The primary objective in writing Fundamentals of Western Philosophy was to identify the foundational ideas of Western Philosophy and present them in a language and format that would be easily understood by undergraduates and the reading public. Most of the ideas proposed and explained in this book form the content of general introductory textbooks of philosophy. However, the book introduces not only philosophers rarely treated in introductory courses but is also primarily based on the very works of the philosophers themselves. It aims indeed to relate, in as faithful a manner as possible, the main ideas of Western Philosophy and the arguments that sustain them as expounded by their main exponents and based on their most representative texts. Where possible. they are reported in a chronological order. Where it has not been feasible to do so, they have been divided first into their respective schools of thought before presenting them chronologically.
Preface
Chapter One Conception and Branches of Philosophy
Conceptions of Philosophy
The Branches of Philosophy.
Chapter Two Definitions and Arguments
Terms
Argument
Chapter Three Being and Realty
The Question of Being
The Nature of Reality
Chapter Four Conceptions and Existence of God
Conceptions of God
Proofs for the Existence of God
Chapter Five Mind and Freedom
Mind and Body
Freedom of Will
Chapter Six Knowledge and Truth
Knowledge
Truth
Chapter Seven Moral Sense and Right Conduct
The Moral Sense
Right Conduct
Chapter Eight State and Justice
The State
Authority
Property
Justice
Chapter Nine Beauty and Art
Beauty
Art
Epilogue The Value of Philosophy
Suggested Reading
Postscript on the Philosophers
Index