Philosophy for Beginners

Philosophy is a way of thinking about just about anything. It asks big questions, such as "how can I be good?" or "what makes something beautiful?" Using lively examples, humorous illustrations and simple thought experiments, this book opens up the world of philosophy to children and adults with enquiring minds. Chapters in this book include:- What is philosophy?- A world of philosophy?- Doing philosophy- How to argue- Thought experiments- Why do philosophy?KnowledgeHow do we know anything about the world around us - can we be sure that we know anything at all?The mindIs your mind somehow different from your body, and are you even in control of it?Beauty and artWhat is beauty, and what is art?And why is it so hard to answer these questions?GodIf there is a God, is it possible to prove that he or she exists?PoliticsAre there any rules that everyone can agree on that would make a society a fair and happy place for everyone to live in?How to be goodIf you're not sure of the right thing to do, can the tools of philosophy help you find an answer?Time and IdentityEverything changes with time - but how much can something change and still count as the same thing? What is time, anyway?Logic and languageWhat are the rules of philosophy, and how can you follow them if people don't agree on what words themselves actually mean?The meaning of lifeIs philosophy merely a way asking questions about the world - or can it also be a way of life itself? Can it answer the ultimate question: what is the meaning of life?What next?Multiple mysteriesFamous Philosophers