Reflections on Philosophy: Introductory Essays

A fine beginning in philosophy for the beginning student:Professors McHenry and Yagisawa have done a wonderful job in securing the talents of many esteemed thinkers.Each chapter is written by an expert in that particular area of philosophy.McHenry's own article on "Metaphysics" is a concise and valuable contribution to the literature.The chapter on "Aesthetics" is an excellent summary and presentation of a difficult issue.This book can be used as a "core text" for thematically-oriented introductory courses or as a supplement to the major works in historical or primary-source type intro. courses.As promised,the book helps beginning students to actually go ahead and "do" philosophy rather than merely learn information about the subject-matter of philosophy.It must also be noted that several of the articles contain little gems of wisdom that are worthwhile for the professor or the advanced student of philosophy as well as for the nonmajor.The book cuts across the normal Anglo-American vs. Continental divide,and can also be used as a back-up resource for Ethics courses and Social/Political Philosophy courses.For professors who must teach complex or advanced ideas to students who have not been required to fulfill prerequistes( such as Introduction to Philosophy),this text fills in the gaps in students' knowledge.This book is an excellent self-study guide for educated laypersons.