In this cogent and accessible introduction to philosophy, the distinguished author of Mortal Questions and The View From Nowhere sets forth the central problems of philosophical inquiry for the beginning student. Arguing that the best way to learn about philosophy is to think about its questions directly, Thomas Nagel considers possible solutions to nine problems-knowledge of the world beyond our minds, knowledge of other minds, the mind-body problem, free will, the basis of morality, right and wrong, the nature of death, the meaning of life, and the meaning of words. Although he states his own opinions clearly, Nagel leaves these fundamental questions open, allowing students to entertain other solutions and encouraging them to think for themselves.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
41 of 42 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Nagel is well known for the clarity of his thought and writing. This small book is an excellent read for someone with little knowledge of philosophy. The topics are broad and interesting yet, by the end, you will be much closer to knowing whether you find philosophy interesting as a subject.
This book is well suited to its target audience: people with little experience of philosophy who would like to explore some very interesting ideas - and to see if philosophy is suited to them.
If you have already studied philosophy you will almost certainly find this a little too basic. If so, pick another of Nagel's books (he is a truly great and interesting thinker).
This book is well suited to its target audience: people with little experience of philosophy who would like to explore some very interesting ideas - and to see if philosophy is suited to them.
If you have already studied philosophy you will almost certainly find this a little too basic. If so, pick another of Nagel's books (he is a truly great and interesting thinker).
20 of 22 people found the following review helpful
By Queen Bee
Format:Paperback
Just finished reading this book. I think it's great for beginners in philosophy as it isnt too complex. It's really easy to read and to understand where Nagel is coming from. He doesnt waffle on too much like some other philosophers. I'd recommend this book to people with no philosophical background, even teenagers as it isnt too academic. This book really gets you thinking about the issues raised in the book. Overall, it's an easy read and I'd thoroughly recommend it.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Paul Bowes
TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:Paperback
'What Does It All Mean?' is a brief introduction to philosophy by the American philosopher Thomas Nagel. It was originally published in 1987. The author states in his introduction that he intends the book to be useful for complete beginners, particularly adults, but the text is clearly written and should be accessible to intelligent teenagers.
Nagel believes that philosophy originates in certain questions that human beings have asked of themselves repeatedly. Accordingly, he divides his text into nine chapters, each of which deals with a single problematical issue. The idea is to give the novice reader a taste of the issues with which philosophy concerns itself, and its style of critical thinking, without encumbering him or her with the need to be familiar with historical philosophical movements, specific philosophers, or specialist terminology beyond the minimum for meaningful discussion.
In itself, the book is easily recommended. My only reservations concern value for money. The book is expensive for what is really an essay-length monograph (less than 25,000 words in total, or 100 pages of text). While it may seem unphilosophical to question whether wisdom has a price, this is a book aimed at "college-age" readers, and there are now several excellent introductions to the subject by well-known professional philosophers that are more recent, cheaper and more extensive in their coverage. The interested reader is in any case likely to have to supplement the Nagel with further reading; but will have to look elsewhere for suggestions, as Nagel makes none. (The book appears not to have been updated since its original appearance.) At the time of review, the Kindle edition is significantly better value.
Nagel believes that philosophy originates in certain questions that human beings have asked of themselves repeatedly. Accordingly, he divides his text into nine chapters, each of which deals with a single problematical issue. The idea is to give the novice reader a taste of the issues with which philosophy concerns itself, and its style of critical thinking, without encumbering him or her with the need to be familiar with historical philosophical movements, specific philosophers, or specialist terminology beyond the minimum for meaningful discussion.
In itself, the book is easily recommended. My only reservations concern value for money. The book is expensive for what is really an essay-length monograph (less than 25,000 words in total, or 100 pages of text). While it may seem unphilosophical to question whether wisdom has a price, this is a book aimed at "college-age" readers, and there are now several excellent introductions to the subject by well-known professional philosophers that are more recent, cheaper and more extensive in their coverage. The interested reader is in any case likely to have to supplement the Nagel with further reading; but will have to look elsewhere for suggestions, as Nagel makes none. (The book appears not to have been updated since its original appearance.) At the time of review, the Kindle edition is significantly better value.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
If you want a gentle introduction to Philosophy, try this. It doesn't bamboozle you with lots of jargon but simply and concisely provides a good overview. I read it and then wanted to find out more - it encouraged me to delve a bit deeper. A keeper.
By sarahb
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
A very expensive pre requisite. Did enjoy reading this book though, and gives me some understanding of the course work expected.
By emma
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Enjoyed book and I now understand philosophy a little better. Would recommend this read for anyone wishing to learn a little about this fascinating subject.
By Onora
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Great little book to introduce one to philosophy. It's not too academic, therefore not daunting. Nagel addresses issues of justice, the meaning of words, right and wrong, the meaning of life and so on. He considers such problems as
:The basis of morality : Whether we have free will: What inequalities are unjust: The relationship between mind and brain......... (p.6). The concepts of physicalism, skepticism, solipsism, dualism and determinism are also discussed. For readers who are new to philosophy and wish to study it further, this is a helpful book and at 101 pages, it can be read in a short time!
:The basis of morality : Whether we have free will: What inequalities are unjust: The relationship between mind and brain......... (p.6). The concepts of physicalism, skepticism, solipsism, dualism and determinism are also discussed. For readers who are new to philosophy and wish to study it further, this is a helpful book and at 101 pages, it can be read in a short time!
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
For someone who forgot all about philosophy, or who doesn't even know what that is, this is _the_ starting point. It covers many questions in a colloquial manner, although not in depth -- we're just beginning, right? -- and promotes thinking about them and discussing them, which is the real point. I recommended it to many people. If you want a slightly (just slightly) more in-depth book to go with this one, still for beginners, I also do recommend Simon Blackburn's "Think".
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very useful book.
This book is very useful for students of philosophy. In particular, students who have just started to study the subject will find this book full of easy to grasp concepts. Read more
Published on 27 Jan 2010 by Mr. A. Buchan
3.0 out of 5 stars
Dated
I think this books a bit dated,it was written over twenty years ago and it shows.If you are looking for a book to give you an introduction to philosophy,try Nigel Warburton's... Read more
Published on 18 April 2009 by C. Hollingshead
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