3.5
The Story of Philosophy
ByPublisher Description
First published in 1926, “The Story of Philosophy” is noted historian Will Durant’s survey of Western philosophy. Having been described as “a groundbreaking work that helped to popularize philosophy”, the book begins with detailed descriptions of the philosophical ideas of the ancient Greeks, i.e. Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. The book then proceeds in chronicling the different philosophical doctrines of French Enlightenment, German Idealism, Pessimism, Existentialism, and concludes with the social, economic, and political philosophers of the last part of the nineteenth and first part of the twentieth century. At the heart of philosophical inquiry are the very important questions of determining right from wrong, of how to structure society equitably, and how to structure one’s mind concerning the purpose of one’s own life. “The Story of Philosophy” details the preponderances of some of history’s greatest thinkers on these very questions. A popular work on what can be an intimidating subject, “The Story of Philosophy” provides an accessible and comprehensive introduction to Western philosophy suitable for both the casual reader and class instruction. This edition follows the original 1926 publication.
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3.5
Swade
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alejandra
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Ishan Gyan
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brunosbooks
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Sol Smith
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“This is a survey of Western philosophy that, as the title suggests, very much follows the story of Philosophy without taking many side tracks. That is, we start with Plato and Aristotle and then leap to Francis Bacon and on until the 20th C. It follows the cannon and doesn’t spend a lot of time with how that was established or, for example, whom influenced Socrates or how Christianity changed philosophy throughout the Middle Ages.
If pressed, I would choose Bertrand Russell’s “History of Western Philosophy” for a more complete picture and his own philosophical wit. But if you’re looking for a broad picture or beefing up for a course, this will serve well.
Most surprising, perhaps, is the praise he heaps on Spencer. Like, I haven’t given Spencer a second thought and in a book that barely mentions Descartes, an entire chapter of love for Spencer was unforeseen. Literally, I am compelled to learn more. I also walk away feeling much more for Voltaire than I expected. Keep in mind that it was published in 1926, so is somewhat incomplete—having no idea about Nazi Germany or about what a splash Bertrand Russell would become.
I know that a book about the dead white men of Philosophy is not everyone’s cup of tea. But if you have felt like you should know more, this is not a bad place to start. My heart bends East, but the Western folks and their ethics are very interesting.”
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