Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions S.)

Shows that Continental philosophy encompasses a distinct set of philosophical traditions and practices. This book discusses the ideas and approaches of various philosophers, and introduces key concepts such as existentialism, nihilism, and phenomenology, by explaining their place in the Continental tradition.

Aims to explain the differences between advanced mathematics, and the sort of mathematics learnt at school. The first few chapters are about general aspects of mathematical thought. These are followed by discussions of specific topics, and this book closes with a chapter answering common sociological questions about the mathematical community.

An introduction to modern formal logic, this book explores the philosophical roots of the subject, explaining how it deals with issues ranging from the existence of God and the reality of time, to paradoxes of probability and decision theory. Each chapter takes some philosophical problem, and explains how it may be handled in modern logic.

Starting with a visit to the British Museum, the authors prompt us to consider the significance of Classics as a means of discovery and enquiry, its value in terms of literature, philosophy, and culture, and its importance as a source of imagery.

Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951) was a philospher, whose influence on 20th-century thinking goes well beyond philosophy itself. This work explains the nature and impact of Wittgenstein's views, and describes both his early and later philosophy, the differences and connections between them. It also gives an assessment of his influence on thought.

Psychology is part of everyone's experience, it influences the way we think about everything. This book provides an understanding of some of psychology's leading ideas, and their practical relevance, making it useful for those interested in understanding the human mind.

Provides an overview of the main themes of contemporary philosophy of science. Beginning with a short history of science, this book goes on to investigate the nature of scientific reasoning, scientific explanation, revolutions in science, and theories, such as realism and anti-realism. It also looks at philosophical issues in particular sciences.

Providing a non-technical introduction to cosmology, this work explains what it is and what cosmologists do. It also discusses the history of the subject, the development of the Big Bang theory, and the speculative issues like quantum cosmology, superstrings, and dark matter.

Discusses the development of politics from the ancient world to the twentieth century. The author prompts the reader to consider why political systems evolve, how politics offers both power and order in the society, whether democracy is always a good thing, and what future politics may have in the twenty-first century.

A look at architecture that helps us to understand the cultural significance of the buildings that surround us. This book uses the approach that gives an idea of what it is about buildings that moves us, and what it is that makes them important artistically and culturally.