The history of world and domestic philosophical thought is outlined. Contemporary problems of human philosophy, society, history, science and technology are covered. The basic concepts and methods of philosophical research are revealed. The content and structure of the textbook meet the requirements of the state educational standard and have been modified in accordance with the experience of using the trial edition (published by the Obninsk Institute of Atomic Energy in 1994) in the learning process. Intended for students of higher educational institutions.