Introduction

What is philosophy? This introductory chapter defines the method and object of philosophical inquiry, and the value of such an inquiry. Philosophy is literally “love of wisdom”. The wisdom spoken of here is said to be derived from the pursuit of knowledge via a quest for the most significant, general, and fundamental matters pertaining to life, the universe, or just reality as a whole. This chapter also provides an overview of the historical span of the philosophical tradition in the Western world. The four main divisions in this tradition are ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary. We shall explore the main differences and commonalities between them. It is important to note that there are existing disagreements over the number and form the divisions should take.