Discover the most important ideas in philosophy and the individuals behind them

Get to grips with the concepts that shaped the way we think about ethics, politics, and our place in the universe.

Explaining the big ideas and groundbreaking theories of key philosophers in a clear and simple way, The Philosophy Book is the perfect one-stop guide to philosophy and the history of how we think. Untangling knotty theories and shedding light on abstract concepts, entries explore and explain each complex idea with a combination of easy-to-follow explanations and innovative graphics.

Explore the history of philosophy, from ancient Greece and China to today, and find out how theories from over 2,000 years ago are still relevant to our modern lives. Follow the progression of human ideas and meet the world's most influential philosophers - from Plato and Confucius through René Descartes and Mary Wollstonecraft to Ludwig Wittgenstein, and Judith Butler.

Fully revised and updated, with quirky illustrations, clear explanations, a philosopher directory, and a glossary of key vocabulary, The Philosophy Book is the perfect introduction to a fascinating subject.