The Handy Philosophy Answer Book

by Naomi Zack Ph.D.

Overview

Plato, Aristotle, Nietzsche, Sartre, and many more. Who were they? What did they say? Why should we care? How did changing philosophical thought affect the history of civilization? How does philosophy affect pop culture, politics and government, and our everyday lives?

Combining a basic history of philosophical thought with the often quirky personal stories of famous philosophers, The Handy Philosophy Answer Book introduces the reader to the world of philosophy. This comprehensive survey analyzes the collective effort of philosophers throughout history in the pursuit of truth and wisdom. It explores the tangible significance of philosophical thought to modern society and civilization as a whole, and answers more than 1,000 questions, including …

What was the Enlightenment?

Why did the Pythagorians avoid fava beans?

How was Skepticism related to the scientific revolution?

Was Søren Kierkegaard’s life “cursed”?

How did philosopher A. J. Ayer defeat professional heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson?

What are the current trends in philosophy and how are they related to feminism, environmentalism, and African American studies?

How is Confucianism relevant to contemporary Western philosophy?

The Handy Philosophy Answer Book explains philosophical fundamentals. It looks at the various schools of thought. It explores the deep—and sometimes odd—questions posed by philosophers. This comprehensive survey brings us the lives and the impacts of philosophy's greatest thinkers. With more than 130 photos and illustrations, this tome is richly illustrated, and its helpful bibliography and extensive index add to its usefulness.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781578592265
Publisher:	Visible Ink Press
Publication date:	01/01/2010
Series:	The Handy Answer Book Series
Pages:	504
Product dimensions:	7.20(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Naomi Zack received her Ph.D. in Philosophy from Columbia University, NY. She has taught at the Universityat Albany, State University of New York and is currently Professor of Philosophy at the University of Oregon.

Professor Zack regularly teaches courses in the History of Philosophy, Ethics, Feminism, Existentialism, Philosophy of Science, and Race. She is widely published in these fields. Her recent publications include Philosophy of Science and Race; Inclusive Feminism; Thinking about Race; and Ethics for Disaster. Naomi Zack's hometown is Eugene, OR

Editorial Reviews

"Naomi Zack introduces the world of philosophy to young readers and general readers in an easy-to-use question-and-answer format. The book is recommended for high school libraries and public libraries. It would be of interest to the casual reader with a general interest in philosophy."— American Reference Books

"Whether one is seeking a quick overview of the history of philosophy, a period, a person, or a school of thought—or building one's philosophical vocabulary via the glossary—this book is a valuable introduction."— Booklist

"The writing is clear and easy to read, and the inclusion of photographs and boxed sidebars adds visual appeal. Summing Up: Recommended."— Choice

"Written to be an accessible reference book, ... [t]he material is presented via brief answers to a series of questions."— ForeWord

"With a wide range of information suitable for various knowledge bases—from junior high to junior college—this is an ideal resource for anyone looking to get a better grasp of the history of thought."— Independent Publisher

From the Publisher

Written to be an accessible reference book, . . [t]he material is presented via brief answers to a series of questions.

ForeWord Reviews

Naomi Zack introduces the world of philosophy to young readers and general readers in an easy-to-use question-and-answer format. The book is recommended for high school libraries and public libraries. It would be of interest to the casual reader with a general interest in philosophy.

American Reference Books Annual

With a wide range of information suitable for various knowledge bases—from junior high to junior college—this is an ideal resource for anyone looking to get a better grasp of the history of thought.

Independent Publisher

Whether one is seeking a quick overview of the history of philosophy, a period, a person, or a school of thought—or building one’s philosophical vocabulary via the glossary—this book is a valuable introduction

Booklist

The writing is clear and easy to read, and the inclusion of photographs and boxed sidebars adds visual appeal. Summing Up: Recommended.

Choice