Knowledge, Reality, and Value: A Mostly Common Sense Guide to Philosophy Paperback – April 1, 2021

It's a long-form development of a particular internally consistent but very eccentric philosophical worldview.In the book, he makes an insanely riveting and disarmingly hilarious, surprisingly plausible effort to show that:- Knowledge is possible by intuition- Philosophical methodology should center on case-specific investigation rather than theory-application; general theories are overrated- Words are impressionistic pattern-matchers rather than rigid designators- Free will is rationally presupposed by all thinking agents- Almost all humans are moral monsters- Humans live forever, and this follows straightforwardly from contemporary theories of cosmology and physics- Souls are real and offer the only good explanation of the continuity of personal identity over time- Moral and Truth Relativism are ironically ethnocentric- God does not exist- Moral truth exists- Veganism is ethically mandatory- Charity isn't- Taxation is theft and the American government is hideously evil in ways I can guarantee you (or any normal person) have never thought about- That he's smarter than you (the book adopts an extremely condescending tone that borders on being offensive, but in a way that is consistently funny. It's actually the main thing everyone I've recommended it to has said they enjoyed about it)

"Knowledge, Reality, and Value: A Mostly Common Sense Guide to Philosophy" by Michael Huemer is an excellent book that offers a comprehensive and engaging introduction to philosophy. The book covers a wide range of topics, including epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and political philosophy.One of the strengths of the book is its accessibility. Huemer uses clear and straightforward language, which makes the material easy to understand for readers who may not be familiar with the technical terminology of philosophy. Additionally, he uses numerous examples and thought experiments to illustrate key concepts and encourage readers to think critically about the material.Another strength of the book is its organization. Huemer breaks the material down into manageable chapters that cover specific topics, such as skepticism, free will, and the meaning of life. This makes it easy for readers to navigate the material and review specific concepts as needed.One potential criticism of the book is that it may be too basic for readers who already have a strong background in philosophy. While the material is informative and well-presented, it may not offer enough depth for more advanced readers.Another criticism is that the book reflects Huemer's own philosophical views, which may not align with those of all readers. While this is a common limitation of many introductory texts, it is worth noting for readers who are looking for a more neutral or balanced perspective on philosophy.Overall, "Knowledge, Reality, and Value" is an excellent introduction to philosophy. Its clear and accessible writing style, combined with its well-organized structure and numerous examples, make it an ideal resource for students or anyone interested in exploring the major themes and debates in philosophy. However, readers who are already familiar with the material may find it too basic, and those looking for a more neutral perspective may need to supplement the book with additional resources.Dr. Tesfaye Robele

This book is lucid, engaging, and funny without sacrificing quality and technical scope. A very good introduction into the subject matter.

The peripatetic philosopher Mike Huemer of UC, Boulder, having already written books on ethics, epistemology, political philosophy, the concept of infinity, solutions to philosophical paradoxes, and issues of criminal justice, has now also written an introduction to philosophy.His other works, while written to meet the rigors of the profession, could also be enjoyed by intelligent laymen interested in philosophy (because Mike writes well, and clearly.) This book was specifically designed to be read by college undergraduates. It includes sections on how to write well, how to think like a philosopher, and what constitutes a good vs bad argument.Unlike (I assume; it’s been decades since I took undergrad philosophy) other textbooks of this sort, Huemer doesn’t merely tell you, the reader, the various positions philosophers have held in ethics, the theory of knowledge, metaphysics, etc., but also shares with you why and where he thinks various arguments fall short and, often, what he thinks the best argument is. As he teaches, objectivity does not require neutrality.Huemer clearly indicates, as appropriate, when his view of the correct answer is not shared by most of his philosophy colleagues. This seems to happen frequently. I, for one, do not see that as a negative.The writing is not stuffy. It reads easily and Huemer is often humorous. The occasional expletive and profanity is found, not something often seen in textbooks, though perhaps heard sporadically in classroom lectures in the Boulder community.Although Huemer’s earlier publications have been via prestigious university presses, attached to amazingly high prices for hardback, shockingly expensive prices for paperback, and often decisions to withhold ebook versions, Huemer decided to self-publish this introduction text via Kindle Publishing, which provides inexpensive ebook and paperback versions ideal for undergraduates and casual readers of philosophy alike.If you’re a fan of Huemer’s earlier works, this may interest you (especially to learn of his unusual yet well-argued-for positions, such as the existence of the soul being perhaps the best answer for theories of personal identity and his argument for free will developed when he was an undergraduate.) If you’re a college student taking a philosophy course using a different textbook, this is a cheap additional source well worth your time. If you’re a philosophy professor, you should consider using Huemer’s text in your intro course. Your students will likely appreciate the choice.