'Philosophical Essays' is a new take on philosophy. Although firmly within the analytical school, the author re-defines the central subject-matter of philosophy for modern readers, whether they are interested laypersons, or serious students. Discussing wisdom, he also shows the value of philosophy for a lifelong quest to develop a personal worldview. Advice is given on how to approach the subject, too, as there is still no standard way. A section on thinking and argument will be of help to all those needing a critical stance in any discipline. Methods and tools of philosophy are then explained as a backdrop to discovering objective Reality via metaphysics, the theory of knowledge, logic, and mind. Answers and directions are suggested for most major problems in these fields, as the book explores what reason can add to complement the discoveries of science. Michael Douglas Halliday (born 1945) is an English non-fiction writer with broadly scientific and philosophical interests applied to understanding and improving the modern world. Educated in Yorkshire and graduating from Oxford University, he trained at Nottingham University to teach secondary school science, prior to a later career in public administration, rising to varied senior positions in both county and municipal authorities in local government. He holds an MBA in management from Leicester University. He lives on the Wirral peninsula in the North-West with his partner, Joyce, and has two daughters and one grandson.