The Love of Wisdom: A Christian Introduction to Philosophy

by Steven B. Cowan, James Spiegel

Overview

Philosophy is defined as the love of wisdom, and college students will certainly admire this Bible-informed introductory level textbook’s fun approach to an often heady subject. The Love of Wisdom is made distinct in its engaging style that includes humor and copious popular culture illustrations to heighten reader interest and clarify important concepts. The book even addresses two key topics often omitted by other texts: political philosophy and aesthetics (beauty and the arts). Students and teachers can also make great use of the study questions for each chapter, a glossary of terms, and further reading suggestions

“Well-written, well-argued and highly accessible, The Love of Wisdom is a marvelous example of what an introductory philosophy text should be. Not only do Cowan and Spiegel provide an up-to-date map of the often perplexing philosophical landscape, but they do so in a way which encourages readers to take every thought captive for Christ.”

—Doug Blount, Professor in Theological Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary

“Cowan and Spiegel provide a thorough, yet accessible, overview of important philosophical themes from a biblical point of view while engaging non-Christian perspectives . . . an instructive, even-handed guide that sets forth fairly the relevant philosophical range of orthodox Christian views. A fine resource!”

—Paul Copan, Professor and Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780805463880
Publisher:	B&H Publishing Group
Publication date:	04/01/2009
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	480
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Steven Cowan is associate professor and advisor of Philosophy and Apologetics at Southeastern Bible College as well as associate director of the Apologetics Resource Center and editor of its Areopagus Journal in Birmingham, Alabama. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas. Steve and his wife have one son.

James Spiegel is professor of Philosophy at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. He holds a Ph.D. from Michigan State University and is also the author of How to Be Good in a World Gone Bad which won a 2005 Award of Merit from Christianity Today. James and his wife have four children.
 Steven B. Cowan is the Jim Young associate professor of Philosophy and Religion at Louisiana College in Pineville, Louisiana.

Table of Contents

Introduction

What Is Philosophy? 1

Part 1 The Study of Knowledge

Chapter 1 Logic and Truth: What Is Truth? 16

Chapter 2 Epistemology: How Do We Know? 47

Chapter 3 Philosophy of Science: What Can Science Tell Us? 101

Part 2 The Study of Being

Chapter 4 Metaphysics: What Is Real? 144

Chapter 5 Human Nature: What Am I? 198

Chapter 6 Philosophy of Religion: Is There a God? 254

Part 3 The Study of Value

Chapter 7 Ethics: How Should We Live? 318

Chapter 8 Political Philosophy: What Is a Just Society? 373

Chapter 9 Aesthetics: What Is Beauty? 418

Glossary 451

Index 465