A Brief History of Western Philosophy

by Anthony Kenny

Book Overview

In this lucid and masterful work, the eminent scholar Anthony Kenny offers an indispensable resource - the most concise and compelling story of the complete development of philosophy available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0631201327
• ISBN13: 9780631201328
• Release Date: December 1998
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Length: 365 Pages
• Weight: 1.52 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.8" x 9.7"

Customer Reviews

Gift for my son

I bought this as a gift for my 23 year old son. So far he loves it!!! He is not one to over rate things.

Kenny, Master Historian of Philosophy

Anthony Kenny, who deserves the title of greatest historian of philosophy of the twentieth century, added a few choice pictures to his "Brief History of Western Philosophy." The text itself presents accurate and perceptive summaries of the greatest figures in philosophical history, and the pictures, some of them rare, make the text more enjoyable. This is an excellent, brief history of western philosophy. Highly recommended, for those who do not want to tackle either Copleston's 9 volumes, or Kenny's four. Superb.

A Brilliant and Concise Introduction

This work is ideal for those interested in philosophy but who have been previously intimidated by the profuse professional jargon of material on this topic. The most influential minds, from philosophy's earliest beginnings to Wittgenstein, are covered in a compact, readable, yet highly scholarly manner. Readers must remember that philosophy is an unbelievably vast area that is continually evolving, and that one's personal affiliations and beliefs influence one's perception of it. No single book can cover each and every philosophical concept, nor can a single volume please every reader in its space allocations. While certain subjects might have been covered more thoroughly, do not let inevitable restrictions prevent you from reading this work. It will broaden your horizons. 'A Brief History of Western Philosophy' lays the groundwork for any further explorations, providing both the novice and the professional with invaluable information - in short, it is an ideal and indispensable reference work. Reading this work will give a thorough overview of philosophy, and, in my opinion, is one of the best written so far. Intrepid minds can gladly go on to do in-depth research on particular figures, something that this book will certainly inspire. Perhaps I am especially partial to this book because of my personal interest in the thought of Kant and Wittgenstein, philosophers given particular attention here. In fact, the chapter on Kant is one worth reading for any student in the area - it presents the ideas very cohesively. In response to Mr. Lee's review, no philosophical work can be so objective as to leave out the author's own opinion completely; if you had read the material properly, you might have understood that, in a way, objectivity is impossible. Anyhow, those with the smallest particle of common sense will read every book they touch with suspicion and shouldn't fall into the trap of unquestioningly believing everything they read. Every book on the subject of philosophy has a flaw of its own - it must have, since no one is perfect and can provide all the answers. Differentiating between fact and opinion is something that we all learn at school. One sentence should certainly not stop possible readers from delving into this wonderfully comprehensive work. Also, you state that you know of almost no significant chemists or biologists who found philosophy helpful; may I ask what they would do without the foundations of questioning existing beliefs and ever searching for the truth that philosophy has laid for them? Everyone is influenced by his or her philosophical and religious beliefs and stances - even scientists. Who can say what truly influenced those great minds? If you want to begin your adventures in the world of philosophy; if you are interested in a particular figure or concept and wish a scholarly, concise summary; or if you are an academic mind seeking to refresh 'forgotten lore', then this book is for you.

Very good history of philosophy

I find this history of philosophy very fun and interesting to read. Without forgetting the importance of ideas Kenny also gives a background in the corresponding culture and society.Jesus and Freud are unusual but very interesting choices and especially the part about Freud I find very good.Given the importance of the ideas of Hume for twentieth century philosophy it is a little bit strange to give Hume 6.5 pages and Kant 21 pages. But Kant is an important but difficult philosopher and perhaps one should be grateful for every help one can get when it comes to understanding him.As a student of theoretical philosophy in the analytical tradition four things makes me very happy:1. Stoic logic is mentioned and explained.2. Not just the Monadology of Leibniz are treated but also Leibniz as a great logic mind. Maybe one day Leibniz will be remembered more as a great logic mind that inspired Russell and others, than as the builder of the sometimes strange and weird feeling system of monads.3. The logic and logical analysis of Frege and Russell are given one chapter.4. Twentieth century philosophy is exemplified not with Sartre or Heidegger as with some Norwegian history's of philosophy, but with Wittgenstein.

Best of genre.

Anthony Kenny's magnificent new history of philosophy is a remarkable achievement. The book is accessible yet sophisticated, concise yet comprehensive. Its main weaknesses are Kenny's sometimes surprising and dramatic editorial decisions and his periodic idiosyncratic application of twentieth-century analytic philosophy. Also, Kenny provides no references for the quotations he uses. Happily, these flaws take away little from the stupendous success of Kenny's history. The book consists of twenty-two chapters occupying 345 pages, followed by an afterword, suggestions for further reading, and a comprehensive index. The chapters, which range from "Philosophy in its Infancy" to "the Philosophy of Wittgenstein," include detailed discussions of nearly all canonical philosophers, brief discussions a few non-canonical philosophers (e.g., Hypatia, Bonaventure, Marsilius of Padua), and numerous extremely helpful discussions of the interaction between western philosophy and many non-philosophical figures and institutions. Philosophy students of all levels will benefit from this book, and their instructors will find much to admire and enjoy in it.