Complex ideas explained in everyday language!

Is there life after death? Are euthanasia, suicide, or stem cell research ethical acts? Does the use of performance enhancers in sports constitute cheating?

These are the types of philosophical questions people face today. Philosophy is not a dead set of doctrines--it's a living body of knowledge that you can use to guide behavior and problem solving. In a lively, easy-to-follow approach, The Everything Guide to Understanding Philosophy introduces you to the major thinkers and the problems they've pondered over the last 2,600 years.

In plain English, author Kenneth Shouler, Ph.D. explains all of the great philosophies--and provides contemporary examples to put them in perspective. He delves into the minds of such philosophers as:
Socrates, Plato, and AristotleAugustine and AquinasSpinoza and DescartesLocke and HumeMill and NietzscheRussell and Sartre
If you're ready to broaden your outlook on life, this is the book for you. Endlessly fascinating--and always clear and concise--it's the perfect introduction for budding philosophers!

From the Native American tribal faiths and the Judeo-Christian traditions to Scientology and other nascent religions, man's search for God takes many fascinating forms. In this easy-to-use and comprehensive guide, you'll explore the intriguing dogma and rituals, cultural convictions, and often-checkered backgrounds and histories of the world's religions. This mystical tour of major and minor religions, both ancient and contemporary, includes:
  • How religions deal with the issue of evil
  • Which religions believe in an afterlife--and what you have to do to get there
  • The history and moral foundations of major religions
  • Belief in non-belief and the fundamentals of atheism
  • Special holidays and festivals central to each religion

From Hinduism to Hare Krishna and from evangelicalism to Wicca, this book includes more than fifty religious perspectives and denominations. It's the ultimate guide to exploring the beliefs and traditions of religions around the world.