An Introduction to Philosophical MethodsAn Introduction to Philosophical Methods is the first book to survey the various methods that philosophers use to support their views. Rigorous yet accessible, the book introduces and illustrates the methodological considerations that are involved in current philosophical debates. Where there is controversy, the book presents the case for each side, but highlights where the key difficulties with them lie. While eminently student-friendly, the book makes an important contribution to the debate regarding the acceptability of the various philosophical methods, and so it will also be of interest to more experienced philosophers. |
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abstract objects accept appeal apply argue assumption beliefs best explanation chapter circular common sense claims concept F conceptual truth conclusion conservatism desire to desire empirical entities epistemic ethical naturalist evidence example exist explanatory power external objects external world hypothesis false given identity theory Imagine inference intrinsic intuitions issue justified kind know a priori Kornblith Lewis Lycan mathematical meaning ment mental properties metaphysical method methodological naturalism modal realism Moore’s Moore’s argument Moore’s proof Moorean naturalized epistemology necessary truth Ockham’s Razor ontological simplicity ontologically committed open question argument paradox of analysis paraphrase phenomena philosophical analysis philosophical claims philosophical hypotheses philosophical theories philosophical thought experiments physical objects physical properties planets plausible possible worlds premise principle priori knowledge proposition psychological qualitative quantitative simplicity Quine Quine’s rival role says scientific theories seems semantic structure sentence Suppose theoretical tigers tion true type of thing