In this cogent and accessible introduction to philosophy, the distinguished auth
or of Mortal Questions and The View From Nowhere sets forth the central problems
of philosophical inquiry for the beginning student. Arguing that the best way t
o learn about philosophy is to think about its questions directly, Thomas Nagel
considers possible solutions to nine problems-knowledge of the world beyond our
minds, knowledge of other minds, the mind-body problem, free will, the basis of
morality, right and wrong, the nature of death, the meaning of life, and the mea
ning of words. Although he states his own opinions clearly, Nagel leaves these f
undamental questions open, allowing students to entertain other solutions and en
couraging them to think for themselves.
