I. WROTE. A. BOOK.

I. WROTE. A. BOOK.

“The Majesty of Reason: A Short Guide to Critical Thinking in Philosophy”

Available in both print and kindle version (e-book).

Print: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086FW6XV4?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

E-book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086G7KS52/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=majesty+of+reason&qid=1585319843&s=digital-text&sr=1-1

Description:

“How do we think critically about issues in philosophy, science, and religion? How do we discover treasures of truth that can serve others? And how do we relay our insights in a productive, fruitful way?

It is precisely these questions that The Majesty of Reason: A Short Guide to Critical Thinking in Philosophy addresses. The first step on our journey equips you with the intellectual virtues and conversational tactics necessary for critical thinking. The second step equips you with a variety of methods and tools in critical thinking and philosophical reasoning. Through tangible suggestions, lively and engaging examples, and a bit of technical jargon, you’ll come away a better thinker and – ideally – a better human being.

Critical thinking, like mastering a musical instrument, requires practice. That’s why the next three steps on our journey will apply a number of the methods and tools previously explored to central issues in philosophy of science and philosophy of mind: scientism, laws of nature, and the nature of the mind.

With a depth of insight, a breadth of coverage, and bit of humor, this book will engage both beginner and advance readers in the field of philosophy. Your mind will undoubtedly be sharpened. This book is just the beginning of your journey of discovery. The treasure of truth awaits.”

THIS IS SO FREAKING EXCITING Y’ALL!!!

Author: Joe

Email: NaturalisticallyInclined@gmail.com

Some Tools for Your Philosophical Toolkit

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I’ve posted many times before on the nature of critical thinking, argumentation, and philosophical reasoning. In particular, I’ve focused on developing tools for the rational evaluation of arguments. In this post (and posts to come in the future), I aim to equip you with more tools to add to your critical thinking toolkit. Read more “Some Tools for Your Philosophical Toolkit”

Contra Clifford: The Necessity of Going Beyond the Evidence

“It is wrong always, everywhere, and for anyone to believe anything on insufficient evidence.”  William Kingdon Clifford

At the outset of the essay “The Ethics of Belief,” William K. Clifford defends the stringent principle that we are always obliged to have sufficient evidence for every one of our beliefs. Indeed, the early sections of “The Ethics of Belief” are so stern that William James would later characterize Clifford as a “delicious enfant terrible” who defends doxastic self-control “with somewhat too much of robustious pathos in the voice” (1896, 8). Read more “Contra Clifford: The Necessity of Going Beyond the Evidence”

Critical Thinking, Part 5: Logic

Although it may seem boring (it’s not!), understanding logical symbols and concepts is crucial if one is to learn how to think. The concepts in the images below, known as the rules of implication, are used in nearly every philosophical argument, so knowing them is extremely valuable. Below are three pictures that will equip you with the essential logical concepts to engage with and read complex philosophical writing. They derive from a philosophy professor’s course titled, “Logic and Critical Thinking“.

Read more “Critical Thinking, Part 5: Logic”

Critical Thinking, Part 4: Explanations

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Every day we encounter explanations of various natural and social phenomena. For instance, we may see a leaf fall from a tree, or witness a dog wince, or hear a loud noise coming from the porch. Each of these call for explanations of various sorts, some of which will be much more probable than others. Which, in your view, is the more plausible explanation for your observation of the leaf falling?

Read more “Critical Thinking, Part 4: Explanations”