A great introduction/review of western philosophy

books:


	• Why Is There Something Rather Than Nothing?: 23 Questions from Great Philosophers Leszek Kolakowski Basic Books, 2007 - 240 pages average customer review:based on 6 reviews view larger image
	for more information click here

A Non-Philosopher's Roadmap

Very helpful in explaining the development of Western Civilization's reasoning on the meaning of life; is there a God; does man have free will; etc. Short chapters on dozens of philosophers and metaphysical thought ending with the authors questions about each philosophers musings. Nice little reference manual.

Windows into Philosophy

Most of us would probably pick up a book like this because we are looking for answers about the meaning of life, or something like that. But instead of answers, Professor Kolakowski offers more questions. He introduces us to one thought or concept from each of 23 philosophers and then, in Socratic style, gives the reader some questions to answer.

This little book is both challenging and enjoyable to read, a real thought-provoker.

for more information click here

A great introduction/review of western philosophy

This is an excellent book that I just couldn't quite give five stars to. First, let me tell explain the two things I found problematic with it.

The "God of Christianity" is featured far too much here. It necessarily dominates the discussions of many of his selections for study (Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas, etc.), but he manages to drag Christianity into discussions where it seems completely unnecessary as well. Why is this needed (or even sound) in a book which is a sampling of philosophy? It almost, but not quite, gets to the point where it becomes a serious flaw with the book rather than just an annoyance.

In the introduction, the author states that he will concentrate on one idea in the thought of each philosopher, as trying to summarize each in a book such as this would be impossible. Given the natural space limitations of a book like this, that makes sense. But he nevertheless takes up space on a few of his selections by making controversial generalizations - not focusing on one idea - and then not having to defend these generalizations because of the space constraint. His treatment of Nietzsche was particularly glaring in this sense.

Nevertheless, this book is still a fine introduction to some of the problems which have been wrestled with during the history of western philosophy. And he does have a very nice way of fleshing out questions that are still interesting today. Take a look at his section on Plato for a good sample. Overall a fun and interesting read.

for more information click here

Interesting, but Incomplete

This is a relatively quick and interesting read. I am amazed that the editor cut the writer's essays on Aristotle (which would have demostrated the author's thoughts on the evolution of Scrates' and and Plato's philosophy), and also an essay on Meister Eckhart, one of my favorite spiritual thinkers. But worth the time to read to be exposed to the philosophy of some well-known thinkers, and some other more obscure thinkers over 2,500 years of human history.

reviews: page 1, 2

Can nature make us happy? How can we know anything? What is justice? Why is there evil in the world? What is the source of truth? Is it possible for God not to exist? Can we really believe what we see? There are questions that have intrigued the world's great thinkers over the ages, which still touch a chord in all of us today. They are questions that can teach us about the way we live, work, relate to each other and see the world. Here Leszek Kolakowski explores the essence of these ideas, introducing figures from Socrates to Thomas Aquinas, Descartes to Nietzsche, and concentrating on one single important philosophical question from each of them. Whether reflecting on good and evil, truth and beauty, faith and the soul, or free will and consciousness, Leszek Kolakowski shows that these timeless ideas remain at the very core of our existence.

for more information click here