The Philosophy Book

Will Buckingham; Peter J. King; Douglas Burnham; Marcus Weeks; Clive Hill; John Marenbon

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1405353295 ISBN 13: 9781405353298

Publisher: DK, 2011

Explaining more than 100 of the most important big ideas and groundbreaking theories of key philosophers in a clear and simple way, this is the perfect introduction to philosophy and the history of how we think.

Untangling knotty theories and shedding light on abstract concepts, The Philosophy Book makes use of innovative graphics and easy-to-follow explanations to demystify complex ideas.

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 Descartes and Mary Wollstonecraft to Wittgenstein, Chomsky, and Derrida.

With clever illustrations, clear explanations, a philosopher directory, and a vocabulary glossary, The Philosophy Book is a perfect and comprehensive introduction to a fascinating subject.

Review:

"[The Big Ideas Simply Explained books] are beautifully illustrated with shadow-like cartoons that break down even the most difficult concepts so they are easier to grasp. These step-by-step diagrams are an incredibly clever learning device to include, especially for visual learners." - Examiner.com

"This graphically lively presentation, which also features color reproductions, colorfully framed pull quotes, photos, and a variety of fonts, offers students an overview of the ideas and concepts generated by people who have spent their lives "wondering about the world." - School Library Journal

"In The Philosophy Book, the ideas and thoughts of more than one hundred of the most influential philosophers from the ancient world through today are presented in a succinct, yet highly readable, format. From all corners of the world and from different traditions and approaches to philosophy and the art of reasoning, the contributors to this excellent book highlight the impact of each philosopher on his society and how it affected the development of subsequent ideas. Students of philosophy or those interested in human thought will thoroughly enjoy this book. This volume is an excellent addition to a general philosophy collection." - Voice of Youth Advocate/VOYA Magazine

About the Author:

DK was founded in London in 1974 and is now the world's leading illustrated reference publisher and part of Penguin Random House, formed on July 1, 2013. DK publishes highly visual, photographic nonfiction for adults and children. DK produces content for consumers in over 87 countries and in 62 languages, with offices in Delhi, London, Melbourne, Munich, New York, and Toronto. DK's aim is to inform, enrich, and entertain readers of all ages, and everything DK publishes, whether print or digital, embodies the unique DK design approach. DK brings unrivalled clarity to a wide range of topics with a unique combination of words and pictures, put together to spectacular effect. We have a reputation for innovation in design for both print and digital products. Our adult range spans travel, including the award-winning DK Eyewitness Travel Guides, history, science, nature, sport, gardening, cookery, and parenting. DK's extensive children's list showcases a fantastic store of information for children, toddlers, and babies. DK covers everything from animals and the human body, to homework help and craft activities, together with an impressive list of licensing titles, including the bestselling LEGO(R) books. DK acts as the parent company for Alpha Books, publisher of the Idiot's Guides series and Prima Games, video gaming publishers, as well as the award-winning travel publisher, Rough Guides.