Methods and Skills for Philosophy

The aim of this book is to introduce students to methodologies, strategies, heuristics and formal tools which are typically employed in contemporary analytic philosophy. This helpful resource gets the reader to engage with the analytical skills required to master postgraduate studies in philosophy. In conjunction with analysing texts, reflecting on arguments and trying to solve problems, the book will help instil in students the kind of understanding, knowledge and skills they need. More specifically, students will have a better grasp of how to pose a succinct research question and then critically pursue the proposed topic by engaging with relevant literature, reflecting on philosophical presuppositions, selecting suitable argumentative strategies and defend a preferred view against objections. Topics covered include: The nature and character of arguments Conceptual analysis Analytical truths Logic and language Models of explanation and reduction Strategies and dialects Rational intuitions. Providing a comprehensive and accessible introduction to philosophical methods this text is a must-read for undergraduate or postgraduate students studying philosophy of methods or those studying postgraduate philosophy with a background in a different disciplie.