Mitchell's ROOTS OF WISDOM: A TAPESTRY OF PHILOSOPHICAL TRADITIONS, Eighth Edition, invites students to explore universal and current philosophical issues through a rich tapestry of worldviews that include the ideas and traditions of men and women from the West, Asia, the Americas and Africa. These "voices" interact within every chapter. Unrivaled breadth of multicultural coverage is coupled with a clear and concise writing style. Striking images from fine art, cartoons, poetry, movies, current events and popular music illustrate our diverse cultural inheritance and bring the issues of philosophy to life for students. New material considers the Confucian Socially Molded Self, decisions about who is and who is not a citizen in a republic, how to foster personhood in a planned city and the question of whether other animals do or should enjoy personhood. MindTap Philosophy is also available.

Part I: WHAT IS EVERYTHING REALLY LIKE?
Questions of Metaphysics. Historical Interlude A: A Worldwide Context for Western Philosophy.
1. Why Philosophy? Is This All There Is?
2. Reality and Being. Is What You See What You Get?
Historical Interlude B: Philosophy and Early Christianity.
3. Human Nature. Who or What Are We, and What Are We Doing Here?
4. Philosophy and Ultimate Reality. Is There an Ultimate Reality?
Part II: HOW AM I TO UNDERSTAND THE WORLD?
Questions of Epistemology. Historical Interlude C: From the Medieval to the Modern World.
5. Knowledge Sources. Do You See What I See?
6. Truth Tests. Do You Swear to Tell the Truth…?
7. Aesthetic Experience. Is Truth Beauty and Beauty Truth?
Part III: BY WHAT VALUES SHALL I LIVE IN THE WORLD?
Questions of Axiology. Historical Interlude D: From the Modern to the Post-Modern World.
8. Political Philosophy. Is Big Brother Watching?
9. Social Philosophy. Am I My Brother's or Sister's Keeper?
10. Ethics. What Will It Be: Truth or Consequences?
Historical Interlude E: A Revolution in Philosophy?
Appendix.
Glossary.
Index.

Mitchell's ROOTS OF WISDOM: A TAPESTRY OF PHILOSOPHICAL TRADITIONS, Eighth Edition, invites students to explore universal and current philosophical issues through a rich tapestry of worldviews that include the ideas and traditions of men and women from the West, Asia, the Americas and Africa. These "voices" interact within every chapter. Unrivaled breadth of multicultural coverage is coupled with a clear and concise writing style. Striking images from fine art, cartoons, poetry, movies, current events and popular music illustrate our diverse cultural inheritance and bring the issues of philosophy to life for students. New material considers the Confucian Socially Molded Self, decisions about who is and who is not a citizen in a republic, how to foster personhood in a planned city and the question of whether other animals do or should enjoy personhood. MindTap Philosophy is also available. Ensuring students have a thorough understanding, Chapter 8, Political Philosophy, examines the difference between "subject" and "citizen" in a republic and the role of personhood in this distinction. Subjects do not enjoy personhood; citizens potentially do. The transition from monarchy to republic often raises questions about who will be considered a person/citizen under the new regime and who will not. Chapter 9, Social Philosophy, looks at the possibilities for enhancing personhood in a planned city by examining Columbia, Maryland, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. In contrast with long-established legal and social traditions, a planned city offers fresh opportunities to correct or temper injustices in the larger society. Chapter 10, Ethics, shares the story of "The Bodhisattva and the Hungry Tigress" from Buddhist Scripture to highlight the concept of personhood in nonhuman beings. As we learn at the end of the story, the compassionate Mahasattva would wake up and become the Buddha in his next life. With its broad multicultural perspective, ROOTS OF WISDOM, 8th edition offers students a glimpse into many different worldviews and how they form a worldwide tapestry. Professor Mitchell's clear, concise writing style is paired with vivid, colorful examples from art history, popular culture and cartoons, along with excerpts from poetry and prose--making the text accessible, engaging and truly an enjoyable read. "Philosophers Speak for Themselves" boxed features provide writings from such influential thinkers as Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Descartes, Locke, Hume, Kant and Wollstonecraft, giving students personal experience with the actual language used by philosophers. The text corresponds to Mitchell's For The Love of Wisdom telecourse. Photographs throughout tie the two together for students using both products. Exploring real-life dilemmas, "Doing Philosophy" boxes show students how they can personally engage in philosophy. Forming a mini-course in logic, "How Philosophy Works" boxes help students directly connect to the arguments in each chapter.