The basics of western philosophy

Kelly (philosophy, New York Inst. of Technology) has divided his solid introduction to Western philosophy in two parts. Part 1 covers the activity of philosophy, including the nature of philosophy, logic and language, and the history of philosophy. Part 2, the larger section, addresses the problems of philosophy, including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, social and political philosophy, philosophy of religion, and science and human nature. Sidebars provide background information, capsule biographies and illustrations of the philosophers, and a historical and philosophical time line. More than a mere survey, this is a work of philosophical comprehension limited only in its compass because of its intended audience (high school and undergraduate students as well as the general public). Highly recommended for public and academic libraries. Leon H. Brody, U.S. Office of Personnel Management Lib., Washington, DC (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.