Does morality still matter in the Western world today?
What is the basis of claims to human rights?
How are local loyalties - to family or nation - to be reconciled with our global responsibilities?
Are there limits on the rights of groups?
Does law need a moral basis?

In this timely book, Roger Trigg examines and defends the role of morality in our social and political lives. Rather than limiting the scope of morality to private choices, Trigg argues that we need to acknowledge the moral foundations of our political way of life in the West, in order that we are better able to live and flourish nationally and internationally.

In this lucid and engaging analysis of the nature of society, Roger Trigg examines the scientific basis of social science and shows that philosophical presuppositions are a necessary starting point for the study of society.

This second edition contains three new chapters that demonstrate the relationship of the philosophy of social science to politics, and takes into account recent developments including the impact of rational choice theory, and attacks on the possibility of reason by postmodernists.

Themes in the book include the relation of individual to society, the basis of our understanding of other societies, and the character of social reality. Is there such a thing as society? What of the threat of relativism? These and other questions are examined in depth, but with a clarity that introduces the issues to those new to the subject.

"

Ideas of Human Nature" presents twelve of the most influential western thinkers on the topic of human nature. This updated second edition includes new chapters on Locke and Kant and a new conclusion on postmodernism. The thinkers are all examined in their historical context and their relevance to contemporary controversies is discussed.

The issues covered include perennial philosophical problems such as the connection between mind and body; life after death; the role of reason; free will and determinism; the relationship between the individual and society; and the problem of relativism.

This is a key text for anyone interested in the theories that have affected the course of human history and continue to interest and challenge us today.

The dynamic processes of knowledge production in archaeology and elsewhere in the humanities and social sciences are increasingly viewed as the collaborative effort of groups, clusters and communities of researchers rather than the isolated work of so-called 'instrumental' actors. Shifting focus from the individual scholar to the wider social contexts of her work and the dynamic creative processes she participates in, this volume critically examines the importance of informal networks and conversation in the creation of knowledge about the past. Engaging with theoretical approaches such as the sociology and geographies of knowledge and Actor-Network Theory (ANT), and using examples taken from different archaeologies in Europe and North America from the seventeenth to the mid-twentieth century, the book caters to a wide readership, ranging from students of archaeology, anthropology, classics and science studies to the general reader. -- .

Does morality still matter in the Western world today?
What is the basis of claims to human rights?
How are local loyalties - to family or nation - to be reconciled with our global responsibilities?
Are there limits on the rights of groups?
Does law need a moral basis?

In this timely book, Roger Trigg examines and defends the role of morality in our social and political lives. Rather than limiting the scope of morality to private choices, Trigg argues that we need to acknowledge the moral foundations of our political way of life in the West, in order that we are better able to live and flourish nationally and internationally.

Written for those who may be approaching the subject for the first time, "Philosophy Matters" shows that philosophy is crucial in questioning our presuppositions, and for helping us to establish our own beliefs about the nature of the world.

Anyone with an interest in the underlying philosophical origins of popular notions about reality is encouraged to read this book. Asserting that all too often we take ideas for granted, it shows how even "common sense" depends on the philosophy of previous generations."

Philosophy Matters" takes on the task of confronting and elucidating the important philosophical issues that play their part in guiding our lives today. In the process, it also shows that philosophy is not a sterile intellectual pursuit, but a particularly relevant and practical tool to be used in gaining knowledge of ourselves and our place in the world.

In this lucid and engaging analysis of the nature of society, Roger Trigg examines the scientific basis of social science and shows that philosophical presuppositions are a necessary starting point for the study of society.

This second edition contains three new chapters that demonstrate the relationship of the philosophy of social science to politics, and takes into account recent developments including the impact of rational choice theory, and attacks on the possibility of reason by postmodernists.

Themes in the book include the relation of individual to society, the basis of our understanding of other societies, and the character of social reality. Is there such a thing as society? What of the threat of relativism? These and other questions are examined in depth, but with a clarity that introduces the issues to those new to the subject.

"Rationality and Religion" deals with the perennial question of how far religious faith needs reason. Religion must claim truth, it is argued, and indeed needs the idea of a transcendent God. The book deals squarely with such problems as the existence of different religions, the relation between science and religion, and how religion should be treated in a pluralist society.

This is one of the most fundamental issues facing religion at the present time. Can religion still be the subject of rational discussion or must it be privatized and left to the personal decisions of individuals as to how they should live their lives? Can it make claims that demand universal attention?

This book is a spirited contribution to a vital contemporary debate.

Based on the prestigious Stanton lectures at the University of Cambridge, the volume is ideal for student and general readership, as well as for philosophers and theologians.

In this accessible introduction to a popular debate, Professor Trigg faces the issues squarely and examines how far it is possible to give reasons for trusting science. In defending a realist outlook, Trigg shows that even physical science must be given metaphysical foundations. In doing so, he explains and evaluates the views of Rorty, Wittgenstein, Quine, Putnam, and Hawking, amongst others. The limits of science and rationality are explored and the power of human reason is in the end upheld.

"

Ideas of Human Nature" presents twelve of the most influential western thinkers on the topic of human nature. This updated second edition includes new chapters on Locke and Kant and a new conclusion on postmodernism. The thinkers are all examined in their historical context and their relevance to contemporary controversies is discussed.

The issues covered include perennial philosophical problems such as the connection between mind and body; life after death; the role of reason; free will and determinism; the relationship between the individual and society; and the problem of relativism.

This is a key text for anyone interested in the theories that have affected the course of human history and continue to interest and challenge us today.