Aristotle for Everybody [Paperback]

Mortimer J. Adler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1997

Aristotle (384 - 322 B.C.) taught logic to Alexander the Great and, by virtue of his philosophical works, to every philosopher since, from Marcus Aurelius, to Thomas Aquinas, to Mortimer J. Adler. Now Adler instructs the world in the "uncommon common sense" of Aristotelian logic, presenting Aristotle's understandings in a current, delightfully lucid way. He brings Aristotle's work to an everyday level. By encouraging readers to think philosophically, Adler offers us a unique path to personal insights and understanding of intangibles, such as the difference between wants and needs, the proper way to pursue happiness, and the right plan for a good life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

''This is a self-help book in the best sense of the term . . . The Aristotelian wisdom Adler affords us goes far beyond anything all the Norman Vincent Peales, Michael Kordas, and Wayne W. Dyers combined have to offer. Above all, Adler once again demonstrates that philosophy, real philosophy, can actually be useful.'' --Chicago Tribune Book World

''Davidson has a wonderful voice. Far from common, it's a genuinely erudite English actor's voice. His sound is classy and classical.'' --AudioFile --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

About the Author

Mortimer J. Adler is Chairman of the Board of the Encyclopaedia Britannica, Director of the Institute for Philosophical Research, and Honorary Trustee of the Aspen Institute.  He has authored fifty books.  He lives in Chicago.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Touchstone (June 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684838230
• ISBN-13: 978-0684838236
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #45,079 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Mortimer Jerome Adler (December 28, 1902 - June 28, 2001) was an American philosopher, educator, and popular author. As a philosopher he worked within the Aristotelian and Thomistic traditions. He lived for the longest stretches in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, and San Mateo. He worked for Columbia University, the University of Chicago, Encyclopædia Britannica, and Adler's own Institute for Philosophical Research. Adler was married twice and had four children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Philosophy made fun for anyone who wants to enjoy it!, July 6, 2000

By 

Peter Dykhuis (Grandville, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Aristotle for Everybody (Paperback)

This is an absolutely great book. This is the type of book that justifies all of the fluff in the publishing world. This book is written in a way that anyone can not only understand but also enjoy.

This book is 190 pages (Bantam 1978). There are no dull chapters or useless ramblings. All of the chapters and portions build upon each other and grant a continuing greater understanding of Aristotle and philosophy as a whole.

The book can be read in its entirety, as I have done many times, or in pieces and morsels, as I have also done many times for papers and brainstorming.

A very worthwhile read and definite necessity for any balanced library.

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An easy to understand summary of Aristotle's Philosophy, October 24, 2001

By 

"ospawno" (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Aristotle for Everybody (Paperback)

I am a firm believer that reading interpretations of philosophical writings is never a substitute for the actual writings. I read this book and gave it to my wife who did not have the benefit of studying Aristotle in a scholastic environment. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand what Aristotle is all about, but doesn't have the time to study all of his works.

In addition, the author has many reference notes that the reader can use to find the original writings to which the book refers. In many ways, the book acts like a good philosophy teacher. Much can be learned by reading the book, and the corresponding works of Aristotle as referenced in the notes.

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Correction, August 13, 2001

By 

Stuart Smith (Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Aristotle for Everybody (Paperback)

Please disregard the previous remork by "a reader" in San Jose. This books is NOT a "Christian spin" on Aristotle. Adler wrote this book a decade before his conversion to Christianity.