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Summary: "An Informative Survey of Western Philosophy"
Review: This is a work of broad perspective, covering twenty five hundred years of history and philosophy, and will be most beneficial for anyone with less than a deep familiarity with the general principles of Philosophy. Bertrand Russell's thorough account of the history western philosophy is divided most properly into three books: the first dealing with Ancient, the second with Catholic, and the final with Modern Philosophy. Russell's work begins with the condition of Hellenic civilization at the time of Thales of Miletus and ends during the time of Russell's own distinguished contemporaries. Instead of dedicating a chapter soley to Thales, Russell deemed it more appropriate to deal singularly with Pythagoras first, simply because his influence was much more profound than Thales and others of the Milesian school. Likewise, while Russell suggests that Spinoza was a much greater philosopher than Locke, he nevertheless maintains that Locke's influence was far greater than Spinoza's, and that most appropriately more time should be dedicated to Locke instead. Although the basis of this work lies upon a particular philosopher's impact upon social and political sphere of life, Russell never fails to surface individuals with deep philosophical merit. In other words, Russell treats every principle philosopher from Pythagoras to Aquinas, all the way to his own contemporaries, despite how influential they may have been; but these individuals, though they may have been exemplary thinkers, are just dealt with much more briefly in regards to their lack of major influence. So, keeping this in mind, anyone looking to find a history of western philosophy that contains an abundance of great thinkers, with detailed summaries of their systems of thought and their influence upon the world, along with some very good general history, Russell's work should not be avoided.
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Summary: A Brilliantly Written Measured Analysis of W. Philosophy
Review: This is one of the best books I have ever read. Over the years, I have enjoyed reading and reareading it, learning something new all the time. Russell's writing is superb. His analysis is based on the commitment to consider the facts carefully and to reason about them logically and responsibly. In writing my own reviews, I often keep this book in mind as a model.Although Russell always includes a personal commentary on a particular philosopher, this does not undermine the objectivity and value of his analysis, because it is fairly easy to see where a summary of what the philospher had to say ends and Russell's interpretation begins. Russell's erudition is truly impressive. I agree with almost all of his assessments of philosophers in this volume. Russel was a logician, not a scientist--there is a big difference. The book was written in 1943, yet Russell seems unaware of Popper's falsifability criterion for statements that purport to be scientific. But generally, the book is very close to perfection. This is philosophy in context and ideas brought to life from one of the best writers and one of the most brilliant minds of the twentieth century.
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Summary: Fabulous philisophical analysis and historical reference
Review: To read Russell and his magnum opus: History of Western Philosophy, is to open one's mind to the processes involved in reasonable and rational thought. I can think of no other person in the last century who epitomizes the role and purpose of the astute public intellectual. A hero in more ways than one, Russell spoke up for peace and justice and paid a price -- being jailed along with, to this day, not getting his due respect; there's simply no reason he shouldn't be mentioned in the same breath as Einstein, the only reason he's not lies in the fact that he chose to take more of a principled stand on controversial issues, i.e., war and nuclear power, the rapacious nature of capitalism, human sexuality and women's rights. History of Western Philosophy easily stands as the definitive one volume work on the broad subject of philosophy. Russell covers an enormous amount of material including the standard epistomological, aesthetic, logic, ethic and metaphysical questions. He spares no punches and really undresses the dogmatists for any sane reader to see. Nietzsche comes under especially harsh justified criticism. As does the ridiculous nostrums of the Catholic church and religious superstition in general. More than just a straight up philosophical work, History of Western Philosophy is an outstanding history book. Russell boils down the complicated issues of the past and rolls them out in neatly digestable essays. This one should stay on your bookshelf forever in that you'll find yourself reaching for it when historical and philosophical allusions come up in other great works of literature and film. Reading Russell is truly one of the more intellectually stimulating and enjoyable acts. His breadth of knowledge is astounding and his writing style is witty and accessible. No educated person can afford to neglect this great work.
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Summary: Very informative!
Review: Well, this book is very interesting, I knew very little on phylosophy before reading this book and it gave me some bearings in the subject. The book's title says it all "A History of...", it contains the author's view and the approach he was interested in exploring. The section on Catholic church was the most interesting and I would recommend it. I think the flaw of the book are due to lack of space, no one can be without flaws trying to make 3000 years of history of thought, and, of course, it will displease those who disagree with the author. Above all, I enjoyed reading it.
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