Philosophy for Dummies

Philosophy at its best is an activity more than a body of knowledge. In an ancient sense, done right, it is a healing art. It's intellectual self-defense. It's a form of therapy. But it's also much more. Philosophy is map-making for the soul, cartography for the human journey. It's an important navigational tool for life that too many modern people try to do without."Philosophy For Dummies" is for anyone who has ever entertained a question about life and this world. In a conversational tone, the book's author - a modern-day scholar and lecturer - brings the greatest wisdom of the past into the challenges that we face now. This refreshingly different guide explains philosophical fundamentals and explores some of the strangest and deepest questions ever posed to human beings, such asHow do we know anything?What does the word "good" mean?Are we ever really free?Do human beings have souls?Is there life after death?Is there a God?Is happiness really possible in our world?This book is chock full of all those questions you may have long wanted to think about and talk with someone about, but have never had the time or opportunity to tackle head on. "Philosophy For Dummies" invites you to discuss the issues you find in the guide, share perspectives, and compare thoughts and feelings with someone you respect. You'll find lots of material to mull over with your friends or spouse, including thoughts onWhen to doubt, and when to doubt our doubtsThe universal demand for evidence and proofThe four dimensions of human experienceArguments for materialismFear of the process of dyingPrayers and small miraclesMoral justification for allowing evilThe ancient philosopher Socrates (fifth century, B.C.) thought that, when it comes to the Ultimate Questions, we all start off as dummies. But if we are humbly aware of how little we actually know, then we can really begin to learn. "Philosophy For Dummies" will put you on the path to wising up as you steer through the experience called life.