In this cogent and accessible introduction to philosophy, the distinguished author of Mortal Questions and The View From Nowhere sets forth the central problems of philosophical inquiry. Arguing that the best way to learn about philosophy is to think about its questions directly, Thomas Nagel considers possible solutions to nine perennial questions--Do we really have free will? Why should we be moral? What is the relation between our minds and our brains? Is there life after death? Do our lives really matter, and does it matter if they don't matter? Although he states his own opinions clearly, Nagel leaves these fundamental questions open, allowing students to entertain other solutions and encouraging them to think for themselves. Ideal for all introductory courses in philosophy or as a guide for anyone with an inquiring mind, What Does It All Mean? provokes readers to reflect on themselves and on the world around them.
Reviews
"A very well written book...great for introducing the topics to an intro-level class. It touches on key issues and brings up the relevant points, yet all in relatively short and easy-to-understand chapters. Would be a great supplement for a course in metaphysics." --Jack Bowen, DeAnza College
"An excellent introduction; it introduces students to some of the important philosophical questions without overwhelming them with terminology or history." --Jason A. Beyer, College of Lake County
"A phenomenal amount of material in a tiny book coupled with humor." --Joan Anderson, Orange Coast College, CA
"A good philosophy book for neophytes. It is penetrable for the beginner and comprehensive enough to elucidate a spectrum of traditional philosophic issues." --David Wolf, SUNY at Albany
"A good, clearly interesting book to use for an Introduction to Philosophy course. Thomas Nagel has done a fine job." --Stephen Joseph, Framingham State College
"This little book by Nagel is quite simply the best introduction to philosophy ." --Graham Oddie, University of Colorado at Boulder
About the Author
Thomas Nagel is Professor of Philosophy and Law at New York University and the author of The Last World (OUP, 1997), Other Minds: Critical Essays 1969:1994 (OUP, 1995), Equality and Partiality (OUP, 1991), The View From Nowhere (OUP, 1986), Mortal Questions, and The Possibility of Altruism.
