A History of Western Philosophy

906 pages

English language

Published Nov. 6, 1972

ISBN:
978-0-671-20158-6
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Goodreads:
243685

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5 stars (2 reviews)

A History of Western Philosophy is a 1945 book by the philosopher Bertrand Russell. A survey of Western philosophy from the pre-Socratic philosophers to the early 20th century, it was criticised for Russell's over-generalization and omissions, particularly from the post-Cartesian period, but nevertheless became a popular and commercial success, and has remained in print from its first publication. When Russell was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1950, A History of Western Philosophy was cited as one of the books that won him the award. Its success provided Russell with financial security for the last part of his life.

7 editions

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4 stars

For several years this book was on my to-read list and at last, I am happy that I finished it. For someone like me who has never studied philosophy in school/college, this is a great introduction to western philosophy. Over the years I had acquired bits and pieces of information about various philosophical ideas and to see it placed in historical context and meaning is revealing. Russell clearly states his opinion about most of the philosophers and their work, while this might turn off some people who already know a lot about philosophy, for me this was very helpful. Especially his chapters about modern philosophers are very good.

I felt that what once looked formidable from a distance is now looking at least approachable after reading this book. I would recommend this to anyone seeking an introduction to western philosophy.

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5 stars