The authors are famous Norwegian philosophers. In a brief, accessible and fascinating form, they describe the main moments and personalities of the history of world philosophy - from Thales and Heraclitus to J. Derrida and Habermas. The drama of ideas is depicted in broad strokes, with an emphasis on ideas that are still relevant in our time. The authors reveal to the reader the laboratory of philosophical thinking, styles and methods of philosophical argumentation. The book is of interest to everyone who feels the need to join the treasures of human thinking and spirit. Its readership includes undergraduate and graduate students preparing to take exams in philosophy, philosophy teachers who want to update their knowledge. A textbook for students of higher educational institutions.