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. Discover how to apply ancient wisdom to your everyday life Brimming with great ideas that will rock your world "Like nobody else,Tom Morris brings the field of philosophy to life." — Paul K. Moser, Professor and Chairperson of Philosophy, Loyola University of Chicago If you think philosophy is complicated or boring, think again! In this refreshingly different guide, author Tom Morris not only explains philosophical fundamentals, but shows you how philosophy can help you find more meaning in life, understand religious belief, and look at the world in a whole new light. Praise for Tom Morris "Tom Morris is no dummy and I'm no philosopher, so we're probably a matched set for his wonderful exercise in unraveling some of life's most elusive and enduring mysteries. Read it and grow wise!" — Ken Schanzer, President, NBC Sports Discover how to:

• Think about life's ultimate questions
• Apply the insights of great philosophers
• Develop your own personal philosophy
• Expand your mind

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 as* How 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 on* When to doubt, and when to doubt our doubts* The universal demand for evidence and proof* The four dimensions of human experience* Arguments for materialism* Fear of the process of dying* Prayers and small miracles* Moral justification for allowing evil The 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.