Philosophy Matters An Introduction to Philosophy

Written for those who may be approaching the subject for the first time, Philosophy Matters shows that philosophy is crucial in questioning our presuppositions, and for helping us to establish our own beliefs about the nature of the world. Anyone with an interest in the underlying philosophical origins of popular notions about reality is encouraged to read this book. Asserting that all too often we take ideas for granted, it shows how even common sense depends on the philosophy of previous generations. Philosophy Matters takes on the task of confronting and elucidating the important philosophical issues that play their part in guiding our lives today. In the process, it also shows that philosophy is not a sterile intellectual pursuit, but a particularly relevant and practical tool to be used in gaining knowledge of ourselves and our place in the world.

Roger Trigg is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Warwick. He is Chairman of the United Kingdom National Committee for Philosophy, representing all British philosophy departments. He is the author of many books and articles, including Rationality and Science (Blackwell 1993), Rationality and Religion (Blackwell 1998), Ideas of Human Nature (second edition, Blackwell 1999) and Understanding Social Science (second edition, Blackwell 2000).