Cover title: Philosophy for life : the iseas that shape our world and how to use them

Introduction: thinking to enhance your life -- The what and how of knowing -- Existentialism, integrity and happiness -- The philosophy of science -- Language and communication -- Minds, bodies and brains -- Art and creativity -- The philosophy of religion -- Ethics -- Political philosophy -- The philosophy of everything

Philosophy for life is the definitive introduction to the history of Western thought, but more than that, it is a toolkit for using philosophy in your daily life.As you read, you will develop your own critical and creative thinking, exploring the key ideas in Western Philosophy and the arguments that continue to shape our world. You will discover what philosophy is really about, learn to be a skeptic, meet Plato and Aristotle, explore the concept of mind, question free will, use philosophy to be happy, find out about Marx and materialism, see how philosophy relates to everything from comics to coffee, and ask whether god exists.Philosophy is a life-tool, a set of skills for engaging with any subject, and in Philosophy For Life, you will discover a body of wisdom and a way to develop your own critical and creative thinking

First published in 1995, and, previously published as: Teach yourself understand philosophy

Includes index