Philosophy -- One Man’s Overview

Philosophy – One Man’s Overview is for those who have had little contact with the discipline of philosophy but have a persistent interest in the subject, and for those who think recurrently about where they stand in the larger scheme of things. The book aims to expose the reader to a wide array of ideas from the world’s most influential philosophers, aiding him or her to become more perceptive and confident on life’s journey.The book has three segments. The first provides an introduction to philosophy – terminology, an explanation of philosophy’s relevance and usefulness, and a summary of the three major world philosophical traditions – the Western, Indian and Chinese. The second discusses the three traditions more substantially, exploring the philosophies of such thinkers as Lao Zi, Aristotle and Kant, and philosophies such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Existentialism and Contemporary New Confucianism (當代新儒家). Finally, the third segment compares the three philosophical traditions. It also includes some thoughts of the author on world peace, as well as on a world view—based on a deism with Nature as its representation--concerning human character, the living of a life as the purpose of life, and the meaning of death.