Can God's existence be proven by logic?  Are computers smart enough to follow rules — or to cheat?  What is an out-of-body experience?  How can tables be solid when physicists say they're made of subatomic particles that are only probability functions?  Does science depend on trust?  What is conscience?  Does it come from God?  From religious teaching?  Social training?  Is it rational to pursue your own self-interest?  Can we all survive if we do this?

In this collection of stories and dialogues Trudy Govier shows how these old and new philosophical questions arise, and offers imaginative and striking depictions of some of the theories and arguments they have inspired.

Comments:

"an excellent supplementary text for introductory courses in Philosophy." —Nicholas Caste, University of North Carolina

“takes the reader into the heart of long-standing and knotty philosophical questions, and does this without sacrificing either readability or accuracy.  Govier's success is really very striking.” —Terence Penelhum, University of Calgary

"should rivet anyone's attention... presented in a lively, original way." —Jack Ornstein, Concordia University

"brings back to life the eloquence and vividness of dialogue in philosophy." —Juan Godoy, Saint Louis University

Trudy Govier is the author of three other philosophical books, including A Practical Study of Argument ( Wadsworth).

Supplementary Materials: [Back to Top]

Academics please note: A supplementary "Ten Philosophical Questions" booklet is available for this title. This material is included with all examination copies.

Table of Contents: [Back to Top]

Can Computers Cheat

The Sperm, the Worm, and Free Will

God, the Devil, and the Perfect Pizza

My Brilliant Mathematical Career

What Makes Selves?

Roomates In Space

Conscience

A Sequence of Events

            The Fable of the Jewels

            The Game of the Golden Pieces

            The Overhanging Cloud

Notes