Roots of wisdom (5th Instructor’s Edition)

Specifications

Book Description

“Roots of Wisdom” by Helen Buss Mitchell is a renowned textbook that delves into various philosophical and cultural perspectives from around the world. Here's an overview of the content typically covered in this fifth edition, Instructor's Edition:

1. Introduction to Philosophy: The book begins by introducing students to the study of philosophy, its history, and its importance in critical thinking and understanding the world.
2. Ancient Philosophical Traditions: It explores the foundational ideas of ancient philosophical traditions, including those of Greek, Chinese, Indian, and African cultures. Students learn about key figures such as Socrates, Confucius, Buddha, and others, and their contributions to philosophy.
3. Ethics and Morality: The text examines various ethical theories and moral philosophies, including virtue ethics, deontology, utilitarianism, and relativism. Students explore different approaches to determining what is right and wrong, good and bad.
4. Metaphysics and Epistemology: It delves into metaphysical questions about the nature of reality, existence, and being, as well as epistemological inquiries into knowledge, truth, and justification. Students learn about different metaphysical and epistemological perspectives, such as realism, idealism, empiricism, and rationalism.
5. Philosophy of Religion: The book discusses philosophical questions related to religion, faith, and spirituality. Students explore arguments for the existence of God, the problem of evil, religious experiences, and the relationship between faith and reason.
6. Political Philosophy: It covers political theories and ideologies, including liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and feminism. Students examine concepts such as justice, equality, freedom, and the role of government in society.
7. Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art: The text explores philosophical inquiries into beauty, art, and aesthetics. Students learn about different theories of art and aesthetic experience, as well as the nature of artistic creativity and expression.
8. Contemporary Philosophical Issues: It addresses contemporary philosophical debates and challenges, such as those related to technology, environmental ethics, globalization, and social justice. Students engage with current issues and apply philosophical principles to analyze and evaluate them.
9. Critical Thinking Exercises and Discussions: Throughout the book, students are presented with critical thinking exercises, discussion questions, and thought experiments to help them develop their analytical and reasoning skills.

“Roots of Wisdom” provides students with a comprehensive introduction to philosophy, offering a rich exploration of diverse philosophical traditions and perspectives. Through engaging content and thought-provoking exercises, the book encourages students to think critically, reflect deeply, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.