
The Modern Scholar: Discovering the Philosopher in You
The Big Questons in Philosophy
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Narrated by:
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Colin McGinn
About this listen
"Everyone has their own inner philosopher - a voice within that asks, oh so insistently, philosophical questions. Everyone wants to know what the ultimate nature of the world is, what the self is, whether we have free will, how our minds relate to our bodies, whether we can really know anything, where ethical truth comes from, what the meaning of life is, and whether or not there is a God.
"This inner philosopher is related to the inner child, since the child too is prone to asking philosophical questions. But it is much better to have a disciplined guide through philosophy than simply to try to do all the thinking by yourself.
"I will be acting as your guide. I will cover all the main problems of philosophy, from logic to ethics, from the human mind to God, introducing you to how philosophers think and the theories they have come up with. The first four lectures focus on foundational questions that need to be clarified before we engage upon more applied discussions. We need to know what knowledge is, what truth is, and what logical reasoning is before we start discussing ethics, the mind, free will and God. So let's start with the basics, then break into a run only when we have learned how to walk."
Please note: You may obtain the bonus material that accompanies the Modern Scholar course by going to www.recordedbooks.com. Once that page loads, look to the left for the category "Browse our Imprints". Select Modern Scholar which is the first choice listed. Select the course you are interested in from the drop down course menu.
Download the accompanying reference guide.©2003 Colin McGinn (P)2003 Recorded BooksListeners also enjoyed...
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Best lecture made so far (I almost said ever)
- By David Merahn on 12-18-17
By: Fred Baumann
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The Modern Scholar: The Second Oldest Profession, Part 1
- A World History of Espionage
- By: Prof. Jeffrey Burds
- Narrated by: Prof. Jeffrey Burds
- Length: 7 hrs and 32 mins
- Original Recording
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Professor Jeffrey Burds of Northeastern University delves into the history of espionage in this eye-opening lecture series. The course opens with espionage activity in the ancient world and the Roman Empire and continues with the American Revolution, Age of Napoleon, and American Civil War. Throughout this compelling discussion it becomes evident that spying is not only a never-ending source of fascination but also a major contributor to world history and the development of nations.
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Excellent
- By Jesse J Frey on 12-18-12
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The Modern Scholar
- The American Legal Experience
- By: Lawrence Friedman
- Narrated by: Lawrence Friedman
- Length: 7 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
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The legal system in America is the basis of freedom as we know it today. The system is based, ultimately, on the common law of England, but it has grown, developed, and changed over the years. American law has been a critical factor in American life since colonial times. It has played a role in shaping society, but society - the structure, culture, economy, and politics of the country - has decisively shaped the law. Through history, the legal system has been intimately involved with every major issue in American life.
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sound, with portons that are extremely interesting
- By Darkcoffee on 08-28-09
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The Modern Scholar: Giants of the British Novel, Part I
- By: Professor Timothy Baker Shutt
- Narrated by: Professor Timothy Baker Shutt
- Length: 4 hrs and 4 mins
- Original Recording
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Professor Shutt begins by exploring exactly what a novel is - and what it isn't - and what defines this unique literary expression. He explores both its antecedents and precursors and where exactly its place in the literary landscape can be found. He then moves on to Defoe's great work Robinson Crusoe which arguably marks the birth of the novel. Subsequent lectures explore works by powerful literary forces such as Samuel Richardson, Henry Fielding, Laurence Sterne, and Sir Walter Scott.
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As good as I'd hoped it would be
- By Steve and/or Jodene on 11-13-15
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The Modern Scholar: From Jesus to Christianity: A History of the Early Church
- By: Thomas F. Madden
- Narrated by: Thomas F. Madden
- Length: 8 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
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In the first century of its existence, Christianity was both welcomed and vilified throughout the Roman Empire. Many of Christianity's original adherents were martyred. Christians themselves practiced their religion with great diversity, linked as much to local influences as theology. Political intrigue, theological beliefs, and simple misunderstandings created a need for dialogue between the many practitioners of the growing faith.
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Great course
- By J. A. McCarron on 04-16-11
By: Thomas F. Madden
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The Modern Scholar
- Eternal Chalice: The Grail in Literature and Legend
- By: Professor Monica Potkay
- Narrated by: Professor Monica Potkay
- Length: 7 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
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The goal of this course is to provide an overview of the many different ways writers of fiction and nonfiction have imagined, and reimagined, the object known as the Grail. We'll look at how the Grail was invented as a powerful literary symbol in the late 12th and early 13th centuries by a group of medieval romancers who celebrated the Grail as a symbol of perfection. At times, this perfection was social, and the Grail functioned as a symbol of the perfect knight or of the ideal chivalric society.
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Interesting Search for the Holy Grail
- By Carole T. on 09-01-12
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The Modern Scholar
- Rings, Swords, and Monsters: Exploring Fantasy Literature
- By: Professor Michael D.C. Drout
- Narrated by: Professor Michael D.C. Drout
- Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
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In this course, the roots of fantasy and the works that have defined the genre are examined. Incisive analysis and a deft assessment of what makes these works so very special provides a deeper insight into beloved works and a better understanding of why fantasy is such a pervasive force in modern culture.
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An Informative, Stimulating, and Enjoyable Class
- By Jefferson on 09-27-11
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The Modern Scholar
- Religions of the East: Paths to Enlightenment
- By: Professor Stephen Prothero
- Narrated by: Professor Stephen Prothero
- Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
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The main aim of this course is to cultivate basic literacy in the principal religions of Asia: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism. This course explores the origins of these religious traditions in Asia and their transplantation to the United States. The course focuses on three related issues: why religion matters, what the term "religion" means, and how Asian religions - especially Buddhism and Confucianism - wonderfully complicate that term.
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A scholarly presentation
- By Chi-Hung on 06-29-10
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The Modern Scholar
- Understanding the Holocaust
- By: Professor David Engel
- Narrated by: Professor David Engel
- Length: 7 hrs and 23 mins
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In Understanding the Holocaust, Professor David Engel examines the encounter between Germany's Third Reich and the Jews of the 20 European countries that fell under Nazi domination between 1933 and 1945. The results of this encounter stretch human comprehension to the limit and raise frightening questions about the human condition. When it was over, two-thirds of Europe's Jews, some 5.8 million people, had died - and their deaths had occurred amid the most gruesome of circumstances.
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Few facts and slow speaker
- By Joakim on 11-07-09
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The Modern Scholar: The Medieval World I: Kingdoms, Empires, and War
- By: Prof. Thomas F. Madden
- Narrated by: Thomas F. Madden
- Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins
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This all-encompassing investigation of a highly influential time period includes the major events of the era and informative discussion of empire, papacy, the Crusades, and the fall of Constantinople. During the course of these lectures, Professor Madden also addresses the rise of Islam, reform movements, and schisms in the church. In so doing, Professor Madden underscores the significance and grand scale of an age that continues to hold an undeniable fascination for people today.
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Another good course from a master
- By Chi-Hung on 11-01-09
However when it comes to argument on the topic of God and the relationship between Faith and Reason his thoughts should be supplemented by Professor Peter Kreeft's Faith and Reason, also in the Modern Scholar Series.
Informative
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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Yes. It is very enlightening on the big questions for the most part, but it does fall short on the question of God and does not address death as a component with that or any other big issue in philosophy. It does not deal wth life after death which seems to reflect on the total failure of dealing with the question of God.What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?
The author is very adept at being objective and speaking from that point of view for the most part. He is also very knowledgeable and lucid giving information and insight that develops the theme along very logical lines.What does Colin McGinn bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
His presentation carries a perspective that brings an insight into what the narrative delivers. One can discern from his voice and its fluctuations and tone what he means by the words where one might give a heavier interpretation to a different pursuasion if one did not hear him speak them.If you could give The Modern Scholar a new subtitle, what would it be?
Developing an Understanding of the Fundamental Philosophical Questions of Life.Any additional comments?
The book was very engaging and easy to follow and it does cover the fundamental questions of life that are not addressed in other forums as they have a philosophical nature. It was very comforting even, to delve into these questions and become informed and enlightened in a way that spawns good logical thinking.Very Enlightening on Most Subjects Undertaken
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Recommended
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On the other hand, hearing parts of the lecture more than once does not harm and can even help following the chain of thought.
Good content, not so good narrator
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Key questions and concepts presented beautifully
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What did you love best about The Modern Scholar?
I liked the way McGinn coordinated the lectures. The way the topics in this introduction to philosophy groups are grouped, and thus how the chapters are divided made it easier to grasp concepts and see how differing views make sense of age-old questions.What was one of the most memorable moments of The Modern Scholar?
My favorite chapter was Chapter 13 (of 14) "The Existence of God".What about Colin McGinn’s performance did you like?
His use multiple examples and rephrasing of different points made his points clear and easier to comprehend.Any additional comments?
I really liked it. I found his views fascinating and plan to read some more of McGinn's work. Too bad there aren't any more audio versions.Enjoyed this as I drove
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As McGinn says in the introduction, everyone has an inner-philosopher, and in this relatively short book, he introduces the topics we've all asked yourselves at some point in a thoughtful and illustrative manner. I've enjoyed bringing up the experimental questions from this book with my friends and family, and having fun, meaningful discussions about all the things we've always wondered about. Is there a God? What is the meaning of life? What makes something right or wrong? Do we have free-will?
I wish I had been introduced to philosophy a long time ago, and "The Modern Scholar: Discovering the Philosopher in You" was an incredibly easy way to familiarize myself with the main topics that philosophers have been discussing for thousands of years... questions I've even asked myself without realizing how closely related it was to philosophy. It was like learning about the galaxies for the first time and how wide and expansive the universe of ideas actually is.
I'll never see the world the same way again. My mind has been opened just a little bit more.
Mind Boggling and FUN!
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Since listening I find that I encourage my students to think for themselves instead of trying to give them the "right" conclusion. I see my role as laying out the questions and making sure they don't confuse themselves on the concepts. It is that spirit of inquiry and independence, on the solid basis of logic and clarity, that lies at the heart of all intellectual endeavor. I have gained a new appreciation of philosophy, which is at base curiosity about the world and ourselves--truly a love of knowledge.
The great content of the lecture series is only enhanced by Professor McGinn's warm narration and beautifully clear intonation. I highly recommend this lecture series.
Solid and Provocative at the Same Time
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Well done!
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What did you like best about The Modern Scholar? What did you like least?
Colin's verbal delivery is probably this work's strongest aspectWhat was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)
This book isn't a novel with a surprise ending, its an introduction to philosophy. However, as an introductory work on philosophy it left me feeling wanting.Which scene was your favorite?
This book doesn't have scenes.Do you think The Modern Scholar needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?
It's an introduction to an academic discipline, so, obviously, and there are many works already in circulation that fill such a role.Works on philosophy often let the reader down
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