Customer Reviews

A History of Western Philosophy; And its Connection with Political and Social Circumstances from the Earliest Times to the Present Day

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This is an essential starting place for an examination of western thought and history. Russell captures the major thrusts of most of the influential philosophical thinkers shaping western thought. His style is, architypically, Russell through and through, which makes the book fun and easy to read. His logical background tempers his comments and, in my opinion, keeps the treatment of the material unbiased (with the exceptions of Russell's almost tongue and cheek comments on what he considers outlandish thought processes). The sheer scope of the information presented, gives one pause to reflect on Russell's knowledge of the subject. It's no wonder his life demonstrated a lack of fundamental philosophical grounding, but rather celebrated a love of the discovery of life. The subject matter is laid out chronologically and is good night stand reading for the casual reader. A good read for the serious student as well as the general reader.