Philosophy: 100 Essential Thinkers
Philosophy: 100 Essential Thinkers
By Philip Stokes
* Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books
* Number Of Pages: 224
* Publication Date: 2005-09-15
* Sales Rank: 303251
* ISBN / ASIN: 1592700462
* EAN: 9781592700462
* Binding: Paperback
* Manufacturer: Enchanted Lion Books
* Studio: Enchanted Lion Books
* Average Rating: 4.5
* Total Reviews: 6
Book Description:
An excellent guide through a complex and fascinating world of ideas that is sure to provoke further investigation.
Knowledge and the sudden experience of understanding can be as thrilling as the solution to any puzzle or riddle, since knowledge always resolves a mystery-that of not knowing. Most people are familiar with the names Plato, Machiavelli, Spinoza, and Simone de Beauvoir, but remain unsure of their significance. Philosophy: 100 Essential Thinkers provides succinct descriptions of the essential thought of one hundred major philosophers, including some who are not seen primarily as philosophers, such as Darwin, Freud, and Einstein. Presenting biographical details, quotations, and clear explanations, Philosophy serves as a thorough and accessible introduction to the Western intellectual tradition, covering philosophical, scientific, political, and religious thought over a period of 2,500 years.
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 10 Up–This book takes a thematic and then chronological approach to its subject. The philosophers are first grouped by their school of thought, clearly outlined on the contents page. Within each division, Stokes includes several examples, showing the progression of that philosophy over time. For example, existentialism is traced from Kierkegaard through Heidegger and Sartre to de Beauvoir. Each entry is two pages long, and includes a black-and-white illustration or photo of the philosopher. No biographical information is included beyond a general comment about nationality or education. Instead, readers are given a summary of each individual’s contribution to the “science” of philosophy. There are cross-references throughout, indicated by boldface type. The glossary seeks to clarify some of the more difficult terms and concepts. This is not a work for beginners; both the vocabulary and content make it appropriate for more mature readers. Overall, however, it is a valuable introduction to some of the world’s great thinkers.–Elizabeth M. Reardon, McCallie School, Chattanooga, TN
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. –This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
KLIATT Review, November 2005
“…Stokes has a perfectly pitched approach, taking the material seriously yet making it intellectually fun as well.”