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History of Philosophy, Volume 1 By Frederick Copleston ( Image )
Release Date: 1993-03-01
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List Price: $18.95
Price: $12.89
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Product Description
Conceived originally as a serious presentation of the development of philosophy for Catholic seminary students, Frederick Copleston's nine-volume A History Of Philosophy has journeyed far beyond the modest purpose of its author to universal acclaim as the best history of philosophy in English.
Copleston, an Oxford Jesuit of immense erudition who once tangled with A. J. Ayer in a fabled debate about the existence of God and the possibility of metaphysics, knew that seminary students were fed a woefully inadequate diet of theses and proofs, and that their familiarity with most of history's great thinkers was reduced to simplistic caricatures. Copleston set out to redress the wrong by writing a complete history of Western philosophy, one crackling with incident and intellectual excitement -- and one that gives full place to each thinker, presenting his thought in a beautifully rounded manner and showing his links to those who went before and to those who came after him.
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 An Enjoyable Read: ( samuelnj )
I have not read a book on the history of ancient philosophy before, so I may not be the most helpful reviewer. However, I think there is a positive aspect from hearing from such a reviewer if the buyer is himself such a reviewer.
Copleston's work is, from what I understand, a notable work in the history of philosophy. This particular volume examines philosophers from the pre-Socratics to Plotinus, heavily emphasizing Platonic and Aristotelian philosophy. Copleston sources what I later found out to be renowned scholars in ancient history and ancient philosophy and coherently incorporates these insights for the reader. Relatively, this book is an easy read; however, one may have some difficulty with the text if they (1) have no experience reading various works of both Plato and Aristotle or (2) are not interested in the subject matter. Though the book is clear in its aim and offers great cross-examinations of the doctrines of various philosophers, the full impact is not felt unless the reader can read Greek and Latin. Though the reader can do fine without knowing these languages, and the reader can get the full content that Copleston offers, some of the beauty is, in my opinion, lost because there are occasionally paragraphs and frequently phrases of ancient languages. In total, however, I would suggest this book to any student of philosophy, ancient history, or patristic. I found it to be a useful text and I can't wait to start the second volume.
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When I get around to reading it
I read a few pages in the library and said, I should get this book. Too bad I don't have time to read it.
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The journey begins. Absolutely fantastic. Five plus stars. ( billimor )
I have the 15 volume paperback set of Copleston's masterpiece published in the seventies by Doubleday under the Image Books edition. Over the years I have read and enjoyed the volumes but never studied them in a systematic manner. Well now that time permits my journey to reacquaint myself with this gem has begun and I have finished volume One, Part One, Greece and Rome. What a treat.
Copleston presents a detailed but very accessible history of western philosophy. Starting with the cradle of western thought - Ionia; all the way through Plato, I was richly rewarded by Copleston's writing and presentation style. Yes, the author's initial intended audience was seminarians of the Jesuit persuasion and consequently much of the writing is slanted in that direction. However, having that caveat in mind the material is superb and very enobling.
My goal is to systematically absorb three volumes a year and complete the set in five years. I did notice that having read the work many moons ago (early to mid seventies); does make it easier to absorb AND appreciate.
Just a fantastic set. Five stars do not do justice.
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Just what I needed ( bookbob100 )
In wasn't until I began reading this book that I realized this is what I've been looking for for 20 years - I just wouldn't have been ready to read it 20 years ago. The author covers all the important points of each philosopher concisely so as not to get bogged down. He leaves out his own opinions which makes reading this more enjoyable.
Most of these ancient philosophers were just names to me, but now I know what they thought and their importance in Western philosophy, which has opened up a whole new area of study for me. I feel closer to them.
Can you imagine a history of philosohpy to be easy and enjoyable reading!
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Quite simply, excellent.
This is quite simply the most informative, concise, and accurate review and history of philosophy I have ever read. After reading even just one volume of this series you will feel confident enough to hold a discussion with even a learned scholar on the topic you have just read, whether it is volume one, on Rome and Greece, or volume two on the medieval philosophy or even modern philosophy. Think no more, buy this series, in its entirety, you will not be sorry.
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Addiction
