Customer Reviews

Aristotle in 90 Minutes (Philosophers in 90 Minutes)

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This audio-book is a delightful addition to Paul Strathern's 90 Minute series. Though the title might seem a trifle flippant, don't underestimate this short but potent book.

Strathern himself is a truly remarkable individual, a polymath, widely travelled, with award winning fiction and non-fiction books. He knows his stuff, and speaks with an enthusiasm and fluidity that clearly illustrates Strathern's love of his subject matter. He approaches philosophy with a perspective far broader and (to me) more interesting than can anyone whose home base is limited to philosophy alone.

In a two part approach that mirrors other books in the 90 Minute series, Strathern presents a sparkling biography of Aristotle, including his family life, his rise to fame, and his near brush with execution late in life. Concluding Aristotle's life story, Strathern moves on to examine the enormous impact that Aristotle's thinking, for better or for worse, had on Western civilization. Aristotle's key concepts are discussed with lucidity, and cogent criticisms of Aristotelian limitations are presented respectfully and clearly.

Robert Whitfield narrates the book in a delightful British accent that perfectly captures Paul Strathern's dry and potent wit. No pre-requisite knowledge of philosophy is required to fully enjoy this wonderful review of the life and thoughts of one of the West's most influential thinkers. Both fascinating and funny, it's a definite two thumbs up!