Inquiries: Philosophical: How and Why Do People Disagree?

Does God exist? Is there life after death? Do we have free wills? What is consciousness? Are animals and computers "conscious"? Do we always think in words? Are people "illogical"? When can things be "proved"? What is the difference between "knowledge" and "belief"? Can widely differing philosophies of life all be "correct"? What is "time"? Can the universe explain itself? Is there a "purpose" to the universe? Is beauty merely subjective? Is art "worthwhile"? Are emotions "irrational"? Is history going someplace? Should we have governments? Are the Ten Commandments a sufficient guide for our conduct? Is the Golden Rule useful for personal morality? Should happiness be our goal? Are there "absolute" moral standards? Were the Nazis "wrong"? How is philosophy different from science and religion? How do I know I'm not just dreaming all of this?These are just some of the questions raised in this wide-ranging and thought-provoking book. Whether you agree or disagree with the answers suggested, you'll find the discussions challenging and intellectually stimulating.