Combining clear, accessible prose and many primary sources, Velasquez provides a complete introduction to philosophy in an engaging and meaningful way. The text brings attention to topics not always covered in other texts, including human nature, feminist theory, continental philosophy, diversity, and aesthetics. The chapter organization encourages critical thinking and studying in amounts students can master while examples and questions help connect philosophy to their personal experiences. In addition to the chapter-end readings, which permit students to work with primary source material, "Historical Showcases" readings put development of ideas into context for a "big picture" view.