Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality

Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality expresses the thoughts of some historically influential thinkers on four key topics of philosophical interest. The first few readings address the issue of whether God exists; these passages contain some reasons for thinking that God exists, along with a famous reason for thinking otherwise. The next set of readings concern the issue of whether we have any free will. One might argue that much of our behavior is the result of factors beyond our control.

The environment in which we were raised greatly affects our behavior; non-conscious mental activity and genetic factors arguably also play a role. But if our actions are the results of factors such as these, which seem to some degree out of our control, then in what sense can those actions be considered “free?”

The purpose is not merely to introduce the reader to what some famous thinkers have said. By reflecting on the theories and arguments, one will be in a better position to decide for oneself how the questions should be answered. And even if we do not reach any definite conclusions, by reflecting on these passages and discussing them in class the main goal for an introduction will still be achieved, the goal of developing the basic logical and conceptual skills needed to effectively think through deep and significant issues on one’s own.