Really Really Big Questions About Science is an unusual and fun introduction to science and philosophy that explores important, weird and often unanswered questions, such as What's the best invention? What makes something funny? and Is it right to test medicine on animals? Witty, thought-provoking text and humorous, retro-cool illustrations make this journey an unforgettable one! Really Really Big Questions About Science is the latest in this highly acclaimed philosophy series. "It is definitely worth spending time on every page of this life-enhancing book. Every home should have a copy." The Independent, on Really Really Big Questions

This book identifies eight key mechanisms that can transform a set of ideas into a psychological flytrap. The author suggests that, like the black holes of outer space, from which nothing, not even light, can escape, our contemporary cultural landscape contains numerous intellectual black-holes--belief systems constructed in such a way that unwary passers-by can similarly find themselves drawn in. While such self-sealing bubbles of belief will most easily trap the gullible or poorly educated, even the most intelligent and educated of us are potentially vulnerable. Some of the world's greatest thinkers have fallen in, never to escape.
This witty, insightful critique will help immunize readers against the wiles of cultists, religious and political zealots, conspiracy theorists, promoters of flaky alternative medicines, and various other nutcases by clearly setting out the tricks of the trade by which such insidious belief systems are created and maintained.

Behind headlines on the conflict in Iraq and global terrorism, a much deeper battle is raging over children and the values they should adopt. Political and religious leaders including Blair and Bush have been joined the popular press in Enlightenment-bashing and bitter attacks on "liberal parenting," calling for a return to authority and religious tradition.
How do we raise good children? How do we make good citizens? In defiant yet acute fashion, Stephen Law urges us to re-evaluate the liberal tradition of thinking about morality. Tackling authoritarian rhetoric head-on, he argues that children should learn about right and wrong and respect for others, but that their education should be grounded in the hard-won values of the Enlightenment. Taking on neo-conservatives and religious and media commentators, "The War for" "Children's Minds" is a candid and controversial call for a liberal, philosophically informed approach to raising children.
Rejecting accusations that liberal parenting is a Sixties hangover that entails an aimless "whatever" attitude to morality, Stephen Law exposes the weaknesses of arguments calling for a return to authoritarian styles of moral education. He clearly shows that thinking for oneself does not mean that all moral points of view are equally good, or that we must reject faith in order to think freely.
A staunch defence of the humane, liberal life "The" "War for Children's Minds" is a much-needed guide to an urgent moral conundrum.

Philosophy for AS and A2 is the definitive textbook for students of Advanced Subsidiary or Advanced Level philosophy courses, structured directly around the specification of the AQA. Following a lively foreword by Nigel Warburton, author of Philosophy: The Basics, a team of experienced teachers devote a chapter each to the six themes covered by the syllabus:

Each of the chapters include helpful student-friendly features.

• a list of key concepts, to introduce students to the topic
• bite-size sections corresponding to the syllabus topics
• actual exam questions from previous years
• suggested discussion questions to promote debate
• text-boxes with helpful summaries, case-studies and examples
• an annotated further-reading list directing students towards the best articles, books and websites
• a comprehensive glossary, providing a handy reference point

There is a final chapter on essay writing and exam preparation, designed to help students get to grips with the examination board requirements.
Philosophy for AS and A2 is written by a team of expert teachers based at Heythrop College - part of the University of London - which specializes in teaching philosophy and theology.

Behind headlines on the conflict in Iraq and global terrorism, a much deeper battle is raging over children and the values they should adopt. Political and religious leaders including Blair and Bush have been joined by the popular press in Enlightenment-bashing and bitter attacks on 'liberal parenting', calling for a return to authority and religious tradition.

How do we raise good children? How do we make good citizens? In defiant yet acute fashion, Stephen Law urges us to re-evaluate the liberal tradition of thinking about morality. Tackling authoritarian rhetoric head-on, he argues that children should learn about right and wrong, and respect for others, but that their education should be grounded in the hard-won values of the Enlightenment. Taking on neo-conservatives and religious and media commentators, The War for Children's Minds is a candid and controversial call for a liberal, philosophically informed approach to raising children.

Rejecting accusations that liberal parenting is a Sixties hangover that entails an aimless 'whatever' attitude to morality, Stephen Law exposes the weaknesses of arguments calling for a return to authoritarian styles of moral education. He clearly shows that thinking for oneself does not mean that all moral points of view are equally good, or that we must reject faith in order to think freely.

A staunch defence of the humane, liberal life, The War for Children's Minds is a much-needed guide to an urgent moral conundrum.

Philosophy for AS and A2 is the definitive textbook for students of Advanced Subsidiary or Advanced Level philosophy courses, structured directly around the specification of the AQA. Following a lively foreword by Nigel Warburton, author of Philosophy: The Basics, a team of experienced teachers devote a chapter each to the six themes covered by the syllabus:

Each of the chapters include helpful student-friendly features.

• a list of key concepts, to introduce students to the topic
• bite-size sections corresponding to the syllabus topics
• actual exam questions from previous years
• suggested discussion questions to promote debate
• text-boxes with helpful summaries, case-studies and examples
• an annotated further-reading list directing students towards the best articles, books and websites
• a comprehensive glossary, providing a handy reference point

There is a final chapter on essay writing and exam preparation, designed to help students get to grips with the examination board requirements.
Philosophy for AS and A2 is written by a team of expert teachers based at Heythrop College - part of the University of London - which specializes in teaching philosophy and theology.

- Have you ever wondered what your pet is thinking? - Or asked yourself if aliens really exist? - Have you pondered the meaning of life or tried to think about nothing, absolutely nothing at all? These are some of life's biggest questions, and you are a daring thinker for even thinking about them! So open your mind and prepare to explore some of philosophy's biggest, boldest ideas - from the ridiculously silly to the strikingly serious. Each question in this book will unlock new ways of thinking and may lead you to some intriguing answers. If you're daring enough to take on this mind-expanding challenge, then read on! Written by philosopher Dr Stephen Law, easy-to-understand text, mind-teasers, optical illusions and thought experiments make this philosophic journey unforgettably fun!

Religion is currently gaining a much higher profile. The number of faith schools is increasingly, and religious points of view are being aired more frequently in the media. As religion's profile rises, those who reject religion, including humanists, often find themselves misunderstood, and occasionally misrepresented. Stephen Law explores how humanism uses science and reason to make sense of the world, looking at how it encourages individual moral responsibility and shows that life can have meaning without religion. Challenging some of the common misconceptions, he seeks to dispute the claims that atheism and humanism are 'faith positions' and that without God there can be no morality and our lives are left without purpose. Looking at the history of humanism and its development as a philosophical alternative, he examines the arguments for and against the existence of God, and explores the role humanism plays in moral and secular societies, as well as in moral and religious education. Using humanism to determine the meaning of life, he shows that there is a positive alternative to traditional religious belief. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Since the beginning of time mankind has struggled with the big questions surrounding our existence. Whilst most people have heard of Socrates, Machiavelli and Nietzsche, many are less clear on their theories and key concepts. In The Great Philosophers, bestselling author Stephen Law condenses and deciphers their fundamental ideas. Avoiding the technical jargon and complex logic associated with most books on philosophy, Law brings the thoughts of these great thinkers, from Confucius and Buddha to Wittgenstein and Sartre, to life.

This volume presents cutting edge research by many of the leading researchers in the field of religious epistemology, a field that has seen major development in recent years. This book attempts to answer the questions of: how reasonable is belief in God? Can a good evidential case be made either for the existence of God, or against the existence of God? Does the existence of enormous suffering, or religious disagreement, provide significant evidence against the existence of God? How might we best come to know God? What's required for religious belief to qualify as rational? All of the papers included in this volume aim to be accessible to the interested layperson.

Tucked away in her tattoo studio in the port city of Halifax, Shaz draws meaning and symbolism onto the bodies of her clients. After the ransacking of her home, the brutal attack on her friend and the sudden appearance of her white father, Shaz is compelled to explore the racial divides in her life and in the city around her. A chance encounter with Rashid, a parkour-performing refugee from Sri Lanka, provides a stabilizing counterpoint to the tumultuous relationships in her life. Ultimately, Shaz discovers the complexities of truth, the meaning of loss and how we are all coloured by our experiences. In a narrative that explores racism, family dysfunction and the experiences of refugees, Under Her Skin paints the canvas of our landscape, making us aware of who we are.

A brilliantly entertaining introduction to philosophy. This edition collects The Philosophy Files and The Philosophy Files 2 together in one omnibus. Is there a God? Should I eat meat? Where does the universe come from? Could I live for ever as a robot? These are the big questions you will be wrestling with. You'll encounter lively scenarios and dialogue to take you through the philosophical puzzles that have been plaguing humans for centuries involving virtual reality, science fiction and a host of characters from this and other planets. Stephen Law has a gift for communicating complex ideas. He offers few answers, but his unstuffy, highly personal approach will have the reader thinking and arguing with as much pleasure as he does himself.

The inseparable Byker Chapter: six boys, one girl, growing up together in the back streets of Newcastle. Now memories are all that Richard Eden has left, and one treasured photograph. But suddenly, inexplicably, the images of his friends start to fade, and as they vanish, so his friends are found dead and mutilated. Something is stalking the Chapter, picking them off one by one, something connected with their past, and with the girl they used to know.

From Descartes to designer babies, The Philosophy Gym poses questions about some of history's most important philosophical issues, ranging in difficulty from pretty easy to very challenging. He brings new perspectives to age-old conundrums while also tackling modern-day dilemmas -- some for the first time. Begin your warm up by contemplating whether a pickled sheep can truly be considered art, or dive right in and tackle the existence of God. In this radically new way of looking at philosophy, Stephen Law illustrates the problem with a story, then lets the argument battle it out in clear, easily digestible and intelligent prose. This perfect little mental health club is sure to give each reader's mind a great workout.