Brief explanations of different philosophies?

[Thom18]

I’m taking an into to philosophy course, and I want to hear about different philosophical ideas and what their main ideas are. So far I have learned about materialism, idealism and dualism, but there are many more and I would like to learn more about them. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Bradski]

Go here: plato.stanford.edu/contents.html

There’s enough on that one web site to keep you occupied for quite some time.

 

[Rhubarb]

Materialiam, idealism, and dualism with regard to what? You could be discussing the self, or ontology, or the mind. Etc.

 

[Charlemagne_III]

The Philosophy of Religion, by Elton Trueblood is a great introduction to many of the philosophical issues a religious layman needs to know about.

amazon.com/Philosophy-Religion-Elton-Trueblood/dp/0060466901/ref=sr_1_42?ie=UTF8&qid=1474061236&sr=8-42&keywords=Elton+Trueblood

 

[Charlemagne_III]

I’m taking an into to philosophy course, and I want to hear about different philosophical ideas and what their main ideas are. So far I have learned about materialism, idealism and dualism, but there are many more and I would like to learn more about them. Any help is appreciated.

Thomas Aquinas
A Letter on the Method of Study
trans. Steve Perkins, 2004.

“Because you have asked me, John, my dearest friend in Christ, how you should study to amass the treasure of knowledge, such is the advice I give to you. You should choose to enter not immediately into the ocean depths, but rather through small streams, for one should reach more difficult matters by going through the easier ones first. This is, therefore, my admonition and your instruction. I bid you be slow to speak and slow to approach the chat-room1. Embrace purity of conscience. Do not fail to have time for prayer. You should frequently choose your own room if you wish to be led into the wine cellar. Present yourself as amiable to all. Do not look for deep, hidden meanings in the deeds of others. To no one should you show yourself to be too familiar, because too much familiarity gives birth to contempt and provides from its eagerness the raw material for backsliding. You should in no way involve yourself concerning the words and deeds of worldly people. Above all else you should flee from common conversation. You should not fail to imitate the steps of the saints and all good people. You should not consider the source from which you hear something, but whatever good is spoken, commit it to memory. Those things that you read and hear, make sure that you understand them. Make yourself certain about doubtful matters, and make it your business to shelve in the bookcase of your mind whatever you can, as if desiring to fill a vase. Do not seek the matters that are above you. Following those well-known paths you will bring forth and produce, as long as you have life, branches and fruits useful in the vineyard of the Lord of Hosts. If you eagerly follow these points, you will be able to attain that which you are striving after.”