The main provisions of the system of philosophical knowledge are presented in an accessible and clear manner, the worldview, theoretical and methodological significance of philosophy, the main historical stages and directions of its development from antiquity to the present day are revealed. Separate sections are devoted to the basics of a philosophical understanding of the world, social philosophy (subject, history and analysis of the main issues of social development), as well as philosophical anthropology. Compared to the first edition (M.: Yurist. 1997), a chapter is included that reveals the reaction of the so-called new idealism to classical German philosophy and positivism, the chapters that outline current problems of modern philosophical thought, philosophical issues of computer science, as well as modern problems of philosophical anthropology.Addressed to students and graduate students of universities and scientific institutions.2nd edition, corrected and expanded.