Meet the most important thinkers, questions, and movements in Western philosophy-all in a short, easy-to-read book. Where did we come from? Why are we here? Do we really have free will? How can we truly know anything? If you've ever wondered about these or other big questions-such as the meaning of life, the nature of truth, or the existence of good and evil-you're not alone. People have been asking these questions for millennia. And in searching for the answers, they built our modern world. Though Western philosophy is thousands of years old, its legacy influences just about every aspect of our life today. But most people don't know where that legacy comes from, how it evolved over time, and who had a hand in shaping it. This book gives a concise, easy-to-read overview of the great people, questions, and ideas that shaped Western thought, including: The ancient Greeks who lived before Socrates and paved the way for the birth of philosophy The most famous philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle The major religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam that influenced Western thought The Catholic nuns and monks, like Hildegard Von Bingen, who contributed to medieval philosophy The bold Renaissance thinkers, like Machiavelli and Montaigne, who refused to conform with the Vatican's attempts to dictate thought The 19th-century German philosophers like Hegel, Kierkegaard, and Nietzche who introduced concepts like liberalism, existentialism, and nihilism The old ideas that carried over into modern Europe and North America, and how they changed in the process And much more! Whether you're completely new to Western philosophy or already familiar with certain thinkers and movements, this book will give you a clearer picture of the major players who shaped Western thought as we know it today. Unbiased and easy to read, it's a great introduction to the history of Western philosophy, the questions humanity has grappled with in every age, and the way these questions have impacted our modern world. Reading this book will help you: Understand the forces behind Western society Become familiar with history's most prominent thinkers Engage with some of the biggest questions of all time Gain a solid knowledge base to take your study of philosophy deeper Ready to take your place in the pantheon of Western thought? Want to meet and engage with the world's most famous philosophers?