A comprehensive update of the best-selling first edition, this revitalized new text presents readers with a series of clear, well-written entries focusing on fifty of the most influential philosophers from the last two thousand years. Chosen to present the traditional mainstream of European philosophy, the text also provides a critical survey that meets the needs of readers seeking a broad basic understanding as well as a foundation for further philosophical enquiry. Encompassing a wide range of ancient, medieval and modern philosophers, features of the second edition include: * new entries on Dewey, Collingwood, Popper, Quine, Merleau-Ponty, Ayer and Rawls * a thorough revision of existing entries * a complete update of the further reading section * an expanded glossary * the addition of an alphabetical table of contents and an index for ease of use. Authoritative and highly readable, this book is a vital reference tool for all those wishing to improve their understanding of some of the worlds most fascinating intellectual figures.