This is an introduction to philosophy which would be useful to either an intelligent teenager choosing A Level subjects, or an interested adult looking for a wide ranging look at different aspects of a very wide subject.

The book is an easy read with chapters laid out around topics that have questions and follow up ideas. There is plenty here for people to get caught up by and I liked the way it eases you into aspects of complicated philosophy while allowing you to follow at your own pace.

There is enough depth to be challenging without being patronising if you have some knowledge. A good gift for an intelligent friend who would use it as a starting point into the fascinating journey of philosophy.

I was given a copy of the book by NetGalley

This book offers a good introduction to an important and relevant subject. The author characterizes philosophy as an underpinning to how we understand ourselves and the world around us (in a continuous exploration).

The book is divided into ten sections. These include the principles of nature, knowledge, metaphysics, logic, ethics, language, mind, aesthetics, politics and religion. There is also a list of additional suggested readings.

The author writes in an approachable way. I like that each chapter begins with a section of questions to focus the reader’s attention. It is also nice that there are illustrations.

Readers can learn a lot from this title. Read in order or dip in based on your interests. Budding philosophers (and humans) take a look at this excellent introduction to the field. It is worth your time.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Arcturus Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

The Principles of Philosophy is an informative and interesting look at specific areas of philosophy and that it is presented in topic format rather than chronologically makes for an easier time absorbing the ideas. This book covers ten of the most consequential subfields within philosophy itself. Nature, Knowledge, Metaphysics, Logic, Ethics, Language, Mind, Aesthetics, Politics and Religion contain a wealth of philosophical knowledge. While some of these subjects, such as knowledge, might be considered more stereotypically philosophical, whereas others – for instance, religion – are not, we should note that philosophy is an analytical tool that can be applied to any field. In proceeding through the chapters it will become quite evident that different parts of philosophy share ambiguous boundaries with one another.

What seems like a question of logic may also be considered a problem for language, etc. This book is meant to provide an overview of ten different fields of philosophy. The overview centres on the idea of ‘principles’ and what is in mind are the central ideas and important pillars within the given field of philosophy. Within each chapter this is an intellectual task mostly split between the sections ‘History of Philosophy’, usually related through singular philosophers making significant contributions, and ‘Important Principles’, a section which isolates ideas important in their own right, whose details and influence merit special attention. Each chapter also includes a section of questions, which are intended both to motivate the discussion to follow and to provoke further consideration of the chapter’s themes.

Near the end of each chapter comes a section on ‘Principles of X and You’, intended to either make practical connections with the philosophical content or clarify the findings of the chapter. Finally, there is a list of summary points, to capture in brief the discussion of the chapter in a memorable way. Discover the pillars of philosophy and stoke your philosophical spirit with this understandable guide, featuring informative diagrams, helpful text boxes and captivating full-colour images. An easily readable and comprehensible tome which will appeal to both seasoned philosophy enthusiasts and beginners, with enough exposition and visual aids to make the text accessible to anyone who may wish to start or continue their philosophy journey. With its comprehensive coverage of the fundamental principles of philosophy, this guide is designed to not only give you a solid foundation but also spark your curiosity and passion for further exploration of this fascinating subject.