The History of Philosophy: A Reader's Guide
- ISBN-10
- 0810151979
- ISBN-13
- 9780810151970
- Series
- The History of Philosophy
- Category
- Philosophy (General)
- Pages
- 187
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2008-06-20
- Publisher
- Northwestern University Press
- Author
- Donald Phillip Verene
Description
With the aim of guiding readers along, in Hegel’s words, “the long process of education towards genuine philosophy,” this introduction emphasizes the importance of striking up a conversation with the past. Only by looking to past masters and their works, it holds, can old memories and prior thought be brought fully to bear on the present. This living past invigorates contemporary practice, enriching today’s study and discoveries. In this book, groundbreaking philosopher and author Donald Verene addresses two themes: why should one study the historically “great” texts and, if such a study is necessary, how can one undertake it? Acting out against the rejection of the idea that there is a philosophical canon, he centers his argument on the “tetralogy” of Plato, Aristotle, Kant, and Hegel. From his opening look at the rhetorical tradition, he brings those core ideals forward to classical Roman and medieval philosophers and then on into Renaissance and modern philosophy, including contemporary thinkers such as Derrida and Foucault. This vital chronological outline is supplemented by Verene’s contextualizing commentary. In ensuing sections, he offers guidance on reading philosophical works with “intellectual empathy,” suggests 100 essential works to establish a canon, illustrates the role of philosophers in history and society, and examines the nature of history itself. Ultimately, Verene concludes that history may be essential to philosophy, but philosophy is more than just its history.
Get the book
Other editions
Similar books
-
History of Western Philosophy: Collectors Edition
By Bertrand RussellNow in a special gift edition, and featuring a brand new foreword by Anthony Gottlieb, this is a dazzlingly unique exploration of the works of significant philosophers throughout the ages and a definitive must-have title that deserves a ...
-
A Little History of Philosophy
By Nigel WarburtonThis engaging book introduces the great thinkers in Western philosophy and explores their most compelling ideas about the world and how best to live in it.
-
Information and the History of Philosophy
By Chris MeynsIn recent years the philosophy of information has emerged as an important area of research in philosophy. However, until now information’s philosophical history has been largely overlooked.
-
History of Western Philosophy
By Bertrand RussellHistory Of Western Philosophy was published in 1946. A dazzlingly ambitious project, it remains unchallenged to this day as the ultimate introduction to Western philosophy.
-
History of Philosophy Volume 2: Medieval Philosophy
By Frederick CoplestonThe 11-volume series gives an accessible account of each philosopher's work, and explains their relationship to the work of other philosophers.
-
A Brief History of Philosophy: From Socrates to Derrida
By Derek JohnstonOffering an introduction to the subject of philosophy, this book is suitable for teenagers and students coming to philosophy for the first time, and also for those who doesn't know where to start.
-
Classical Philosophy: A history of philosophy without any gaps
By Peter AdamsonThis is a new kind of history which will bring philosophy to life for all readers, including those coming to the subject for the first time.
-
The Story of Philosophy
By Will DurantThe Story of Philosophy is a key book for any reader who wishes to survey the history and development of philosophical ideas in the Western world.
-
History of Philosophy
By Julián MaríasThorough and lucid survey of Western philosophy from pre-Socratics to mid 20th century — major figures, currents, trends.
-
The Senses and the History of Philosophy
By José Filipe Silva, Brian GlenneyMoving beyond the current philosophical canon, this outstanding collection offers a wide-ranging and diverse philosophical exploration of the senses, from the classical period to the present day.