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What is knowledge? How does it differ from mere belief? Do you need to be able to justify a claim in order to count as knowing it? Knowledge: A Very Short Introduction considers these epistemological questions alongside new puzzles arising from recent discoveries about humanity, language, and the mind. It explains the formation of major historical theories of knowledge, and shows how contemporary philosophers have developed new ways of understanding knowledge, using ideas from logic, linguistics, and psychology. Covering topics ranging from relativism and the problem of scepticism to the trustworthiness of internet sources, this VSI uses everyday examples to explain the key issues and debates.Less

Objectivity: A Very Short Introduction explores the theoretical and practical problems of objectivity by assessing the basic questions raised by it. Is objectivity possible? Can there be objectivity in matters of morals, or tastes? Objectivity is both an essential and elusive philosophical concept. An account is considered to be objective if it attempts to capture the nature of the object studied without judgement of a conscious entity or subject. It is far from clear that we can resolve moral or aesthetic disputes in this way. Such an approach is not always appropriate for disciplines that deal with human, rather than natural, phenomena.Less

Reality: A Very Short Introduction discusses what reality is by looking at a variety of arguments, theories, and thought-experiments from philosophy, physics, and cognitive science. ‘What is real?’ is a key question of philosophy, one that has made its way into popular culture. It is asked by scientists investigating whether the fundamental constituents of matter are actually ‘out there’ or just an abstraction from a theory. Cognitive scientists ask it when trying to find out which set of the bewildering array of data processed by our brain could constitute the basis for such supposedly fundamental entities like the free agent or the self.Less

Thought: A Very Short Introduction looks at the nature of thought. Beginning with questions about what thought is and what distinguishes it from other kinds of mental states, it examines various interpretations of thought from philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, and anthropology. There is no denying that thinking comes naturally to human beings. There are many things we know and don't know about thoughts. How is thought realized in the brain? Does thinking occur in public or is it a purely private affair? Do young children and non-human animals think? Is human thought the same everywhere, or are there culturally specific modes of thought? What is the relationship between thought and language? What kind of responsibility do we have for our thoughts?Less