Elementary Guide to the Philosophers

Elementary Guide to the Philosophers introduces the reader to 25 of the most influential philosophers and their beliefs about reality, knowledge, and value. Each philosopher is introduced with a description and then accompanied by selections from their works that illustrate how they understood the basic questions. This is an ideal book for the introductory student who wants to both learn what the philosophers have taught and also learn how to do philosophy. You will be introduced to philosophers who teach that the material world and the human soul have existed from eternity. Others will say that we must go beyond reason and accept true contradictions or have a special mystical experience. And yet some will say that God alone is eternal and is known through His works. This knowledge of God is our highest good. Can you find these philosophers? From this you will learn to do philosophy.