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Understanding Philosophy for AS Level: AQA (As Level)

Author: Chris Hamilton
Publisher: Nelson Thornes
Category: Book

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Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

6 reviews
Sales Rank: 42401

Media: Paperback
Pages: 436
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2.5
Dimensions (in): 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.9

ISBN: 0748765603
Dewey Decimal Number: 170
EAN: 9780748765607
ASIN: 0748765603

Publication Date: May 6, 2003
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Customer Reviews: Read 1 more reviews...

4 out of 5 stars

Good, but there is more September 29, 2007
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

Yes, reviewers are right about this book covering the modules very well, but I find more interesting material and a livelier style in Simon Blackburn's Think and I have just seen Peter Cave's Can a Robot be Human? which is fun as well as lively and also raising some deep philosophical problems. So, for some icing, I'd go for these.

4 out of 5 stars

Excellent, if not perfect in places May 21, 2007
This is undoubtedly one of the better textbooks for AQA AS philosophy. Every topic and set text is covered and covered in depth. The narrative style is most definitely accessible, while the content is both authorative and imensely enjoyable.

The real joy of this textbook, though, is that extra amount of detail the author goes into. There are illustrations, explanations and digressions galore. The direct references to specfic thinkers and their works, including contemporary ones, are extremely beneficial. What this is tome is really useful for is that crucial extra evaluative points in exam essays.

However, there are certain...lovable eccentricites, shall we say, of this book. A lot of the detial is supeflous. Sometimes Hamilton doesn't keep a clear eye on the specification, covering things 'his way' instead. Every now and a then you question the relevance and wish the book had been a little more straightforward on a topic. Remember, this is definitely a book for the more able/more interested students, this is not suitable for all students.

These are criticims, no doubt about it, but they are ones that can be put aside it favour of the pros. Good textbooks are in short supply and this one really helped me on countless occasions. For every time you question the book's approach there is a multitude of times you will heartily commend it. The book is still, on the whole, excellent.

If you have the money, pick up a second book ('Revise Philosophy for AS' perhaps?) because reading different explanations and views I have found to be essential in this subject. Also, print out the specification and keep an eye on what you need to know.

4 out of 5 stars

excellent academic companion. October 22, 2006
2 out of 3 found this review helpful

This book explores the main philosphical concepts required for assessment at AS level and in this it performs extremly well. The points are explored with a lucidity that put many other texts to shame and crucially it does not patronise the reader; this was something I appreciated when trying to understand some of the more complex problems. For the philsophy of religion module, however, I found this text lacking in important details, preferring to generalise over important issues such as the ontological argument. I sought a different handbook for this area but the depth of knowledge provided for the set texts (descartes, plato and marx) is informed and well explained. A definite must for those taking the AQA syallabus.

5 out of 5 stars

Essential in-depth AS Philosophy textbook. July 14, 2006
3 out of 5 found this review helpful

For AS Philosophy students this book is a must-have. Relying solely on this beauty you can attain the highest grades. Although it may frighten those students who aren't willing to go past the superficial level, salvation lies within for those who are. The detail it goes into is in fact far more than you will need for the exams, but in doing so it ensures that nothing can catch you out.

Make use of this fantastic textbook and take salvation in the fact that it's all you need to walk your exams. Now it's down to you to do the work! Inside you will find the entire AQA syllabus (including detailed sections on texts). Enjoy!

5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Text March 19, 2006
3 out of 4 found this review helpful

I used this book through my AS Level and for exam revision, it helped me get my B (later A after re-take). It is a brilliant book, if you're studying AQA AS Philosophy in particular, it has everything you could need, and what's great about books by exam boards is that you can see what they want from you, so you don't write much about one thing or too little about another.

For anyone not studying it, I would still recommend you try this out, its a very good read and very well written. I for one enjoyed reading it - my favourite section being Epistemology - and it made a lot of sense to me, though I must say my philosophy teacher wasn't too hooked on it, he felt it may be hard at times, but from a student's perspective I didn't have any problem, but that's not to say every student will have the same experience as me.

However I do suggest you try to borrow the book first to try it out, (if you're studying A Level Philosophy, your institute should have it, otherwise put in a recommendation for it to your library) and if you like it definately buy it, it will not go wasted on your shelf!

This book has my stamp of approval!