The Philosopher's Toolkit

"Fosl and Baggini have written a text that is crisp, clear, careful, coherent, and comprehensive. And—alliteration aside—it's a joy to read."
Robert Arp, Philosophy Instructor and Researcher, US Department of Defense

In the nearly twenty years since it was first published, The Philosopher's Toolkit has become a breakaway bestseller, helping readers all over the world to develop philosophical literacy and fluency in the foundations of philosophical thinking. Clear, comprehensive, and written in a highly accessible style, this compendium of essential philosophical methods, concepts, and terminology combines precise definitions with concise explanations and thoughtful suggestions for their practical application.

Now in its third edition, The Philosopher's Toolkit offers revised and expanded coverage of metaphysics, logic, the philosophy of science, and continental philosophy. Many of the original entries have been enhanced, extended, and updated, and a more extensive list of recommended readings reflects an evolving multimedia landscape, identifying the most useful and stable supplementary digital resources to support classroom use. As in prior editions, the short entries collected here are deeply informed by the history of philosophy and are fortified by lively examples that help readers grasp sophisticated philosophical concepts and principles. The book is organized alphabetically by tool, and runs the gamut from the basics of argument, rhetoric, and reasoning to the formation of radical critiques of knowledge and the limits of philosophical methodology.

Accessible to the non-specialist yet trusted by working philosophers, The Philosopher's Toolkit has guided thousands of readers through the principles of effective reasoning and critique without sacrificing nuance. This latest edition strengthens its reputation as an unparalleled introduction and quick reference resource for anyone interested in becoming proficient with the tools of the philosophical trade.