Choice Review

An outstanding introduction to the field. Intended primarily for newcomers to the philosophy of mind, this book is a lucid, engaging discussion of some of the main problems, arguments, and theories. The volume is divided into three parts: an exposition and critical examination of Cartesian dualism; an introduction to functionalism and to traditional philosophical problems about perception, belief, desire, and action; and an elaboration of functionalism, especially as it applies to sensation, thought, and free agency. Smith and Jones render intricate arguments accessible to novices without sacrificing detail; moreover, they also evaluate the arguments clearly and evenhandedly while developing their own case for a neo-Aristotelian brand of functionalism. Students are deftly led to a deep understanding of standard issues and arguments, and they cannot help but acquire in the process a healthy respect for the power of analytic methods. In addition to a useful bibliography and index, the book includes an analytical table of contents, a chronological list of major philosophers, and a guide for further reading.-A.R. Mele, Davidson College