.

Revisions to the online list of recommended resources include:

• Additional recommendations of supplementary readings, with updated source links to all reading material.
• New recommended videos and podcasts, all organized by their relevance to each chapter in the book.