u50fd74c2-1985-50d2-b696-6e6db730c003">
THIS IS PHILOSOPHY
Series editor: Steven D. Hales
Reading philosophy can be like trying to ride a bucking bronco–you hold on for dear life while “transcendental deduction” twists you to one side, “causa sui” throws you to the other, and a 300‐word, 300‐year‐old sentence comes down on you like an iron‐shod hoof the size of a dinner plate. This Is Philosophy is the riding academy that solves these problems. Each book in the series is written by an expert who knows how to gently guide students into the subject regardless of the reader’s ability or previous level of knowledge. Their reader‐friendly prose is designed to help students find their way into the fascinating, challenging ideas that compose philosophy without simply sticking the hapless novice on the back of the bronco, as so many texts do. All the books in the series provide ample pedagogical aids, including links to free online primary sources. When students are ready to take the next step in their philosophical education, This Is Philosophy is right there with them to help them along the way.
This Is Philosophy, 2nd edition
Steven D. Hales
This Is Philosophy of Mind
Pete Mandik
This Is Ethics
Jussi Suikkanen
This Is Political Philosophy
Alex Tuckness and Clark Wolf
This Is Business Ethics
Tobey Scharding
This Is Metaphysics
Kris McDaniel
This Is Bioethics
Ruth F. Chadwick and Udo Schuklenk
This Is Epistemology
Adam Carter and Clayton Littlejohn
This Is Philosophy of Religion
Neil Manson
Forthcoming:
This Is Philosophy of Mind, 2nd edition
Pete Mandik
This is Environmental Ethics
Wendy Lee
THIS IS PHILOSOPHY
AN INTRODUCTION, SECOND EDITION
STEVEN D. HALES
Second Edition
This edition first published 2021
© 2021 John Wiley & Sons, Inc
Edition History
Second Edition © 2021 John Wiley & Sons, Inc
First Edition © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Inc
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, except as permitted by law. Advice on how to obtain permission to reuse material from this title is available at http://www.wiley.com/go/permissions.
The right of Steven D Hales to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted in accordance with law.
Registered Office
John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA
Editorial Office
John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA
For details of our global editorial offices, customer services, and more information about Wiley products visit us at www.wiley.com.
Wiley also publishes its books in a variety of electronic formats and by print-on-demand. Some content that appears in standard print versions of this book may not be available in other formats.
Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty
The contents of this work are intended to further general scientific research, understanding, and discussion only and are not intended and should not be relied upon as recommending or promoting scientific method, diagnosis, or treatment by physicians for any particular patient. In view of ongoing research, equipment modifications, changes in governmental regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to the use of medicines, equipment, and devices, the reader is urged to review and evaluate the information provided in the package insert or instructions for each medicine, equipment, or device for, among other things, any changes in the instructions or indication of usage and for added warnings and precautions. While the publisher and authors have used their best efforts in preparing this work, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this work and specifically disclaim all warranties, including without limitation any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives, written sales materials or promotional statements for this work. The fact that an organization, website, or product is referred to in this work as a citation and/or potential source of further information does not mean that the publisher and authors endorse the information or services the organization, website, or product may provide or recommendations it may make. This work is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering professional services. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a specialist where appropriate. Further, readers should be aware that websites listed in this work may have changed or disappeared between when this work was written and when it is read. Neither the publisher nor authors shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Hales, Steven D., author.
Title: This is philosophy: an introduction / Steven D. Hales.
Description: Second edition. | Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, [2021] | Series: This is philosophy | Includes bibliographical references and index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2020047567 (print) | LCCN 2020047568 (ebook) | ISBN 9781119635536 (paperback) | ISBN 9781119635543 (pdf) | ISBN9781119635550 (epub)
Subjects: LCSH: Philosophy–Introductions.
Classification: LCC BD21 .H223 2021 (print) | LCC BD21 (ebook) | DDC 100–dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020047567
LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020047568
Cover image: [Production Editor to insert]
Cover design by [Production Editor to insert]
Set in 10.5/13pt Minion Pro by Integra Software Services, Pondicherry, India
For