Philosophy: The Basics

A compact textbook introduction to the main areas of Western philosophy, first published in 1992 and revised through several editions. Warburton's aim is to set out the standard arguments on each topic together with the strongest objections, so that readers learn to weigh the reasoning rather than memorise names. The fifth edition has chapters on God, right and wrong, animals, politics, appearance and reality, science, mind and art. Readers meet the design, first cause and ontological arguments and the problem of evil; consequentialism, Kantian duty and virtue theory; the moral status of animals; equality, democracy, freedom and civil disobedience; scepticism and theories of perception; induction and falsification; the mind-body problem and the problem of other minds; and attempts to define art. Each chapter ends with suggestions for further reading. The writing is plain and brisk, and the book suits anyone starting a course or wanting a short, even-handed overview.

It teaches the core arguments of philosophy in their simplest fair form, and gives a beginner the vocabulary to follow any first course or discussion.