Philosophy of History: A Guide for Students [Hardcover]

M.C. Lemon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 10, 2003 | ISBN-10: 0415162041 | ISBN-13: 978-0415162043

Philosophy of History is an essential introduction to a vast body of writing about history, from classical Greece and Rome to the modern world. M.C. Lemon maps out key debates and central concepts of philosophy of history, placing principal thinkers in the context of their times and schools of thought. Lemon explains the crucial differences between speculative philosophy as an enquiry into the content of history, and analytic philosophy of history as relating to the methods of history. The first two parts of the book trace each of these traditions, whereas the third part revisits both in the light of recent contributions to the discipline.

This guide provides a comprehensive survey of historical thought since ancient times. Its clear terminology and lucid argument will make it an invaluable source for students and teachers alike.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The author displays impressive erudition and powers of synthesis... Lemon has written a useful introduction to the philosophy of history - and particularly useful in relation to the history of its speculative branch..
–Rethinking History

About the Author

M.C. Lemon is a lecturer in the history of political thought and political theory at the University of Ulster. His past publications include Discipline of History and History of Thought (1995).

Product Details

• Hardcover: 480 pages
• Publisher: Routledge (June 10, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415162041
• ISBN-13: 978-0415162043
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,282,739 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars Unreadable introduction, August 27, 2010

By 

J.Feen- - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Philosophy of History (Paperback)

The forward and introduction are horribly obscure, even for the philosophy of History. And while the author's selections are wonderful, the writings, aside from a historical standpoint, on these philosophers are also quite obscure. Just read the works by these thinkers.

4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Introduction, November 21, 2009

By 

Mark A. Tillman (Memphis, TN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Philosophy of History (Kindle Edition)

I read this book after reading Hegel who was the first philosopher who put together a comprehensive system involving history. So I just read it for my own enjoyment.

My primary interest was how philosophers "made sense" of history rather than an analytical philosophy criticizing history's methods for example. The book explores both aspects, but less so on analytical philosophy.

The author is very good with history itself. He also has a good understanding of philosophy, although I would have highlighted different points along the way. (I was a philosophy major.) For example, in my opinion, Hegel doesn't do a very good job of integrating Christianity into his philosophy of history - Christianity appears to be tacked on in an ad hoc fashion. This isn't mentioned in the book although he does say "...the most likely objection to Hegel...[is that] his thought is simply religion posing as philosophy." So in effect, he conveys the main idea. On the other hand, most of the time when I read an interpretation of philosophers I am familiar with (since I've read their work), I disagree with their interpretations somewhat.

The author's writing style doesn't always have a "flow" to it, although explaining complex ideas can be difficult. Writing about philosophy is not easy since a writer has to be so careful with implications. So I'll give him a pass on that one.

Overall, the book is very well done and organized well. If you're interested in the topic, I recommend it.