ancient philosophy a new history of western philosophy volume 1

Kenny didn’t include a discussion of this topic in the earlier volumes, he says, because prior to the writings of Machiavelli no previous philosopher has anything to say that is “relevant to current discussions” in the field of political philosophy. Kenny’s rationale for not including chapters on this topic in the first two volumes of his history is rather peculiar.

Unlike the first two books, however, volume 3 (and 4) includes a chapter on “political philosophy.” The first three chapters provide information about the life and times of the major philosophers discussed in volume 3 and the rest of the book consists of thematic chapters discussing their central ideas in greater detail. Descartes was one of the key philosophers who lived during this era.Īs in the preceding two volumes, volume 3 is copiously illustrated, and is divided into two sections. The cover is illustrated with a picture of Rene Descartes sitting at his desk. (Jim Cook’s review) The third volume in Kenny’s History of Western Philosophy covers the period from the beginning of the 16th century to the start of the 19th century, i.e., from the writing of Machiavelli’s Prince to the death of Hegel.

Anyone who is interested in the evolution of modern thought will find this a book a treasure. The book also features many intriguing and beautiful illustrations which evoke the human and social side of philosophy. Kenny then backtracks to look closely at each of the main areas of philosophical exploration in this period: knowledge and understanding the nature of the physical universe metaphysics (the most fundamental questions there are about existence) mind and soul the nature and content of morality political philosophy and God. It is ideal as the first thing to read for someone new to this wonderfully creative period. Kenny first tells the story of modern philosophy chronologically: his lively, accessible narrative brings the philosophers to life and fills in the historical and intellectual background to their work. The great minds we meet include Rene Descartes, traditionally seen as the founder of modern philosophy the great British philosophers Hobbes, Locke, and Hume continental thinkers such as Spinoza, Liebniz, and Hegel and the towering figure of Immanuel Kant, who perhaps more than any other made philosophy what it is today. Kenny introduces us to some of the world's most original and influential thinkers and helps us gain an understanding of their famous works. The Rise of Modern Philosophy captures the fascinating story of the emergence, from the early sixteenth to the early nineteenth century, of the great ideas and intellectual systems that shaped modern thought. Sir Anthony Kenny's engaging new multi-volume history of Western philosophy now advances into the modern era.

Ancient philosophy a new history of western philosophy volume 1