Core Questions in Philosophy

Elliott Sober author Joel Velasco author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:11th Dec '25

Should be back in stock very soon

This paperback is available in another edition too:

Core Questions in Philosophy cover

In this 9th edition of Core Questions in Philosophy, Elliott Sober and Joel Velasco use an engaging lecture-style format to show students how philosophy is best used to evaluate many different kinds of arguments and to construct sound theories. Well-known historical texts are discussed, not as a means to honor the dead or merely to describe what various philosophers have thought, but to engage with, criticize, and even improve ideas from the past. In addition - because philosophy cannot function apart from its engagement with the wider society - traditional and contemporary philosophical problems are brought into dialogue with the physical, biological, and social sciences. Text boxes highlight key concepts, and review questions, discussion questions, and a glossary of terms are also included.

Core Questions in Philosophy has served as a premier introductory textbook for three decades, with updates to each new edition.

Key updates to this 9th edition include:

  • A new concluding chapter on the meaning of life
  • The integration of non-Western thinkers throughout the book
  • Expanded discussions on utilitarianism, virtue ethics, free will, and epistemology
  • Updated material from philosophy and empirical research throughout

Revisions to the online list of recommended resources include:

  • Additional recommendations of supplementary readings, with updated source links to all reading material
  • New recommended videos and podcasts, all organized by their relevance to each chapter in the book
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Praise for the previous editions:

"A really excellent introduction to philosophy does the following: meets the student at their level, then takes them up a notch, and approaches traditional topics in unique and interesting ways. This book does those things."

-- Fred Adams, University of Delaware

ISBN: 9781032794259

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 700g

360 pages

9th edition