Introduction to Philosophy

• Prologue
• Land Acknowledgement
• Introduction to Philosophy
• What Is Philosophy?
• The Mind: Substance Dualism of Descartes
• Religion: The Intertwining of Philosophy and Religion in Western Tradition
• Aesthetics: Engaging with Indigenous Art
• Ethics: How Can I Be a Better Person?
• Plato’s “On the Allegory of the Cave
• References
• Grant Information
• Glossary of Terms

This Introduction to Philosophy: An Anthology is a collection of essential readings from a wide variety of contemporary writers and philosophers designed to help students unfamiliar with philosophy understand that they know more than they think. This OER asks students to think about how they think and how they know what they know. Students will start by challenging assumptions and flexing those critical thinking skills we all have—not just in an abstract way but in a practical, everyday way. Students will explore the branches of philosophy, including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and aesthetics.