The Little Book of Philosophy: An Introduction to the Key Thinkers and Theories You Need to Know
£6.20£6.60 (-6%)
Philosophy is a quest for wisdom and knowledge; philosophia in Ancient Greek literally means “love of wisdom”. The aim of philosophy is to ask and explore life’s big questions to help us work out what we can know and how we can live a good life. Today, in a world of fake news, embarking on a quest for truth couldn’t be more important.
This pocket-sized introduction to important philosophers and key philosophical ideas includes accessible primers on:
- The early Greek philosophers and the “big three”: Socrates, Plato and Aristotle
- Key schools of philosophy from around the world – from ancient philosophy right up to the present day – and their impact on modern life
- Insights into the main questions philosophers have explored over the years: Who am I? What is the meaning of life? Do I have free will?
- Practical applications for the theories of Descartes, Kant, Wollstonecraft, Marx, Nietzsche and many more.
This illuminating little book will introduce you to the key thinkers, themes and theories you need to know to understand how human ideas have sculpted the world we live in and the way we think today. A perfect gift for anyone taking their first steps into the world of philosophy, as well as for those who want to brush up their knowledge.
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Additional information
| Publisher | Summersdale (13 Jun. 2019) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 192 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1786858088 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1786858085 |
| Dimensions | 10.6 x 1.1 x 14.9 cm |
by Rod Parker
If you know nothing about philosophy this would be a good starting point. It won’t teach you how to do philosophy but will give you a brief overview of philosophy and philosophers from Socrates onwards.
by Pauline
Really interesting brief summary of a whole host of philosophers! Was a fantastic holiday read and good for sparking your interest to read more.
by Angela Sung
This book follows the timeline of the development of philosophy and starts by pre-Socratic times. It then moves on to the lives and ideas of the inevitable big three: Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. Medieval and modern philosophy are also important parts of this little book and it also explores a few Eastern philosophy theories.
I understand the difficulty of putting an immense subject which has been developing and might continue to develop for another thousands of years into such a small pocket-sized book. Nevertheless, it comes up with 3 to 4 new terminology everytime a philosopher is introduced. Although those terms are explained or further elaborated in later pages if concerned important or influential, it makes the reader very puzzled and struggled to remember every new term. I don’t think it is a good starting point for complete novice on the topic. If someone already knows something about philosophy and wants to strengthen his memory, it would be more suitable.
The author tried hard to put everything and introduce all crucial philosophers in it and the result is that I almost remember nothing after reading the book due to its dispersity and the overwhelming number of philospophers appeared.
by Barry Avis
The Little Book of Philosophy is one of series of “little Books of…”. This book provides a short history of the development of philosophy with a short description of the main ideas of key phiosophers such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Confucius and Alain de Botton. There are also short chapters on some key philosophical subjects and areas such as Karma and Political Philosophy.
As an introduction to philosophy the book certainly delivers. It provides just enough information so that the reader can decide whether the particular philosopher or subject is something you may want to investigate further.
I am not keen on books that are not ‘book size; and would have preferred a thinner book size book but I suppose that idea is a little book of so that may have lost its point.
Overall a good book if you want to know more about philosophy but not sure where to start.
by peter anderson
A nice book
by Angela Sung
Rachel Poulton leads you steadily through the history of philosophical thoughts and ideas, highlighting key figures and theories along the way.
I have been hesitant to delve into the world of philosophy for a long time due to the broadness of the topic and the intricate historical underpinning. I found this book to be well written and easy to understand for a beginner, it is clear and informative with subtle hints of Poulton’s personality coming through along the way.
The narrative follows an easy to follow chronology from ancient pre-Socratic thinkers right up to postmodern philosophy with the defining figures and their ideas laid out in a concise and easy to understand way. What I also think is great about this book is the key writings of each great mind are given throughout, in addition to a further reading section at the end, meaning any ideas of interest can be easily explored!
I will definitely be taking my interest in philosophy to the next level with this book as the starting point, and I thoroughly recommend anyone who is considering learning to start here too!
by Allison Harvey
What i liked about this book is that it is very compact and easily to carry around with if needed such as when travelling and it is easily readable.
by Rob D M.
This is great little book I’ve enjoyed reading each chapter just long enough for a break with a coffee. It has a condensed history of each individual with their most memorable or understood moments. It would be great for A Level students to keep poking into to remind themselves. Or a great read in the den or mancave or even better for the She Shed. (These terms are sad aren’t they it’s 2023 fgs.) You know, those special reading places set aside in your home.