Mark W. Foreman, Prelude to Philosophy: An Introduction for Christians (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2013), 208 Pps., $20.00.
According to Socrates “The unexamined life is not worth living,” but to many, if not most modern people, pursuing the examined life is seen to be unappealing and even unnecessary. In today’s environment, “spirituality” is, but no one knows what that means, and a flat stomach is of greater value than a mature, Christian character. Is philosophy important? Surely it is, for in this world today we cannot agree about the status of babies, or the sexual makeup of the population. Why do I need philosophy if I have the Bible?, so may ask. Are not philosophers simply engaged in meaningless disputes? Mark Foreman contends that this is not the case by addressing these and other questions in this “prelude” to philosophy.
Whereas most introductions to philosophy provide a quick definition of it, and then proceed to delve into the branches, issues and problems of it, this book is a stark contrast. Unlike most introductions, this book is a looks at the preceding and preparing principles that are important to the study of philosophy. In the first half of the book, Foreman defines the task of philosophy, compares it to other disciplines and demonstrates its value to Christians interested in developing a more reflective faith. The second half of the title introduces the topics of logic and argumentation, which are the essential tools of a philosopher. I will spend more time in focusing on the first part of this title than the latter half in what follows.
Chapter 1 describes the basic definition of philosophy, and thereafter characterizes it. In so doing, Foreman notes that it is both practical and beneficial, as our basic questions in life are based on our philosophy of life. He informs us that we get to know what philosophy is by defining it, describing it, comparing and contrasting it, and experiencing it in this chapter. He defines philosophy as “the critical examination of our foundational beliefs concerning the nature of reality, knowledge and truth, and our social and moral values” (24). He notes that philosophers are generally more interested in what lies behind beliefs and the method of attaining those beliefs than the beliefs themselves. He contends that philosophy examines everything, and that nothing is taken for granted, but that philosophers are usually concerned with foundational issues that have perennial application throughout history.
Chapter 2 explains why developing a philosophical mindset is important in general. Examining and evaluating our beliefs, Foreman contends, is more than merely fulfilling a duty; it also yields two significant dividends: it enhances our enjoyment of life, and since most of our actions arise our beliefs, it is important to know if a belief is true or not. If philosophy is the pursuit of truth, then arguing is the strategy that guides that pursuit. One of the greatest values of the philosophical mindset is the role it plays in cultivating within us a worldview by which our knowledge can be examined and categorized. Chapter 3 discusses why the study of philosophy is vital specifically for Christians. H refers to a biblical mandate to develop a philosophical mindset and suggests that this involves three elements: an appreciation of the role of reason, the construction of a Christian system of philosophy, and refutation of contrary philosophies.
Chapter 4 overviews the different branches of philosophy and the major questions dealt with by it. The study of philosophy can be reduced into palatable bites by approaching through a historical perspective. Doing this involves examining the works of great philosophers, and perceiving how ideas developed over time. Foreman point out four periods: ancient philosophy; the medieval period; the Renaissance; and contemporary philosophy. Another way to break up philosophy into smaller bits is by looking at through its various worldviews advocated. He points out two in this regard: naturalistic and non-naturalistic, the latter of which include monotheism, deism, polytheism pantheism, and panentheism. Regarding major topics within philosophy Foreman indicates that they are metaphysics, the study of reality; epistemology, the study of knowledge; and axiology, the study of values.
The last three chapters deal with the primary method of philosophy: logic and the analysis of arguments. Indeed, chapter 5 introduces basic language and types of logical reasoning. Chapter 6 covers informal fallacies, and chapter 7 offers a tactical approach to constructing and analyzing arguments. An epilogue is offered last that describes the virtues of a Christian philosopher.
An important distinction of this book is that it is written specifically for Christians, even more specifically for those who are new to philosophy; as such, it presumes no knowledge of philosophy by the reader. I recommend it heartily to those who have interests in examining further the reasons for philosophizing in the contemporary environ, as well as for those who are already employed in doing so, but desire justification for their pursuits.
Bradford McCall
Holy Apostles College and University