The history of philosophy

The story of philosophy unfolds as an epic exploration of ideas from some of humanity's most creative minds. Since Bertrand Russell's classic work in 1945, no comprehensive single-volume history has captured this intellectual journey until now. A. C. Grayling guides readers through the worldviews and moralities preceding the age of the Buddha, Confucius, and Socrates, traversing through Christianity's influence in Europe, the Renaissance, Enlightenment, and the thoughts of Mill, Nietzsche, Sartre, and contemporary philosophy. He also highlights the significant philosophical traditions of India, China, and the Persian-Arabic world, providing a comparative survey. Accessible for students and enlightening for philosophy enthusiasts, the book addresses key areas such as epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, aesthetics, logic, the philosophy of mind, language, and political philosophy. Grayling examines the contributions of celebrated philosophers alongside lesser-known thinkers and reflects on what we have learned from their ideas and the progress yet to be made. This authoritative and engaging one-volume history stands out for its breadth and accessibility, marking a significant contribution to the field.