Philosophy in the Open

Philosophers argue- with anyone who is prepared to argue with them- about anything from whether fire is hot to whether it is reasonable to expect religious believers to be able to justify their beliefs. This book is a collection of just such arguments. You do not have to be Socrates or Russell to argue philosophically. Anyone can do it - anyone, that is, with his wits about him and an indefatigable concern for getting at the truth. Philosophy is not a spectator sport. This book is a challenge to the reader to argue philosophically. The challenge is contained in dialogues, discussions and talks. The six dialogues and four discussions, in particular, positively invite participation- either by yourself, or with others. The idea is to join in, and take sides. Are you for or against Descartes, Leibniz and Rousseau; for or against Wittgenstein, Parfit and Hare? What do you think of their views on the relation of body and mind, predestination and political liberty; on language and religion, personal identity, and the characterization of moral judgment?