Showing results by author "Will Durant" in All Categories

The Story of Philosophy is a captivating intellectual journey that explores the evolution of human thought and the enduring legacy of great thinkers throughout history. Written by the renowned author Will Durant, this monumental work provides listeners with a comprehensive overview of the world's philosophical traditions, from ancient Greece to the modern era.

Here Durant tells the whole story of Greece from the days of Crete's vast Aegean empire to the final extirpation of the last remnants of Greek liberty, crushed under the heel of an implacably forward-marching Rome. The dry minutiae of battles and sieges, of tortuous statecraft of tyrant and king, get minor emphasis in what is preeminently a vivid recreation of Greek culture, brought to the listener through the medium of supple, vigorous prose.

Philosophy has often seemed like the castor oil of the disciplines: healthy, but never pleasurable, and best when swallowed quickly and forgotten. Will Durant’s classic The Story of Philosophy is a welcome remedy for this misconception, and—in view of the fact that it is nearly 100 years old—a remarkably refreshing one. This deluxe edition includes The Age of Faith, the fourth volume in the great series, The Story of Civilization. It covers the years 1095—the launching of the First Crusade—and 1300.

Will Durant's The Story of Philosophy: Voltaire and the French Enlightenment delves into the life and ideas of Voltaire, a central figure of the French Enlightenment. This volume explores Voltaire's contributions to philosophy, literature, and society, highlighting his advocacy for reason, freedom of speech, and separation of church and state. Durant's engaging narrative brings to life the vibrant era of the Enlightenment and Voltaire's enduring influence on modern thought. A must-read for anyone interested in philosophy and the history of ideas.

"The Story of Philosophy: Spinoza" by Will Durant provides an engaging and comprehensive exploration of the life and philosophy of Baruch Spinoza, one of the most influential thinkers of the 17th century. Durant delves into Spinoza's biography, detailing his upbringing in a Portuguese Jewish family in the Netherlands, his excommunication from the Jewish community of Amsterdam due to his radical ideas, and his life of modesty and philosophical inquiry as a lens grinder.

In Little Blue Book Number 512, Will Durant delves into the life of Francois-Marie Arouet, better known as Voltaire (1694-1778). Described as unprepossessing, ugly, vain, flippant, unscrupulous, and at times dishonest, he was also tirelessly kind and considerate, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to both his friends and his principles. My trade is to say what I think, Voltaire proclaimed, and he did so with remarkable flair across ninety-nine sparkling and fruitful volumes. A staunch advocate for freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the separation of church and state, Voltaires ...

"The Story of Philosophy: Contemporary American Philosophers: Santayana, James, and Dewey" by Will Durant provides a detailed and accessible exploration of the lives, ideas, and lasting contributions of three pivotal figures in American philosophy.

The Story of Philosophy: Francis Bacon" by Will Durant offers readers a comprehensive exploration of the life and philosophical contributions of Francis Bacon, one of the most influential figures in the development of modern science and philosophy. In this illuminating work, Durant delves into Bacon's upbringing, education, and intellectual pursuits, providing readers with a detailed portrait of his life and times.

Will Durant's The Story of Philosophy: Immanuel Kant and German Idealism provides an insightful exploration into the profound ideas of Immanuel Kant and the subsequent development of German Idealism. This volume examines Kant's revolutionary contributions to metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics, alongside the works of key figures like Fichte, Schelling, and Hegel. Durant's accessible prose illuminates the complex theories and enduring impact of these philosophers. Ideal for readers seeking a deeper understanding of Kantian philosophy and its influence on Western thought.

Plato's Republic: Text and Commentary presents one of the most influential philosophical works in Western history through a unique dual structure: the first half offers insightful commentary by Will Durant, while the second half features the full text of The Republic by Plato. This format invites listeners to engage deeply with the philosophical ideas that have shaped political theory, ethics, and education for over two millennia.

A Classic Collection of Philosophical Essays: Spinoza, Immanuel Kant, Schopenhauer, Herbert Spencer, Friedrich Nietzsche, Bertrand Russell and Many Others by Will Durant offers an insightful and comprehensive anthology of essays on some of the most influential philosophers in Western thought. This collection captures the essence of each thinker's contributions to philosophy, making complex ideas accessible and engaging for a broad audience. Spinoza: Durant explores Spinoza's pantheism and his view of a universe governed by natural laws, presenting his ideas on ethics, politics, and the nature of reality.

Não devemos estudar apenas as filosofias, mas os filósofos. Cada um deles traz inúmeras lições para nós. Das mentes notáveis dos maiores filósofos, Durant extrai um material conciso e brilhante para leitores e estudiosos e oferece uma obra que pode ser lida em sequência ou por...

"The Story of Philosophy: Herbert Spencer" by Will Durant provides a detailed examination of the life and work of Herbert Spencer, a key figure in the development of 19th-century philosophy. Durant introduces Spencer as a thinker whose contributions to various fields, including sociology, biology, and ethics, have significantly influenced modern intellectual history.

The best support, history, and analysis on the story of philosophy. Particularly appropriate for the non-academic who is better served by the audiobook with extensive references.

The Story of Philosophy: Plato by Will Durant is a captivating exploration of the life and philosophical ideas of the ancient Greek thinker, Plato. In this edition, Durant brings Plato's philosophy to life with vivid imagery that enhances the reader's understanding and engagement. Durant provides readers with a comprehensive overview of Plato's life, from his upbringing in ancient Athens to his establishment of the Academy, one of the earliest institutions of higher learning in the Western world.

The "Aristotle Collection" presents a comprehensive exploration of the profound works of one of history's greatest philosophers. Featuring "The Athenian Constitution," "Poetics," and "The Parva Naturalia," this anthology delves into Aristotle's insights on governance, literature, and the natural world. Accompanied by Will Durant's "The Story of Philosophy," which contextualizes Aristotle's contributions to Greek science and philosophy, this collection offers readers a multidimensional understanding of Aristotle's influence.

In The Story of Philosophy. Schopenhauer Will Durant delves into the life and ideas of Arthur Schopenhauer, a prominent 19th-century German philosopher. Schopenhauer's philosophy is characterized by his profound pessimism and the notion that the essence of reality is an irrational will. Durant explores Schopenhauer's influences, including Eastern philosophies and Immanuel Kant, and examines how his metaphysical and ethical views shaped his bleak outlook on human existence. Schopenhauer's seminal work, "The World as Will and Representation," is central to Durant's discussion.

"The Story of Philosophy: Friedrich Nietzsche" by Will Durant provides an insightful exploration into the life, ideas, and enduring influence of Friedrich Nietzsche, one of the most provocative and impactful philosophers of the 19th century. Durant presents Nietzsche as a complex thinker whose revolutionary concepts challenged conventional morality, religion, and the nature of human existence.

"The Story of Philosophy: Aristotle and Greek Science" by Will Durant offers readers a comprehensive exploration of the life and philosophical contributions of Aristotle, one of history's most influential thinkers, and the broader context of Greek scientific thought.In this insightful work, Durant delves into Aristotle's upbringing, education, and philosophical journey, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of his intellectual development.

"The Story of Philosophy: Contemporary European Philosophers: Bergson, Croce, and Bertrand Russell" by Will Durant offers a comprehensive look at the lives and philosophies of three influential thinkers who shaped early 20th-century European thought. Durant provides accessible and engaging summaries of their key ideas and contributions to philosophy.