Problems in Epistemology and Metaphysics takes a pro and con approach to two central philosophical topics.
Each chapter begins with a question: Can We Have Knowledge? How are Beliefs Justified? What is the mind? Contemporary philosophers with opposing viewpoints are then paired together to argue their position and raise problems with conflicting standpoints. Alongside an up-to-date introduction to a core philosophical stance, each contributor provides a critical response to their opponent and clear explanation of their view.
Discussion questions are included at the end of each chapter to guide further discussion.
With chapters covering core questions surrounding religious beliefs, scientific knowledge, truth, being and reality, this is a comprehensive introduction to debates lying at the heart of what we know, how we know it and the nature of the world we live in.
Edited by:
Professor Steven B. Cowan
Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 234mm,
Width: 156mm,
Weight: 634g
ISBN: 9781350016064
ISBN 10: 1350016063
Pages: 416
Publication Date: 06 February 2020
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
List of Contributors Acknowledgements Introduction, Steven B. Cowan Part I: Problems in Epistemology Introduction to Part One, Steven B. Cowan 1. Can We Have Knowledge? We Can Know, Michael Huemer We Can’t Know, Markus Lammenranta Responses: Lammenranta’s Response to Huemer Huemer’s Response to Lammenranta 2. How Are Beliefs Justified? Beliefs Can Be Justified by Experience, Daniel Howard-Snyder Beliefs Are Justified by Coherence, Kevin McCain and Ted Poston Responses: McCain’s and Poston’s Response to Howard-Snyder Howard-Snyder’s Response to McCain and Poston 3. Must the Grounds of Knowledge Be Accessible to the Knower? The Grounds of Knowledge Must Be Accessible, Ali Hasan The Grounds of Knowledge Need Not Be Accessible, Stephen Hetherington Responses: Hetherington’s Response to Hasan Hasan’s Response to Hetherington 4. Do Religious Beliefs Require Evidence? Religious Beliefs Require Evidence, Trent Dougherty Religious Beliefs Don’t Require Evidence, Thomas D. Senor Responses: Senor’s Response to Dougherty Dougherty’s Response to Senor 5. Can Science Discover the Truth about Reality? Science Discovers the Truth about Reality, Stathis Psillos Science Does Not Discover the Truth about Reality, Darrell P. Rowbottom Responses: Rowbottom’s Response to Psillos Psillos’s Response to Rowbottom 6. Are Scientific Explanations Limited to Natural Causes? Scientific Explanations Are Limited to Natural Causes, Robert C. Bishop Scientific Explanations Are Not Limited to Natural Causes, Bruce L. Gordon Responses: Gordon’s Response to Bishop Bishop’s Response to Gordon Essay Suggestions For Further Reading Part II: Problems in Metaphysics Introduction to Part II, Steven B. Cowan 7. Are There Universals? There Are Universals, Paul Gould There Are No Universals, Guido Imaguire Responses: Imaguire’s Response to Gould Gould’s Response to Imaguire 8. What Is the Mind? The Mind is Material, Andrew Melnyk The Mind is Immaterial, Charles Taliaferro Responses: Taliaferro’s Response to Melnyk Melnyk’s Response to Taliaferro 9. Is Freedom Compatible with Determinism? Freedom Is Not Compatible with Determinism, Christopher Franklin Freedom Is Compatible with Determinism, Steven B. Cowan Responses: Cowan’s Response to Franklin Franklin’s Response to Cowan 10. Does God Exist? God Exists, Joshua Rasmussen God Does Not Exist, Bruce Russell Responses: Russell’s Response to Rasmussen Rasmussen’s Response to Russell Essay Suggestions For Further Reading Index
Steven B. Cowan is Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Religion and Director of the Philosophy and Religion Program at Lincoln Memorial University, USA.
Reviews for Problems in Epistemology and Metaphysics: An Introduction to Contemporary Debates
Cowan’s text is a one-stop shop for introductory philosophy instructors and students, featuring both excerpts from classic philosophical texts and contemporary discussions which will bring students up to speed on the current state of each debate. This unique format reinforces for readers the fact that to study philosophy is to enter into a conversation as long as human history itself. * James S. Spiegel, Professor of Philosophy and Religion, Taylor University, USA * Epistemology and Metaphysics are the spinal cord of current analytic philosophy: distinct but not divided. So it’s a great idea of Steve Cowan’s to arrange a team of philosophers to hold critical conversations on these main topics. He has assembled an interesting team of philosophers, some well-known, others new, and their efforts will enlighten many students. * Paul Helm, Emeritus Professor of the History and Philosophy of Religion, King’s College London, UK *
