Berkeley in 90 Minutes (Philosophers in 90 Minutes Series) [Paperback]

Paul Strathern (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 10, 2000 | Series: Philosophers in 90 Minutes Series

"Each of these little books is witty and dramatic and creates a sense of time, place, and character....I cannot think of a better way to introduce oneself and one’s friends to Western civilization."—Katherine A. Powers, Boston Globe.
"Well-written, clear and informed, they have a breezy wit about them....I find them hard to stop reading."—Richard Bernstein, New York Times.
"Witty, illuminating, and blessedly concise."—Jim Holt, Wall Street Journal.
These brief and enlightening explorations of our greatest thinkers bring their ideas to life in entertaining and accessible fashion. Philosophical thought is deciphered and made comprehensive and interesting to almost everyone. Far from being a novelty, each book is a highly refined appraisal of the philosopher and his work, authoritative and clearly presented.

Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews

The very first sentence of this whimsical introduction to Irish philosopher Berkeley (1685–1753) gives away the game: Strathern (Foucault in 90 Minutes, see below) declares that Berkeley's work is ludicrous and gives philosophy a bad name. Eventually he backpedals and finds a few positive insights lurking in the murk of Berkeley's tortured lucubrations, but he can't quite bring himself to take the bishop seriously all the same--which is just as well for us. In between amusing but unconnected anecdotes about Berkeley's life, Strathern does manage to touch on the philosopher's most famous idea (that the material world didn't exist)--although he can't refute it quite so well as Samuel Johnson did (by rolling a large stone into Berkeley's path). Although he does not consider any other 18th-century thinkers in detail (Adam Smith is briefly mentioned), Strathern does touch upon Berkeley's friendship with Jonathan Swift. Presumably intended for college students who can't be bothered to read primary sources, Strathern's quixotic portrait isn't likely to improve their grades--although it will certainly provide a laugh or two. -- Copyright © 2000 Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

Well-written, clear and informed, they have a breezy wit about them...I find them hard to stop reading. (Bernstein, Richard New York Times )

Witty, illuminating, and blessedly concise. (Jim Holt Wall Street Journal )

Each of these little books is witty and dramatic and creates a sense of time, place, and character...I cannot think of a better way to introduce oneself and one's friends to Western civilization. (Katherine A. Powers Boston Globe )

A godsend in this era of the short attention span. (Daryl Royster Alexander New York Times )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 87 pages
• Publisher: Ivan R Dee (April 10, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1566632919
• ISBN-13: 978-1566632911
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,595,382 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #29 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Nonfiction > Philosophy > Epistemology

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