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A Brief History of Philosophy Derek Johnston

A Brief History of Philosophy By Derek Johnston

A Brief History of Philosophy by Derek Johnston


$14.49
Condition - Very Good
Only 2 left

Summary

Offering an introduction to the subject of philosophy, this book is suitable for teenagers and students coming to philosophy for the first time, and also for those who doesn't know where to start. It examines 18 key thinkers, from Socrates to Derrida, exploring their ideas in relation to each other and to their historical and cultural contexts.

A Brief History of Philosophy Summary

A Brief History of Philosophy: From Socrates to Derrida by Derek Johnston

This title offers a fun, concise and attractive introduction to a fascinating and challenging subject. This is the ideal book for teenagers and students coming to philosophy for the first time, or indeed for anyone who just doesn't know where to start. The book examines 18 key thinkers, from Socrates to Derrida, exploring their ideas in relation to each other and to their historical and cultural contexts. Derek Johnston uses clear and accessible language to present an engaging chronological picture of the key figures, events and ideas that have shaped the history of philosophy. Boxes giving timelines of key events and crisp, clear explanations of key terms feature throughout the book. The book can be easily used as a reference tool or read all the way through for a clear overview of philosophy. Indeed, as the reader's understanding of the nature of philosophy develops, so too does the book's approach to its subject matter, introducing more complex ideas as the chapters progress. Crucially, the book does not try to cover everything - this is a concise and accessible introduction to philosophy for those starting out in this compelling subject. No prior knowledge of philosophy is required to enjoy this incisive, reader-friendly introduction. This is the ideal book for AS/A2 level students or general readers looking for a way into this fascinating, but very often challenging subject.

A Brief History of Philosophy Reviews

In this accessible text complete with portraits, summary boxes and precise definitions of key terms, Johnston describes the mental workings of 18 of the greats. Working chronologically and also through themes, Johnston describes the trends from Socrates and Plato to Aristotle, Epicurus and Zeno, Aquinus, Descartes, Locke and Montesquieu, Spinoza, Hume, Kant, Marx, Nietzsche, Wittgenstein, Heidegger, Sartre and Derrida, opening each chapter with the most basic ideas and building to crisp explanations of some of the most complex ideas to ever hit paper. Although this can be read cover to cover to give high school students and the general public a running start, Johnston's appraisals and summaries also serve as references and refreshers. -- Reference and Research Book News

About Derek Johnston

Derek Johnston is a retired teacher. He was Vice-Principal of Midleton College, Co Cork, Ireland, where he taught for over 30 years.

Table of Contents

Introduction; 1. Plato and Socrates: The Fire and the Sun; 2. Aristotle: The Spirit of Rational Enquiry; 3. Epicurus and Zeno: How to Lead a Good Life; 4. St Thomas Aquinas: The Unified Interpretation of Reality; 5. Rene Descartes: Systematic Doubt as Philosophical Method; 6. John Locke and Montesquieu: The Liberal State; 7. Benedict de Spinoza: Rigorous Thought and Severe Conclusions; 8. David Hume: Empirical Verification; 9. Immanuel Kant: The Critique of Reason. 10. Karl Marx: The March of History; 11. Friedrich Nietzsche: The Will to Power; 12. Ludwig Wittgenstein: Language and Reality; 13. Martin Heidegger: We Have Forgotten Being; 14. Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialist Anguish; 15. Jacques Derrida: Deconstructing Reality; Conclusion; Further Reading.

Additional information

GOR002076814
9780826490209
0826490204
A Brief History of Philosophy: From Socrates to Derrida by Derek Johnston
Used - Very Good
Paperback
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
20060609
224
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - A Brief History of Philosophy