Analytic Philosophy for the Perplexed: a Basic Introduction to Analytic Philosophy

The phrase ?analytic philosophy? is ambiguous (it has multiple meanings, and it is not always clear which meaning is intended). It is used variously to refer to: a tradition within late 19th century and 20th century philosophy; one or more of the philosophical doctrines held by philosophers within that tradition; and a method of doing philosophy used by philosophers within that tradition, as well as by philosophers outside that tradition. Analytic philosophy is premised on the contention that the problems of philosophy are essentially problems of language; therefore the clarification of language implies the disappearance of philosophical problems. This book offers a simplified version of the major debates in analytical philosophy.