As well as highlighting contrasting approaches to philosophical questions, different treatments of particular issues, and areas where the thinking of one philosopher has influenced the ideas of others, this book reflects its authors’ strongly-held belief that philosophy is for everyone, not only those who study it at university.

Each chapter has a context section, which looks at those aspects of the philosopher’s thinking that shed light on the key ideas; a short biography; discussion of the key ideas; an impact section summing up their influence; and suggestions for further reading, including internet resources. A glossary of philosophers and thinkers gives brief information about other philosophers and thinkers referred to in the book, while the glossary of terms briefly defines specialist philosophical and other terms. There is also an index.

If you find this book’s contents thought-provoking and horizon-expanding, do not stop here. Read some of these Great Philosophers’ books. They wrote about the big issues of life. Exploring their ideas can help us to answer some of the questions we face today. At least, it can help us to understand the questions more clearly!