Just the Arguments - by Michael Bruce & Steven Barbone (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Does the existence of evil call into doubt the existence of God? Show me the argument. Philosophy starts with questions, but attempts at answers are just as important, and these answers require reasoned argument. Cutting through dense philosophical prose, 100 famous and influential arguments are presented in their essence, with premises, conclusions and logical form plainly identified. Key quotations provide a sense of style and approach. Just the Arguments is an invaluable one-stop argument shop.

• A concise, formally structured summation of 100 of the most important arguments in Western philosophy
• The first book of its kind to present the most important and influential philosophical arguments in a clear premise/conclusion format, the language that philosophers use and students are expected to know
• Offers succinct expositions of key philosophical arguments without bogging them down in commentary
• Translates difficult texts to core arguments
• Designed to provides a quick and compact reference to everything from Aquinas' "Five Ways" to prove the existence of God, to the metaphysical possibilities of a zombie world

From the Back Cover

Edited by Michael Bruce and Steven Barbone

JUST THE ARGUMENTS

"An invaluable tool for students - or anyone interested in philosophy - Just the Arguments distills the most important arguments from the Western philosophical tradition into concise and lucid prose. The editors should be commended for providing such an action-packed resource; it's highly recommended!"
Fritz Allhoff, Western Michigan University

Philosophers don't just make claims, they give arguments. Does the existence of evil call into doubt the existence of God? Show me the argument. Will living a just life lead to happiness? Show me the argument. Philosophy starts with questions, but attempts at answers are just as important, and these answers require reasoned argument.

Cutting through notoriously dense and verbose philosophical prose, the authors set 100 famous and influential arguments in context, including key quotations, to explain the original style and approach. Each argument is laid bare in its essential form, with premises and conclusions plainly identified and the form of argument specified.

Designed to offer a quick and compact reference to everything from Aquinas' "Five Ways" to prove the existence of God to the metaphysical possibilities of zombie minds, Just the Arguments is an invaluable one-stop argument shop.

Please see www.justthearguments.com, a site for students, teachers, researchers, and fans of philosophy.

Review Quotes

"A useful resource for an undergraduate library, this book also would be suitable for undergraduate courses, particularly introduction to philosophy, logic, and critical thinking. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and general readers." (Choice, 1 September 2012)

About the Author

Michael Bruce currently researches in the history of philosophy. He has taught philosophy and mathematics courses at the University of Washington's Robinson Center for Young Scholars.

Steven Barbone is Associate Professor of Philosophy at San Diego State University.