Open Questions, An Introduction to Philosophy (Review)

Introduction

Open questions; an introduction to philosophy is written by Emmett Barcalow and discuss in detail the thought provoking issues related to individual and society. The third edition of the book has a new introductory chapter regarding personal identity, including new text material about realism, perception, justification and anti-realism (Barcalow, 2000). In addition, the new edition gives information about subfield of philosophy, new text on reflective equilibrium, a section on how to attain self -knowledge, and provide further insights on the equal rights and justification of mortality. In addition, it covers analysis of Feinberg's four liberty limiting principles and adds up the ideas, St. Augustine, Rahula, Sartre, Russell Constant, Rousseau, and other prominent philosophers (Barcalow, 2000).

Review

The philosophical book written by Emmett Barcalow discusses the fundamental issues related to philosophy which prompts to think proactively and critically analyze the reason for human existence and their relationship with society. The book persuade its readers to think and ask themselves questions such as does God really exists , what is the meaning of human existence, is there life after death, and what is the difference between right and wrong and many more. The twelve chapters written by the author for this book initiate debate on these issues in order to arrive to a mutually agreed definition or solution of these complex questions (Barcalow, 2000).

Barcalow uses the theories of highly acclaimed philosophers and free minded thinkers in every chapter to provide the reader the alternative answers that has the potential to open their mindset and see the picture from its entire angle. In this book, writers such as Charles Darwin, Mahatma Gandhi, and Benjamin Franklin give their views on the existence of God and individual free will; Plato's views on the relationship between mind and body; Immanuel Kant's and Mills theories on the difference between right and wrong. As the students read through the text, they will be able to gain the ability to think for freely and critically and decide for themselves which theories are among the most reasonable and rational (Barcalow, 2000).

According to Barcalow, philosophy is not just another social sciences subject; it is a roadmap through which the humanity would be able to understand the reason for its existence including its role in society. Philosophy allows the individual the capability to think freely and use h/her own senses to arrive at a lucid solution. Unlike religion, ...