A History of Western Philosophy

De: Bertrand Russell

Narrado por: Jonathan Keeble

Hailed as “lucid and magisterial” by The Observer, this book is universally acclaimed as the outstanding one-volume work on the subject of Western philosophy.

Considered to be one of the most important philosophical works of all time, the History of Western Philosophy is a dazzlingly unique exploration of the ideologies of significant philosophers throughout the ages - from Plato and Aristotle through to Spinoza, Kant and the 20th century. Written by a man who changed the history of philosophy himself, this is an account that has never been rivaled since its first publication over 60 years ago.

Since its first publication in 1945, Lord Russell’s A History of Western Philosophy is still unparalleled in its comprehensiveness, its clarity, its erudition, its grace, and its wit. In seventy-six chapters he traces philosophy from the rise of Greek civilization to the emergence of logical analysis in the 20th century.

Among the philosophers considered are: Pythagoras, Heraclitus, Parmenides, Empedocles, Anaxagoras, the Atomists, Protagoras, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, the Cynics, the Sceptics, the Epicureans, the Stoics, Plotinus, Ambrose, Jerome, Augustine, Benedict, Gregory the Great, John the Scot, Aquinas, Duns Scotus, William of Occam, Machiavelli, Erasmus, More, Bacon, Hobbes, Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, Rousseau, Kant, Hegel, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, the Utilitarians, Marx, Bergson, James, Dewey, and lastly the philosophers with whom Lord Russell himself is most closely associated - Cantor, Frege, and Whitehead, coauthor with Russell of the monumental Principia Mathematica.

©1945 Bertrand Russell. Copyright renewed ©1972 by Edith Russell. All rights reserved. (P)2013 Naxos AudioBooks. All rights reserved.

Great survey of Western philosophy

Well read including rendering Russel's dry humor. Russel walks through Western thought mostly chronologically by period as header chapter then chapters of thinkers within. Each treated by context, contribution, and some key specifics. it is a delightful read/listen.

A book I will listen to repeatedly in my lifetime.

A history of western philosophy sounds dull and dry, like a text book that one would buy used at the university book store for philosophy 101. It is an apt name, but doesn't convey the vitality and precision of Russell's writing and mind. I am envious of Russell and his ability to think clearly and systematically. I cannot. My mind is chaotic. My writing helter skelter. When I read (or listen) to Russell I am aware of my own very real intellectual shortcomings. The greatest thing about it is Russell is not afraid to give state his own opinions openly and clearly regarding whomever he is discussing.

Educational

Best introductory education into the development of Western philosophy. Loved this and would play again. Narration is excellent; both well paced and clearly enunciated.

Engaging, Brilliant, and Lucid!

Russell’s mind is brilliant and clear and the narrator is flawless, seemingly Russell himself in an intimate 40 hour conversation with the listener. I wish there was a part 2!!

Best General Work on Philosophy

As good today as the day it was released decades ago. Nothing since comes close

Excellent

I really loved the direction this book takes, from the beginning of ancient cultures into modern cultures, you see the origins and everything in between them and now as far as dogmas, policy, and philosophy. I loved most, the first half of this book. The second half, personally, was much slower and at times above my head. Tells me I have more knowledge to gain in these subjects before coming back to this book.

Two months time worth it.

I am therapist in practice. And knew of Bertrand Russell. I always wanted to read this book. I’m glad I did. I read other books on philosophy but this is more complete. I have lots of notes that I can read if I want to. I am going to read a novel after this heavy book.

Search for truth based off of humility

I most certainly will read this book again. Socrates suggested that the only thing he knows is that he does not know. Sciences is the most useful way to incrementally approach a problem. Nevertheless, our notion of values is not amenable to the techniques of science.

Experience limited by my own inexperience

The book is likely even superior than my review would lead you to think, being that I lack the background in Philosophy to more completely appreciate the discussion and skill of the author to weave millennia of thought into one book. Nonetheless, I was very impressed by the book, and found it enlightening.

The reading was fitting for the topic, with the expected tone of a tenured academic. The fact that the same gruff voice was used for every philosopher's quote was rather amusing (you know, because they all speak like that, right? lol) The occasional influctuations of voice was refreshing, providing a bit more natural feel, and kept the naration from becoming the most difficult part of the experience.

At times my mind would wander or "zone out", particularly when a thorough review of the actual details of the unique philosophies of each person were expounded upon. This again, you can imagine by reminiscing your experience in some university lectures. The subject and story, however, was not on the whole, too dry. Needless to say, the philosophies themselves were the most difficult part. Considering that is probably the point, I give them all their due credit.

Myself, I liked best the historical aspect, whether biographical, anthropological, or ideological. My preferred portions, as such, generally were the introductory sections of each section, chapter, book, etc. The overviews and summaries of this very deep dive were priceless for me keeping afloat at times. I presume that preference for the greater "in summary" moments would likely be the same for the broader audience of listeners, with the exception being certain dedicated students/scholars of Philosophy pursuing or possessing a degree in the field.

Ultimately, I'm very happy with the time spent with the book. I learned many things, considered new ideas, and appreciated the gifted explanations that I think will help my understanding of our modern society.

A truly great read

If you’re looking for something to act as the book version of a survey course on western philosophy, this is an excellent choice. While admitting his impartiality at the beginning, Russell goes on to describe the schools and thinkers of the past Miley is with remarkable fairness and insight, listing the merits and flaws as he sees them as well as the historical background in which they lived.