First published originally in German in 1921, "Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus" is the only book-length philosophical work by Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein published during his lifetime. Based upon notes made during his time, serving in World War I, the treatise is composed of 526 numbered declarative statements that are presented without argument and were seen by Wittgenstein as being self-evident. Wittgenstein's style is succinct and sparse...

Did God create man? Or did man create God? Famed German philosopher Ludwig Feuerbach explores the answer in this, his most influential work, published in German in 1841 and translated by celebrated English novelist George Eliot. Using Biblical references, dialectics, and ideas from some of the world's greatest thinkers, he confronts believers with his cogent explanation. Approaching religion from a humanistic perspective, Feuerbach explores the idea...

"Reconstruction in Philosophy" by John Dewey is a groundbreaking philosophical work that challenges traditional modes of thinking and calls for a profound reevaluation of philosophical inquiry. In this transformative book, Dewey offers a compelling vision for reconstructing philosophy to better serve the needs and complexities of the modern world. With incisive intellect and deep insight, Dewey argues for a shift away from abstract metaphysical speculations...

Hundreds of sage observations from China's most revered scholar. Teacher, politician, philosopher, and student, Confucius offered wisdom and aphorisms on a variety of topics that transcend borders and time. Whether considering his own life, human nature, or a society's responsibilities, Confucius's teachings emphasize personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice, and sincerity. He aimed to effect social and political...

Greek philosopher and scientist, Aristotle, lived in the 4th century B.C. and is regarded as one of the most important figures of classical antiquity. Aristotle was probably the most famous member of Plato's Academy in Athens, whose writings would ultimately form the first comprehensive system of Western philosophy. His writings were not constrained to simply one field of inquiry but covered such various subjects as physics, biology, metaphysics,...

One of the most widely discussed philosophers of the 21st century finds common ground between spiritual and secular ethics in this provocative book.

As controversial and he was influential, Richard Rorty developed a brand of philosophical pragmatism that rejects all theories of truth. His groundbreaking work also dismisses modern epistemology and its preoccupation with knowledge and representation. Though he was a strict secularist,

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Disillusionment with psychology is leading more and more people to formal philosophy for clues about how to think about life. But most of us who try to grapple with concepts such as reality, truth, common sense, consciousness, and society lack the rigorous training to discuss them with any confidence. John Searle brings these notions down from their abstract heights to the terra firma of real-world understanding, so that those with no knowledge of...

Though unfinished at his death, Some Problems in Philosophy demonstrates the psychological insight and devotion to literary excellence that James brought to philosophy. Intended to serve both as a historical overview of metaphysics and a systematic statement of his philosophical beliefs, this volume is one of his seminal works. This edition includes a preface by the author's brother, Henry James.

Peter Singer is the Ira W. DeCamp Professor of Bioethics in the University Center for Human Values at Princeton University and Laureate Professor at the University of Melbourne. His books include Animal Liberation, Practical Ethics, Rethinking Life and Death, One World, and, most recently, The Life You Can Save. What is ethics? Where do moral standards come from? Are they based on emotions, reason, or some innate sense of right and wrong? For many...