An Introduction to Philosophy

This is really a great introduction to philosophy, even considering its age. Why is it worth reading? Not because, like many "introductions", it inundates the reader with a chronological sweep of philosophical theory, but because it initiates the reader into the realm of philosophical thought from the ground up by asking the questions which philosophy tries to answer, while introducing key philosophical concepts and jargon (monism vs. dualism, rationalism vs. empiricism, etc.). It is, of course, not in any way comprehensive, but if you are looking for a book to draw you into the realm of philosophy as a whole before moving on to reading key texts (such as the Critique of Pure Reason or Essay Concerning Human Understanding) this is a great introduction to put ideas in context. Highly recommended.