I picked up this book only a month after taking an introductory philosophy class. The class, unfortunately, was dumbed down. This book is not. The book covers all aspects of philosophy that are of any consequence to anyone today. The three basic branches of philosophy (metaphysics, epistomology, and ethics) are given adequate coverage drawing from a multitude of philosophers. There's even an interesting chapter on the philosophy of science which I thought was very well written. At the end of the book is an appendix filled with brief commentary on philosophers of different eras. I am, at this time, going through the appendix and picking up texts on philosophers which interest me.

I recommend this book to anyone who has either been completely lost with philosophy, or cannot find a book that is neither too complex or simple. This book strikes a perfect balance and helps the reader carry on with their study of philosophy.

The only shortcoming of this book is that it tends to cover so much that it is spread too thin in some areas. For example, I found no mention of the Kalam argument in the chapter on the existance of god. Regardless of the merits of the argument, it is