Voltaire's comment--"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it"--is frequently quoted by defenders of free speech. Yet it is rare to find someone prepared to defend all freedom of speech, especially if the views expressed are obnoxious or obviously false. So where do we draw the line? How important is our right to freedom of speech? In this accessible and up-to-date Very Short Introduction, Nigel Warburton covers a wide range of controversial free-speech issues, from Holocaust denial and pornography to the status of modern copyright law. The book offers...

If an artist sends a live peacock to an exhibition, is it art?
'What is art?' is a question many of us want answered but are too afraid to ask. It is the very question that Nigel Warburton demystifies in this brilliant and accessible little book. With the help of varied illustrations and photographs, from Cezanne and Francis Bacon to Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst, best-selling author Warburton brings a philosopher's eye to art in a refreshing jargon-free style.
With customary clarity, he explains art theories, that are much discussed but little understood, by thinkers such as Clive...

Nigel Warburton brings philosophy to life with an imaginative selection of philosophical writings on key topics. Philosophy: Basic Readings is the ideal introduction to some of the most accessible and thought-provoking pieces in philosophy, both contemporary and classic.

The second edition of Philosophy: Basic Readings has been expanded to include new pieces in each major area of philosophy:
- What is philosophy?
- God
- Right and wrong
- The external world
- Science
- Mind
- Art

The readings in Philosophy: Basic Readings complement the...

Philosophy: The Essential Study Guide is a compact and straightforward guide to the skills needed to study philosophy, aimed at anyone coming to the subject for the first time or just looking to improve their performance. Nigel Warburton, best-selling author of Philosophy: The Basics, clarifies what is expected of students and offers strategies and guidance to help them make effective use of their study time and improve their marks. skimming and in-depth analysis of historical and contemporary work, understanding the examples and terminology used LISTENING to philosophy - formal lectures and...

First Published in 2007. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Nigel Warburton, bestselling author and experienced lecturer, provides all the guidance and advice you need to dramatically improve your essay-writing skills. The book opens with a discussion of why it is so important to write a good essay, and proceeds through a step-by-step exploration of exactly what you should consider to improve your essays and marks. You will find help on how to: focus on answering the question asked; research and plan your essay; build and sustain an argument; and improve your writing style and tone. Written in the author's accomplished, student-friendly style, The...

'Philosophy: The Basics deservedly remains the most recommended introduction to philosophy on the market. Warburton is patient, accurate and, above all, clear. There is no better short introduction to philosophy.' - Stephen Law, author of The Philosophy Gym

Philosophy: The Basics gently eases the reader into the world of philosophy. Each chapter considers a key area of philosophy, explaining and exploring the basic ideas and themes including:

• Can you prove God exists?
• How do we know right from wrong?
• What are the...

Are human beings less violent than before? Why do we adopt certain moral and political judgements? Why is the gap between rich and poor getting bigger? How do we decide which criminal policies are effective? What is the Population Challenge for the 21st Century? What is social science?

In Big Ideas in Social Science, David Edmonds and Nigel Warburton put these and more of our society's burning questions to 18 of the world's leading social scientists including Steven Pinker, Ann Oakley, Lawrence Sherman, Kate Pickett, Robert J. Shiller and Doreen Massey.
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What ishumpty-dumptying ? Doarguments from analogy ever stand up? How do I know when someone is usingweasel words ? What‘s the difference between ared herring and a ‘straw man ? This superb book, now in its third edition, will help anyone who wants to argue well and think critically. Using witty and topical examples, this fully-updated edition includes many new entries and updates the whole text. New entries include: Principle of Charity Lawyer‘s Answer Least Worst Option Poisoning the Well Sentimentality Sunk Cost Fallacy Weasel Words You would say that wouldn‘t you. ...