ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents a comprehensive and detailed picture not only of the condition of philosophical thought at a particular time, but also of the history of philosophy at large. It finds that the problem, nominally the same but variously conceived, has been approached by two essentially different paths. A first group of authors attempt to lead their readers to philosophise, by enumerating the principal philosophical problems and indicating their solution. A second group of Introductions to Philosophy is characterised by the authors' desire to transcend the narrow limits of individual conviction, and give the reader a bird's eye view of the whole extent of philosophy, past and present. This purpose can be served only by abundant historical citation and copious literary reference.
