
A History of Western Philosophy
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Narrated by:
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Jonathan Keeble
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By:
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Bertrand Russell
Bertrand Russell's A History of Western Philosophy serves as the perfect introduction to its subject; it remains unchallenged as the greatest account of the history of Western thought. Charting philosophy's course from the pre-Socratics up to the early twentieth century, Russell relates each philosopher and school to their respective historical and cultural contexts, providing erudite commentary throughout his invaluable survey. This engaging and comprehensive work has done much to educate and inform generations of general readers; it is written in accessible and elegantly crafted prose and allows for an easy grasp of complex ideas.
Download the accompanying reference guide.©1945 Bertrand Russell (P)2013 Naxos AudioBooksListeners also enjoyed...




















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The title of the book is misleading. What makes this book tower above others is its ability to identify what the defining moments of philosophy were, how they define our times, and its lucid criticism of these ideas. Both in how wrong such ideas were and how some lead to destructive irrational political movements. Many books teach philosophy in the spirit of impartiality while giving no commentary. This book is not impartial.
Russel does a good job of inoculating the reader from the seductive arguments of the past and for that even a beginner should start here despite the need for extra strict. If you're just getting started with philosophy and you have the conviction to do supplementary study along with the book. This book will radically change how you think and see the world.
advice to non-philosophers
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It is heavily influenced by being a 1945 book, where Hitler is a recurring theme (the inheritor of an ugly thread in totalitarian thought).
Mostly a good reading by the narrator, but no educated person should ever pronounce "ec cetera." Surprising how often that occurred in the text. Jarring.
Entertaining history of western philosophers
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Excellent
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PROS: Russell's brilliant writing makes a lot of complex ideas, and obscure times in history easy to digest. Russell goes over all major philosophical schools of thought, and most major philosophers in western canon up to analytical philosophy (of which he was most associated with himself). He goes over other major movements of thought such as the rise of theology and modern science. He tells the history of philosophy almost like a story or giant novel. Jonathan Keeble's amazing performance makes it even easier to listen to (I sometimes listen to it as I fall asleep haha).
CONS: It has bias; you have to take this book with a grain of salt whether you are on the same page ideologically or not with Russell. He spends way too much times on some subjects that I don't believe deserve it. Russell is known for his aversion of the church and Christianity in general, yet he spends 190 pages on Catholic philosophy. The first few times I read it, I skipped the entire section. Since then I have gone back and read it once, and enjoy some of the more notable characters such as Constantine and Thomas Aquinas. On the opposite end of the spectrum, he spends way too much time on modern science. I care about science's impact on philosophy, but don't care that much. Like the Catholic philosophy section, he could've summarized it much quicker. My final con* is that he completely ignores the philosophical boom the East was having during about 500 B.C.E through our dark ages. He briefly mentions it at the end of Catholic philosophy, that the East was experiencing a boom in philosophy and religion during our dark ages.
*I understand the book's title itself says Western philosophy.
Approachable depth
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A good purchase
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Highly recommended
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Great book, awesome voice, should be read
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incredibly detailed almost to a fault.
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I wouldn't say this is a must to read book. though it is important for those who are interested in the subject
very interesting book, but no for everyone
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Exceptional textbook that laid a solid foundation.
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