What is reality? How do we know what exists? What is the nature of truth? How can we live a good life? For 2,500 years, questions such as these have been pondered by philosophers from Parmenides and Plato to Dennett and Derrida. Each great thinker has influenced subsequent generations and philosophical theory has evolved and diversified. Should we allow captial punishment or abortion? Is it right for banks to make a profit from the poor? Is democracy the best form of government? Philosophy gives us the tools to address life's big questions and enable us to form intelligent views on everyday topics. it also helps us to see what underpins our personal decisions on issues such as the way we vote, how honest we are, and whether we give to charity.

Includes index.

Introduction: The examined life -- Chapter 1: What is there? -- Chapter 2: Is there a God? -- Chapter 3: What is it to be human? -- Chapter 4: What can we know? -- Chapter 5: How should we live? -- Chapter 6: How do we make a good society? -- Conclusion: At the end of the day.