Cognella Academic Publishing Introduction to Philosophy: Themes for Classroom and Reflection

Introduction to Philosophy: Themes for Classroom and Reflection is a series of original essays that span the breadth of topics commonly discussed in the college classroom. Designed to serve as conversation starters, the essays take a reconciliatory approach to controversial issues while still challenging students to think beyond commonly held positions. The essays are grouped by theme into chapters on metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, metaethics, professional ethics, social and political morality, sexuality, faith and the supernatural, and aesthetics. Topics range from the theoretical in essays on whether or not democracy is possible and the direct perception of reality, to the social in a writing on bilingual education, to the potentially personal in a work on the purpose of sex. New in this edition are essays in multiple themes on topics such as natural explanation, the meaning of “truth,” the case for an organismic community, and the dangers of wealth. Introduction to Philosophy successfully avoids being polemic while still encouraging students to engage in considered debate on difficult subjects. The book is designed for use in introductory philosophy and ethics classes, and can also serve as a reader for philosophically-based discussion groups. Brian D. Skelly earned a Ph.D. in philosophy at the University of Massachusetts, a Ph.L. in philosophy at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, and a bachelor’s in anthropology at Michigan State University. Dr. Skelly is a faculty member at the University of Hartford, West Hartford, Connecticut where he teaches introductory philosophy, ethical problems, and organizational ethics. He also serves as faculty advisor to the University of Hartford philosophy club, an institution open to students, faculty, and members of the community. In addition, he teaches introductory philosophy and anthropology and critical thinking at American International College.