Plato, Aristotle, Nietzsche, Sartre, and many more. Who were they? What did they say? Why should we care? How did changing philosophical thought affect the history of civilization? How does philosophy affect pop culture, politics and government, and our everyday lives?

Combining a basic history of philosophical thought with the often quirky personal stories of famous philosophers, The Handy Philosophy Answer Book introduces the reader to the world of philosophy. This comprehensive survey analyzes the collective effort of philosophers throughout history in the pursuit of truth and wisdom. It explores the tangible significance of philosophical thought to modern society and civilization as a whole, and answers more than 1,000 questions, including …

• What was the Enlightenment?
• Why did the Pythagoreans avoid fava beans?
• How was Skepticism related to the scientific revolution?
• Was Søren Kierkegaard’s life “cursed”?
• How did philosopher A. J. Ayer defeat professional heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson?
• What are the current trends in philosophy and how are they related to feminism, environmentalism, and African American studies?
• How is Confucianism relevant to contemporary Western philosophy?

The Handy Philosophy Answer Book explains philosophical fundamentals. It looks at the various schools of thought. It explores the deep--and sometimes odd--questions posed by philosophers. This comprehensive survey brings us the lives and the impacts of philosophy's greatest thinkers. With more than 130 photos and illustrations, this tome is richly illustrated, and its helpful bibliography and extensive index add to its usefulness.