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1. The free will problem
Thomas Pink
in Free Will: A Very Short Introduction
‘The free will problem’ explores a dilemma which has puzzled philosophers for centuries. Common sense dictates that we can control our actions, but can we? The answer lies in understanding ...
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Philosophy of Biology: A Very Short Introduction
Samir Okasha
Philosophy of Biology: A Very Short Introduction outlines the core issues with which contemporary philosophers of biology grapple. Over the last forty years the philosophy of ...
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2. Freedom as free will
Thomas Pink
in Free Will: A Very Short Introduction
‘Freedom as free will’ examines the link between freedom and reason. Most animals lack the capacity for freedom of action. They can have desires and purposeful actions, but they lack the ...
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4. Why be agnostic?
Robin Le Poidevin
in Agnosticism: A Very Short Introduction
‘Why be agnostic?’ examines a number of case studies which illustrate the ambiguity of the arguments for and against the God hypothesis. How do we explain intelligence, the existence of ...
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4. Necessity: do causes guarantee their effects?
Stephen Mumford and Rani Lill Anjum
in Causation: A Very Short Introduction
‘Necessity: do causes guarantee their effects?’ explains what is meant by necessity and contingency. David Hume considered necessity as a possible fourth element to the idea of cause, ...
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Seven threats to ethics
Simon Blackburn
in Ethics: A Very Short Introduction
‘Seven threats to ethics’ looks at ideas that destabilize us when we think about standards of choice and conduct: the death of God; relativism; egosim; evolutionary theory; determinism and ...
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Consciousness: A Very Short Introduction (2nd edn)
Susan Blackmore
Consciousness is ‘the last great mystery for science’. How can a physical brain create our experience of the world? What creates our identity? Do we really have free will? Could ...
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2. The concept of God
Tim Bayne
in Philosophy of Religion: A Very Short Introduction
Religions differ widely in their conceptions of God’s nature, from God as a unity to God as a triune and God as a supernatural being or the totality of all that there is. ‘The concept of ...
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5. The problem of evil
Tim Bayne
in Philosophy of Religion: A Very Short Introduction
Evil represents the most serious challenge to belief in God. Philosophers of religion typically distinguish between two versions of the problem of evil: the logical and the evidential ...
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3. Free choice
Henry Chadwick
in Augustine: A Very Short Introduction
In 387, Augustine began his treatise on the origins of evil and free choice. He put strong emphasis on the will. Virtue depends on right and rational choices, so happiness lies in loving ...
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9. The law
E. P. Sanders
in Paul: A Very Short Introduction
Paul wrote different things about the law depending on circumstances. ‘The law’ clearly illustrates that Paul did not have a single theology of the law. Four contexts in which the law ...
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5. The religions of Abraham: Muslim understandings of God
John Bowker
in God: A Very Short Introduction
‘The religions of Abraham: Muslim understandings of God’ looks at Islam, which began historically with the life and work of Muhammad (570–632). From the Muslim point of view Islam began ...
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Free Will: A Very Short Introduction
Thomas Pink
Free Will: A Very Short Introduction asks: Are our choices really free? Every day we seem to make and act upon all kinds of free choices. Are these choices ours, or are we ...
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8. The evolution of consciousness
Susan Blackmore
in Consciousness: A Very Short Introduction (2nd edn)
‘The evolution of consciousness’ begins with two questions. First, which living creatures are conscious and in what way? Secondly, when and how did consciousness evolve? Consciousness could ...
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6. Conscious will
Susan Blackmore
in Consciousness: A Very Short Introduction (2nd edn)
Do we have free will? ‘Conscious will’ considers this question and shows that the issue raises strong feelings because freedom implies responsibility. Part of the problem lies with ...
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2. The adviser to princes
Quentin Skinner
in Machiavelli: A Very Short Introduction (2nd edn)
‘The adviser to princes’ considers The Prince, completed in 1513, but not published until 1532. Machiavelli wrote it partly to recommend himself to the new Medici rulers of Florence. The ...
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