Philosophy: All That Matters

Description: In this book: "Philosophy is like fish: best presented without too much adornment; hard to get just right and easy to ruin." What's the point of it all? In Philosophy: All That Matters, bestselling philosopher Julian Baggini shows how abstract ideas feed into the most important existential questions of all. He tells the story of Philosophy, bringing together and interlinking all its different areas, to create what is perhaps the first non-historical narrative of the subject -- one that takes you right to its heart. It places philosophy firmly at the centre of what makes us human. From ethics and metaphysics, to the philosophy of science and religion, Baggini explains what makes us different to other species, why philosophy lies at the heart of that difference, and why that matters. This accessible and readable book will appeal to both students and general readers, giving a fascinating taste of philosophy -- and what matters most within it. The All That Matters series: All That Matters books: All books in the All That Matters series are written by world experts in their subject field. These experts work to distil a topic and get right to its heart, making the book accessible for both students and general readers. Each compelling book contains new and interesting perspectives and tells stories that matter. The Author: "one of our most lucid and accessible popularisers of philosophy" Julian Baggini is a philosopher, author and journalist, who was recently named on the Observer's list of Britain's top public intellectuals. His doctorate was from University College London on the philosophy of personal identity, and his books have been published globally and translated into twelve languages. Baggini is widely regarded as one of our most lucid and accessible popularisers of philosophy. His work appears regularly in the Guardian, Prospect and the New Humanist, and he founder The Philosophers Magazine. Julian has also appeared as a character in an Alexander McCall Smith novel, and been the subject of a question in University Challenge. Keep up with Julian Baggini on his website or follow his Twitter account @microphilosophy. Other books in the All That Matters series: All That Matters - Interesting introductions to important issues Books on the following subjects are available from the All That Matters series: Muhammad, Water, Political Philosophy, Sustainability, God, Intelligence, Love, Russian Revolution, War, and Creativity.

Review: 'Written in a conversational and easy-to-read style in short chapters.' -- Blackpool Gazette 20120825 'The perfect starting point for anyone who is looking into exploring the subject.The questions it raises will stimulate thought and discussion, and give your brain a good workout for months and years to come.' -- Sunday Sun 20120826

Contents: 1. Is there such a thing as the truth and how can we know it? (Epistemology) 2. Can perception and language represent the world? (Epistemology and philosophy of language) 3. What is the fundamental nature of the universe? (Metaphysics) 4. Does science capture the nature of the cosmos (Philosophy of Science) 5. Is there a God or any divine purpose? (Philosophy of religion) 6. What kind of creatures are we? (Philosophical anthropology) 7. Why do we value the things that we do? (Aesthetics) 8. How should society be ordered? (Political philosophy) 9. How ought I to live? (Ethics) 10. The Meaning of Life

Author Biography: Julian Baggini is a philosopher, author and journalist, who was recently named on the Observer's list of Britain's top public intellectuals. His doctorate was from University College London on the philosophy of personal identity, and his books have been published globally and translated into twelve languages. Baggini is widely regarded as one of our most lucid and accessible popularises of philosophy. His work appears regularly in the Guardian, Prospect and the New Humanist, and he founder The Philosophers Magazine Julian has also appeared as a character in an Alexander McCall Smith novel, and been the subject of a question in University Challenge.