Philosophy: An Introduction to the Art of Wondering [Paperback]

 

 

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I used this text in my 'intro to philosophy course', and found its contents to posit a significant impact upon my philosophical views. Biased firmly upon the likes of a synoptic view-point, this edition covers the grand scale of philosophy with a moderate, but yet convenient approach for the beginner.

Its contents include detailed and well organized chapters, with famous quotes from reknowned philosophers, from both Western and Eastern traditions. On top of all of this, on nearly every page lies colorful, and many times humourous cartoons, that relate to humanity and mans search for wisdom. At the end of every section, enclosed within the chapter, are detailed biographies of the many philosophers who have made their mark upon the world thought. At the end rests an intricate and detailed glossary, which provides useful as you study along in this text.

So if you are interseted in the depth and history of philosophy I recommend this this textbook. For the professor, student, and non-student alike this work will be enjoyable and resoursefull.

James L Christian's "Philosophy: An Introduction to the Art of Wondering" (10th edition) would work great for those interested merely in a basic overview of philosophy and what it's about, but I would not recommend it to those interested in getting a thorough intro into the major branches of philosophy (metaphysics, epistemology and ethics), as it doesn't discuss these topics in great detail that more specific intros do. If you're interested in detail keep searching.

Since it focuses most on "the art of wondering", as its subtitle suggests, the text would do great in a course focusing on developing a philosophical mindset and a synoptic worldview, using its many supplementary chapters to get students to exercise their pondering muscles. Some of these supplementary topics the text discusses are on biology, physics, cosmology, life, time and freedom. They really are quite fascinating if you wish to ponder them, but, again, you're not going to get an in depth intro into any of the main branches of philosophy.

It does have its strengths though. It has a great chapter on the psychology of religion (Ch 8-1) and its section on epistemology makes a fairly good intro to this major branch. Its layout is quite aesthetically pleasing (unlike too many textbooks), with cartoons and margin quotes and its quite well written. After each chapter there are short bios on some important philosophers (mostly the Western ones, but it does include some others such as the Buddha, the Dalai Lama and even Nelson Mandela) which I found to be a great addition to the text. The "supplementary" chapters (as I call them) are an integral part of what the text is really focused on. They give the reader many interesting things to think about and are a great addition to the text if the aim you have while reading it is to learn to ponder the many subjects of life and develop a synoptic worldview.

I've chosen 4 stars because although I don't think it makes a great intro into philosophy for those interested in becoming philosophically fluent, it is focused on what its subtitle suggests---"the art of wondering"---and it introduces this art quite well. I would recommend this to those interested in developing a synoptic worldview and trying to develop their ability to think deeply about so many important aspects of our existence, or the reader/student that is just interested in a basic understanding of philosophy and doesn't plan to pursue the subject any further. But not to those interested in an in-depth introduction into the main branches of philosophy.

I've never had such-a-slap in the face biased book presented to me for college curriculum. Very dissapointing.

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