A Beginner's Guide to Philosophy

"Janicaud opens up his subject in the most immediate way I have ever seen."-Daily Telegraph "Janicaud sees philosophy first as a habit of mind close to Plato's original conception of the discipline as the best way of unmasking received ideas."-The Observer (London) "Enticing and charming. . . . By seeking, daring to know the essence of beauty, truth, and goodness we can achieve illumination and satisfaction. This book points us in the right direction."-The Good Book Guide "Its elegance of expression and exposition will appeal also to more mature seekers after enlightenment who are gently, subtly led from Socrates to Nietzsche. Janicaud equips us to face down the conformist pressures of modern life."-The Times (London) A small marvel, A Beginner's Guide to Philosophy provides an instructive and delightful introduction to philosophy. Despite its brevity, this beginner's guide covers a vast range of authors and topics. The reader will find discussions of ancient and modern philosophy, beginning with the pre-Socratic thinkers, before moving on to Plato and Aristotle. The narrative then proceeds to an elegant survey of modern philosophers: Descartes, Nietzsche, Kant, and Hegel. Dominique Janicaud finally comes to the problems that have occupied thinkers through the ages: the existence of God, the meaning of life, human nature, and the question of freedom. Dominique Janicaud, a renowned French philosopher, taught at the University of Nice. He died of a heart attack after swimming in the Mediterranean Sea in 2002, after only just completing this book, written to introduce his daughter to philosophy.