Ancient Western Philosophy The Hellenic Emergence Book

This is a fantastic introduction because it recognizes the central aspect of philosophy as the careful articulation of one's own thoughts, and it encourages the reader to dive in and do philosophy while he or she works through the fundamental human questions in the book.

Solomon and Higgins introduce the big ideas philosophers have been grappling with through the ages; present several classic perspectives for each; encourage the reader to examine and develop his or her own thoughts by asking targeted questions; and, they point the reader to additional sources for further investigation.

Philosophy is often dismissed as out of touch with modern life--why should we listen to a bunch of old dead white guys, anyway? This book places the reader at the center of the philosophical project, and it immediately involves him or her in the great questions humans have pondered throughout the ages.

A big cheer for "The Big Questions."