Beginning philosophy students are introduced to the world of philosophy by being presented with an historical and systematic study of the issue of absolutes as it has been dealt with by classical and contemporary, Western and Asian philosophers. The book focuses primarily on the central issue of contemporary philosophy: Are there any absolutes? Also emphasized is the importance for all people to do their own philosophical investigation of themselves and their world.

Introduction -- The debate between modernism and postmodernism -- Postmodernism's passion for personal freedom and beauty -- Postmodernism's resistance to social oppression and domination -- Postmodernist interpretations of faithfulness to religious encounters.