This text offers an accessible historical survey of philosophical ideas and a wealth of primary source readings at an excellent value. The text is a comprehensive, historically organized introduction to philosophy, which communicates the richness of the discipline and provides the student with a working knowledge of the development of Western philosophy. With a lively and approachable style it covers the principal contributions of Western civilization's most influential philosophers. The topically organized reader features a chronological organization within the topics and a wide selection of readings. Primarily a selection of Western philosophy, the fifth edition also includes classic Eastern philosophy texts.