
In this concise guide the author invites listeners to confront the most basic puzzles of philosophy: what can we truly know, and how can we be certain of it? Using familiar scenes—a chair, a table, the sun shining outside—he shows how everyday assumptions hide subtle contradictions that demand careful thought. The approach is clear and critical, steering clear of dogmatic assertions while encouraging an honest examination of our beliefs.
The first chapter draws a sharp line between appearance and reality, illustrating the point with the simple example of a wooden table whose colour seems to shift with light and perspective. By exploring how sense‑data can deceive us, the book opens a broader discussion of epistemology, questioning the reliability of our senses and the foundations of scientific knowledge. Listeners will find a thought‑provoking entry point into philosophy that balances rigorous analysis with accessible language.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (244K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Gordon Keener, and David Widger
Release date
2004-06-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1872–1970
A brilliant and wide-ranging thinker, he helped reshape modern philosophy and logic while writing with unusual clarity for general readers. His books move easily from big questions about truth and knowledge to urgent arguments about war, freedom, and how people might live more sanely together.
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