philosophy

A sweeping encounter with Western philosophy, dealing more with the history of the philosophers rather than deeper with the ideas. Presented is a sense of progress in philosophy (perhaps for example from St Augustine, to Anselm's ontological argument, to Kant's denial, to Kierkegard's leap of faith). The interplay between the philosopher's ideas and the artist, writers, and scientists of the day is well introduced. The small section on Eastern and Western Philosophy is interesting, dealing with the two parallel civilizations approach to the problem of existence and the interplay between philosophy and religion.

This book is weak in developing the ideas and process of philosophy. For example, after discussing Anselm's ontological argument about existence of God, when talking about Kant he misses a change to show how Kant "disproved" it. The ample photos and sidebars keep the text moving and the subject interesting. I used this book as a springboard to reading more about the philosophers that interested me.

Philosophy Populariser Bryan Magee has come up with what can best be described as a 'Philosophy for Dummies' book. It is an excellent introduction to philosophy and philosophers, starting with the great Greek thinkers such as Socrates and Plato through to modern 20th-century analytic and existential philosophy. The book is marvellously illustrated, swathed with beautiful paintings and fascinating sidelights on famous scientific, literary and political figures. Magee also, unlike Russell in his famous 'History of Philosophy', recognizes the fundamental importance of Immanuel Kant to philosophy, as well as the greatness of Kant's follower and critic, the 'pessimist' Schopenhauer. Magee also doesn't misunderstand or attack the philosophies of Hegel and Nietzsche, something many philosophers unfortunately tend to over-react to in a negative manner.

There is little to whine about so far as this wonderful book is concerned, apart from one or two minor flaws. One let-down was the rather superficial discussion of some key movements in 20th century philosophy, such as the existential movement, phemenology, analytic philosophy and continental philosophy, which is extremely important to much of contemporary thought and work in the arts. Also dissapointing was the omission of important philosophers of science, such as Kuhn and Feyerabend. Magee also tended to swideswipe the rather important and difficult questions raised by 'postmodernism' about the possibility of truthful, factual and eternal truths and knowledges, and also tended to leave out important feminist thinkers, or only give them cursory examination.

Aside from this the book remains an excellent introduction and overview to the seemingly arcane and difficult subject of philosophy, and Magee excellently shows that rather than being a pointless armchair exercise in speculation or self-indulgent worldviews, philosophy is something profoundly human and bound up intimately in everything in life.

one of the most wonderful books i have read this year. wonderful paintings included which would inspire the readers.