The Empiricists

by Roger Woolhouse

Book Overview

One of the great historic controversies in philosophy, according to Bertrand Russell, is that between empiricists--best represented by the British philosophers, Locke, Berkeley, and Hume--and rationalists. This book sets the empiricists in their contemporary and cultural context, examines
their various approaches to philosophy, and highlights the significance of their ideas to 20th-century thinking. By focusing on what the empiricists actually...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 019289188X
• ISBN13: 9780192891884
• Release Date: February 1988
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.2" x 7.7"

Customer Reviews

A good introduction to the Empiricists

The Empiricists is a great introduction to some of the early philosophers in this area, providing an adequate introduction for new students. Summary The book covers the main empiricists; Bacon, Hobbes, Gassendi, Locke, Berkeley and Hume, as well as the start of the Royal Society. It provides a brief biography of each, followed by an explanation of each philosopher's theories and ideas. It does not, however, go into an in-depth analysis of the philosopher's arguments, nor provide counter-arguments from other authors. Why? Each philosopher is covered in sufficient detail to allow the reader to understand their philosophy, without bogging down into discussions about the correctness of their approach. It covers their major works in a linear fashion, sometimes crossing over to others in who lived in the same period. Why not? As an introductory text, the book is fantastic. If you are looking for more detailed discussion and analysis, then you will need to look elsewhere. Overall, a good summary introduction to the main philosophers of the period.

The Empiricists

Very friendly treatment of a widescoped and fleeting aspect in philosophy - Empericism. I used a chapter detailing some of the findings of John Locke, David Hume, and Berkley. The data was successfully transmitted to me and that is the authors credit!