Questions in Christian Philosophy

What does it mean to know something? Can we have confidence in our knowledge? Epistemology, the study of knowledge, can often seem like a daunting subject. And yet few topics are more basic to human life. We are inquisitive creatures by nature, and the unending quest for truth leads us to raise difficult questions about the quest itself. What are the conditions, sources, and limits of our knowledge? Do our beliefs need to be rationally justified? Can we have certainty? In this primer on epistemology, James Dew and Mark Foreman guide readers through this discipline in philosophy. This second edition has been expanded with new material and now serves as the first volume in IVP's Questions in Christian Philosophy series. By asking basic questions and using clear, jargon-free language, they provide an entry into one of the most important issues in contemporary philosophy.

How do we think? What does a faithful use of logic look like? Without even pausing to think about it, we exercise our capacity for rational thought. But how exactly does logic work? What makes some arguments valid and others not? In this Questions in Christian Philosophy volume, philosopher Forrest Baird offers an introduction to logic. He considers the basic building blocks of human reason, including types of arguments, fallacies, syllogisms, symbols, and proofs, all of which are demonstrated with exercises for students throughout. In addition, he reflects on the relationship between the use of reason and the Christian faith. With this academic but accessible primer, readers will be introduced to the basics of logic-and encouraged to reason better.

What is real? How do we determine what the fundamental structures of reality are? In this Questions in Christian Philosophy volume, philosopher Ross Inman offers an introduction to metaphysics. He introduces us to the tradition of metaphysics in Western philosophy, what it means to do metaphysics as a Christian, and considers timeless and universal inquiries into the central topics of metaphysics: identity, necessity and possibility, properties, universals, substances, and parts and wholes. With this academic but accessible primer, readers will be introduced to the key topics explored in contemporary metaphysics. The Questions in Christian Philosophy Series features introductory textbooks that offer students a Christian perspective on the various branches of philosophy, enabling them as they seek to understand all facets of life including existence, knowledge, ethics, art, and more.

Does beauty really exist? What is the nature and value of art? What makes someone an artist? What is the artist's place in the church? Dennis Bray explores these questions and more in What Is Beauty?, an introductory textbook on art and aesthetics from a Christian perspective. This volume of the Questions in Christian Philosophy series provides one of the only inviting and accessible introductions to the basic questions surrounding aesthetics and philosophy of art without sacrificing academic rigor. What you'll find in What Is Beauty?: - an introductory-level textbook perfect for undergraduates or anyone new to aesthetics and Christian philosophy - examination centered around three major questions: How is God beautiful? What is art? Who is the artist? - additional resources for readers who want to go deeper into aesthetics and philosophy - tools to evaluate and cultivate your aesthetic taste from a Christian perspective Written with clarity and accessibility, What Is Beauty? offers students and educators a thought-provoking exploration of key themes in the philosophy of art. Perfect forclassrooms and Christian artists alike, this book invites readers to reflect deeply on the relationship between beauty, art, and faith. This book offers invaluable insights for undergraduate philosophy students, professors, and those exploring the intersection of faith and the arts. Readers will gain a deep understanding of how beauty reflects God's character, why art holds significance, and how artists are called to serve both the church and the world. About the Series The Questions in Christian Philosophy series features introductory textbooks that offer students a Christian perspective on the various branches of philosophy, enabling them as they seek to understand all facets of life including existence, knowledge, ethics, art, and more.