A Little Book for New Philosophers: Why and How to Study Philosophy

Expert advice from a veteran philosopher.

Paul Copan teaches philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University. As the subtitle of this book indicates, this book talks about the advantages of studying philosophy. It seems to be aimed at people who wonder whether they should pursue philosophy as an academic study, perhaps for a career in academia. The book thoughtfully explores a variety of subjects: the increasing acceptance of theism within philosophical circles, arguments for the existence of God, the existence of the soul, verificationism, similarities and differences between the God of the Bible and the philosophical God (i.e., the picture of God influenced by Greek philosophy), the question of whether atheists bear any burden of proof, and what to do with religious doubt. Copan also defends the study of philosophy against Christians who regard it as antithetical to Christianity. Not only does Copan offer an alternative interpretation of Bible verses that have been cited against philosophy, but he also effectively argues that Scripture itself, along with Christian minds throughout history, have encouraged the life of the mind. Copan also offers a lay-of-the-land of academia, as he speaks from experience as an academic philosopher. For Copan, Christian philosophers should exemplify the fruit of the Spirit in how they treat colleagues, including those with whom they disagree. This may sound obvious, but Copan offers practical advice on how to be a Christian in academia: how to view one’s own work, how to help others, and how being in a group of Christian philosophers can be important. Cohan also shares how he went through Coppleston’s series of books on philosophy, and that may be helpful to people who are seriously interested in the field, as well as people whose minds can easily wander when they are reading! I would like to quote some of my favorite lines in the book, just to give you a taste: “Practicing philosophy in the way of Jesus, for instance, requires that professors never publicly dismantle a graduate student’s paper at a conference” (page 81). “So whether we publish much or little, whether our work is widely admired or falls stillborn from the press, we will be a faithful presence wherever God has placed us” (pages 82-83). “My PhD advisor told me not to attempt anything earthshaking for my dissertation…He suggested I keep my nose to the grindstone, work hard and save any bold work for later” (pages 92-93). And, as someone who wonders if James 1:6-8 condemns all doubt, I appreciated Cohan’s interpretation: “Actually, James is condemning a mindset of divided loyalty between God and the world—-a spiritual adultery” (page 103). The book may help Christian students at secular universities to feel less alone when their Christianity is challenged. This book demonstrates that intelligent people have embraced Christianity and have pursued careers in academia. This book, by itself, may not provide Christian students with sufficient arguments to use against atheists and skeptics, who can easily respond with “Where’s the proof for God’s existence?”, dismiss some arguments as wishful thinking, or see some arguments as “God in the gaps” arguments. Copan criticizes “God in the gaps” arguments as lazy, but he also seems to prefer theistic explanations because they at least attempt to account for things that puzzle naturalists. Naturalists would probably see that approach itself as a “God in the gaps” approach, believing that we should not dismiss the possibility of a natural explanation just because one currently eludes us. The book may still provide Christian students with a starting-point in addressing atheist and skeptical arguments. A disappointment, in terms of the book, is that it did not really explore how Christians can be edified by philosophical insights. Granted, it talked about how philosophy can sharpen one’s mind, but, when it came to philosophy, it largely focused on the questions of whether God and the soul exist. Can philosophy do more than buttress what Christians already believe to be true? Can it teach them anything new? On pages 38-39, Copan refers positively to analytic theologians who “haven’t focused primarily on Christian apologetics or arguments for God’s existence…” Copan’s book would have been better had its horizons been broader. The book also had somewhat of a siege mentality, in places: Christians must try to protect their faith, and Christians should hang around their own. I should stress, though, that, the opposite approach is in the book, too, as it encourages those interested in philosophy to learn the thoughts of major philosophical figures and to engage atheist and skeptical philosophers. Copan also has reasons for holding the Christian faith, which include arguments, its explanatory power, its satisfaction of human longings, and the experiences of the supernatural by people he knows. I doubt that Copan is insecure in his faith. It just seems that he is for exploration, but he wants it to arrive at Christian conclusions. Of course, there are atheists and skeptics who are the same way, with their own worldviews, but is there a way to be open-minded while holding a particular worldview, as opposed to being in a no-man’s land? I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My review is honest!

I intended my star rating to stand as my opinion and review of the book, having now been required to write such that my rating can be public I will share what I will call an experiential report-a "this is how it has been helpful to me" review. Anyone who has gone through a graduate philosophy program (maybe any MA program) will attest to the disorientating and mind-numbing trials of papers, tests, reading, note taking, lectures, etc. that brought me, on multiple occasions to ask, "Is this really worth it". Can anyone relate? This book came to me through a couple whom mentor me, and I have used it as a reminder, a kind of anchor, when I face that question, or something like it. It has the thoughts of not only the author, but of so many great thinkers of the philosophical professional field giving what could be considered a report of what they do, and more importantly, why they do what they do. I have flipped it open and read those reports (some of which are only sentences long) and "gone and done the same". A friend and, as of this semester, a philosophical program colleague faces epistemology and metaphysics next semester-I will be giving him this book before he does.

This is an excellent book. While it may be little in size and length, it was big in impact for me. Copan does an excellent job of walking the reader through the discipline and importance of philosophy, and how it sits in beautiful harmony with faith in God. It's obviously more of a primer, than a deep survey of the subject matter. But it is organized quite well and easy to read. I really appreciated that Copan included a chapter on doubt, since it is such a common part of my Christian walk. Asking the difficult questions and grappling with them forces me out of my comfort zone on a regular basis. Copan's advice on doubting wisely almost felt like it was written just for me. It's good to be reminded there are others in my same shoes. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with even a passing interest in philosophy. -R. L. Solberg

Me encanta el estilo de Paul Copan y espero seguir comprando más libros de él en un futuro cercano y aprender más.

A Little Book for New Philosophers by Paul Copan is an excellent, short guide as to why and how to study philosophy. This book is notable for giving a very short, cogent summary of why it is reasonable to believe that God exists, as the author notes as follows: “We should also consider God’s robust explanatory power. Christian philosopher Alvin Plantinga says that theism “offers suggestions for answers to a wide range of otherwise intractable questions.” The existence of consciousness, beauty, free will, personhood, rationality, duties and human value – not to mention the beginning and fine-tuning of the universe and the existence of life itself – are hardly surprising if a good, personal, rational, creative, powerful and wise God exists. Conversely, these 10 phenomena are quite startling if they are the result of deterministic, valueless, non-conscious and non-rational material processes.” Another key section of this book is a compelling answer to atheist Bertrand Russell’s questions as to why God doesn’t provide more evidence of his existence. According to Copan, God doesn’t reveal himself to the proud, the apathetic or half-hearted. Rather, God reveals himself to those who seek him with all their heart. God rewards faith, not skepticism. Since philosophy is the love of wisdom, true philosophers will love this book.

Hard to use for school when pages keep falling out.

Not far into Paul Copan’s //A Little Book for New Philosophers: Why and How to Study Philosophy// I thought to myself, “This may become required reading for all introductory courses in Bible and theology programs.” The first two chapters are absolutely fantastic and rightly demonstrate a place for philosophy within Christianity. However, Copan thereafter takes a sharp dive into axioms and poorly articulated arguments that leave the reader wondering how this was ever intended to be a primer on philosophy for Christians. It feels as if Copan assumes //a priori// knowledge of the very reasoning espoused so that it need not be articulated, which is contrary to the book’s purpose. Unfortunately, rather than introducing the reader to philosophy’s place in Christianity, this fits better as an exercise in dogma. (Concerning much of what is actually articulated, Copan relies heavily on Alvin Plantinga, which speaks to his tradition and philosophical presuppositions.) Concerning the positive note, the following are included in the first two chapters: “Philosophy is mind-sharpening.” (20) “Philosophy helps us to see that ideas have consequences.” (21) “Philosophy expands our horizons.” (21) “Philosophy can help isolate bad or sloppy thinking.” (22) “Philosophy can strengthen our theology.” (24) “Everyone takes a philosophical view of things—a worldview, some call it—even if their philosophical assumptions are subconscious and unexplored. Like it or not, whatever your outlook or training, you are a philosopher!” (31) “Another way of looking at philosophy is as a kind of tool. In this sense it is a //way// of thinking, not the //result// of your thinking.” (33, emphasis original.) I expected more from IVP Academic with this one, but it does fit a theological trend in what I’m seeing from them recently. However, despite my overall opinions of the text, I would still recommend students read through chapter 2 of this book. *I received a temporary digital copy for review from IVP Academic via NetGalley.