This is an excellent introduction to philosophy...the only problem with it is that it does not include enough primary source material. But it is packed with other good stuff...including Solomon's wonderful explanations and clear writing on some very difficult topics.

For anyone interseted in Godel's thought, this book is absolutely wonderful. Also for anyone interested in Platonism and how one can be a platonist after the crisis in math, this is a good thing to read. Moveover, Godel was sort of a freek-job and didn't like to publish stuff about his personal philosphic views, so you won't get the real deal if you only read the stuff he published. Much like his homie Einstein, Godel spent the last chunk of his life plugging away at a unified theory, Einstein's was reletivity, Godel's was metaphysics. Really good stuff. Sure, you can read that Godel, Escher, Bach stuff, but then you are only learning what the man wants you to know. You gots ta get the real deal from the source. Word.

This is not a typical lecture. It is Leo Steinberg at his best--witty, learned, insightful--giving us a brief survey of Robert Rauschenburg's art from the early 1950s until the present day. The book is beautifully designed and printed, and makes a great gift for anyone interested in the New York art scene. A lot of book for the buck.

This book benefits from the numerous Cayce readings and quotations about the subject time period. One might wonder if it was a coincidence that so many people who obtained readings from Cayce had lived during that time. Maybe God caused this so that Cayce could use his miraculous psychic abilities to explain the bible which is something Cayce wanted to do to help others. The discussion is mainly about the different people who became leaders of the Israelites during this time period when they went from judges to kings. A re-occurring theme is that every person receives from God abilities, opportunities, and free will. Cayce's view of the greatest potential achievements of a person is to know God's will in their life and to strive to achieve this by working with God. Solomon probably represents the best example of someone who achieved greatness as Cayce viewed greatness by being in tune with God's direction. But then Solomon gave in to the negative side of his nature and abondoned his former glory. This is after God had told Solomon there had never been anyone like him before nor would there be anyone like him again on earth and this came true. This is especially significant seeing that Solomon was a wealthy person who had access to women and anything else he wanted already. So Solomon developed a desire to reject God for no other reason than he wanted to. Cayce indicated during his bible study sessions that "Very few people can stand prosperity and Solomon was not one of the few." Cayce actually feared becomming wealthy based on his knowledge of what happened to Solomon which is an indication of the greatness of this man who I have come to admire. The lesson is that anyone, no matter how much God has been a part of their life or chosen them, can reject God at any time. This was true even of Christ Himself. And if the individual chooses to reject the spiritual values this has implications not only for them but for others, maybe even for an entire nation or an entire world. As Spiderman's uncle Ben told him: 'with great power comes great responsibility'.

Robert C. Solomon's "Introducing Philosophy" is a superb introduction to philosophy. I have the 6th edition published in 1997 but this (the 5th edition) is the only one I could find on Amazon. This book is so good because it takes a Topical approach but integrates excerpts from the great philosophers. Historical introductions don't give you the intelletual excitement of great thinkers across time addressing the great problems which is why I like a topical approach (another good topical approach is Tom Morris's "Philosophy for Dummies"). But the great thing about this book is that it integrates selections from philosophers throughout history, in manageable chunks, so that one gets to read some Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine, Descartes, Locke, Hume, Kant, Stuart Mill, Bertrand Russell and more.

The chapters are also very well organized and build on each other. The introduction introduces us to Socrates and the philosophic tradition and some logic. Then we deal with Reality, Knowledge, Truth, Necessary Truth (mathematics, logic), Religion, Personal Identity, Mind and Body, Freedom, Ethics, Political Philosophy and Aesthetics. So everything is covered and there are excerpts from all the relevant thinkers on these topics. This book is a fantastic way to get a really good feel for the issues of philosophy and some of the great writings in philosophy. Highly recommended.
Greg Feirman (...)

This was a textbook in my ethics class, and is definitely a keeper. It outlines works from all of the famous ethical philosophers, and also contains a very helpful "running commentary" throughout. The perfect introduction to the subject, and a lifelong reference guide. I've already used it as a source for papers in other classes.

Jim Anderson is the finest American mind in postmodern social science theory. This slim volume is an intriguing and manageable introduction to how pomo theories of self and subject may be used to negotiate the challenges which arise when we try to live decent lives with each other. Although written as a textbook, this work should be added to the shelf of anyone who is confused about what it means to be a caring and trustworthy worker, lover, friend and family member in the age of deconstruction. Useful for people tired of Marxist and/or French pomo theory. (khuck@cocc.edu)

The development of a 'Philosophy of Emotion' is flourishing. Trends in philosophy come and go but what makes Robert C. Solomon's "The Passions" interesting is that it challenges an immensely popular faulty dichotomy: emotions vs. rationality. Nowadays it is hard to maintain that our rational thinking is entirely isolated from our deepest emotions, still the myth of the 'irrationality of emotions' is prevailing. If we are to accept the adaptive and purposive tendencies of emotions within the realm of social relations (even when 'conceding' that emotions were/are essentially biologically based), we must reject theories that are dichotomist or deterministic. Many great works of art presupposed that 'thinking with your heart' meant something entirely different from 'thinking with your mind'. Even the educated student of the philosophy of emotions still apologizes for 'suddenly becoming very emotional' about something or may tend to glorify a period in her/his life in which the ('foolish') passions seemed to rule. Solomon's basic thesis is: "every emotion is a strategy, a purposive attempt to structure our world in such a way as to maximize our sense of personal dignity and self-esteem.". The book has a distinct existentialist flavor: "It is our passions, and our passions alone, that provide our lives with meaning". Personally I find it one of the most stimulating books that I have ever read, it really brings back a spark of 'Eros' in your once-upon-a-time enthusiasm for philosophy. Current debates are more or less influenced by Ronald de Sousa's "The Rationality of Emotion", an important book (basically working out a biological and social-adaptation thesis), but very poorly written with obtrusive (not that funny) idiosyncrasies (please fire the editor). Solomon's book leaves you with a better insight why people so often 'fall back' on their emotions (and why they should do so!) furthermore if you would like to enhance your sophisticated touchy-feely capacities to gently weasel your way into someone's heart, Solomon's book is your gospel-true cookbook...

For those of you who are interested in philospohy in general, this book is an excellent collection of briefs from philosphers from Plato to Firestone. The most interesting aspect of this text is that it addresses the subject that most philosophy books refuse to touch upon - LOVE. Most often, philosophers are associated with their views on religion, politics, or the basic human existence. This book is such a great treat to read because of the subject matter. Love is a subject in which we can all relate. The book is approximately 3 inches thick, with excerpts from many different philosophers, but the great thing is that you can pick it up at your leisure, read a few different excerpts, ponder the subject of love, and put the book back down. It is not a book that you read cover to cover. Another interesting aspect of the book is that no matter what your views on love or romantic love are, you will find essays that will either reinforce your views of the matter, or challenge your present thinking of the subject of love. It covers topics such as misogyny, feminism, romantic love, marriage as more of a friendship than a romantic love, etc. I have been tickled, angered, saddened, pleased, and intrigued by this book. SO much so , that I have recommended it to friend after friend, and all have enjoyed it. It is not necessary that you be a student of philosophy to understand this book. You just need to misunderstand love to gain from it's teachings. I believe you will enjoy this book for years to come. I know I have.