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The Principles of Philosophy
Discover the pillars of philosophy and stoke your philosophical spirit with this accessible hardback guide, featuring informative diagrams, helpful text boxes, and captivating full-color images.
From Aristotle to Kant, the great thinkers of the world have sought to come up with rules for how to live better lives, how to govern better and how to understand the world around us. This fascinating guide introduces readers to 10 core philosophical ideas, including metaphysics, aesthetics, political philosophy and more. These principles are explained through digestible text, helpful diagrams and illustrations which help to help make even the most complex ideas accessible to everyone.
• The different schools of philosophy which have held sway over the years
• The most influential philosophers in history, including Plato, Descartes, Nietzsche and Chomsky.
• The key concepts in every area ranging from ethics and free will to stoicism and epistemology
• Sections on how philosophical principles relate to your day-to-day life
• Questions to ponder and formulate your own ideas
• Summary section at the end of each chapter
With its comprehensive coverage of the fundamental principles of philosophy, this guide is designed to not only give you a solid foundation but also spark your curiosity and passion for further exploration of this fascinating subject.
From Aristotle to Kant, the great thinkers of the world have sought to come up with rules for how to live better lives, how to govern better and how to understand the world around us. This fascinating guide introduces readers to 10 core philosophical ideas, including metaphysics, aesthetics, political philosophy and more. These principles are explained through digestible text, helpful diagrams and illustrations which help to help make even the most complex ideas accessible to everyone.
• The different schools of philosophy which have held sway over the years
• The most influential philosophers in history, including Plato, Descartes, Nietzsche and Chomsky.
• The key concepts in every area ranging from ethics and free will to stoicism and epistemology
• Sections on how philosophical principles relate to your day-to-day life
• Questions to ponder and formulate your own ideas
• Summary section at the end of each chapter
With its comprehensive coverage of the fundamental principles of philosophy, this guide is designed to not only give you a solid foundation but also spark your curiosity and passion for further exploration of this fascinating subject.
- GenresNonfictionAudiobook
256 pages, Hardcover
Published November 28, 2023
4 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Michael Moore
371 books518 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Michael Moore is an American filmmaker, author and liberal political commentator. He is the director and producer of Bowling for Columbine, Fahrenheit 9/11, Sicko, and Capitalism: A Love Story, four of the top nine highest-grossing documentaries of all time.[3] In September 2008, he released his first free movie on the Internet, Slacker Uprising, documenting his personal crusade to encourage more Americans to vote in presidential elections.[4] He has also written and starred in the TV shows TV Nation and The Awful Truth.
Moore is a self-described liberal who has criticized globalization, large corporations, assault weapon ownership, the Iraq War, U.S. President George W. Bush and the American health care system in his written and cinematic works.
Wikipedia
Michael Moore is an American filmmaker, author and liberal political commentator. He is the director and producer of Bowling for Columbine, Fahrenheit 9/11, Sicko, and Capitalism: A Love Story, four of the top nine highest-grossing documentaries of all time.[3] In September 2008, he released his first free movie on the Internet, Slacker Uprising, documenting his personal crusade to encourage more Americans to vote in presidential elections.[4] He has also written and starred in the TV shows TV Nation and The Awful Truth.
Moore is a self-described liberal who has criticized globalization, large corporations, assault weapon ownership, the Iraq War, U.S. President George W. Bush and the American health care system in his written and cinematic works.
Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 31, 2023
The Principles of Philosophy is an informative and interesting look at specific areas of philosophy and that it is presented in topic format rather than chronologically makes for an easier time absorbing the ideas. This book covers ten of the most consequential subfields within philosophy itself. Nature, Knowledge, Metaphysics, Logic, Ethics, Language, Mind, Aesthetics, Politics and Religion contain a wealth of philosophical knowledge. While some of these subjects, such as knowledge, might be considered more stereotypically philosophical, whereas others – for instance, religion – are not, we should note that philosophy is an analytical tool that can be applied to any field. In proceeding through the chapters it will become quite evident that different parts of philosophy share ambiguous boundaries with one another.
What seems like a question of logic may also be considered a problem for language, etc. This book is meant to provide an overview of ten different fields of philosophy. The overview centres on the idea of ‘principles’ and what is in mind are the central ideas and important pillars within the given field of philosophy. Within each chapter this is an intellectual task mostly split between the sections ‘History of Philosophy’, usually related through singular philosophers making significant contributions, and ‘Important Principles’, a section which isolates ideas important in their own right, whose details and influence merit special attention. Each chapter also includes a section of questions, which are intended both to motivate the discussion to follow and to provoke further consideration of the chapter’s themes.
Near the end of each chapter comes a section on ‘Principles of X and You’, intended to either make practical connections with the philosophical content or clarify the findings of the chapter. Finally, there is a list of summary points, to capture in brief the discussion of the chapter in a memorable way. Discover the pillars of philosophy and stoke your philosophical spirit with this understandable guide, featuring informative diagrams, helpful text boxes and captivating full-colour images. An easily readable and comprehensible tome which will appeal to both seasoned philosophy enthusiasts and beginners, with enough exposition and visual aids to make the text accessible to anyone who may wish to start or continue their philosophy journey. With its comprehensive coverage of the fundamental principles of philosophy, this guide is designed to not only give you a solid foundation but also spark your curiosity and passion for further exploration of this fascinating subject.
What seems like a question of logic may also be considered a problem for language, etc. This book is meant to provide an overview of ten different fields of philosophy. The overview centres on the idea of ‘principles’ and what is in mind are the central ideas and important pillars within the given field of philosophy. Within each chapter this is an intellectual task mostly split between the sections ‘History of Philosophy’, usually related through singular philosophers making significant contributions, and ‘Important Principles’, a section which isolates ideas important in their own right, whose details and influence merit special attention. Each chapter also includes a section of questions, which are intended both to motivate the discussion to follow and to provoke further consideration of the chapter’s themes.
Near the end of each chapter comes a section on ‘Principles of X and You’, intended to either make practical connections with the philosophical content or clarify the findings of the chapter. Finally, there is a list of summary points, to capture in brief the discussion of the chapter in a memorable way. Discover the pillars of philosophy and stoke your philosophical spirit with this understandable guide, featuring informative diagrams, helpful text boxes and captivating full-colour images. An easily readable and comprehensible tome which will appeal to both seasoned philosophy enthusiasts and beginners, with enough exposition and visual aids to make the text accessible to anyone who may wish to start or continue their philosophy journey. With its comprehensive coverage of the fundamental principles of philosophy, this guide is designed to not only give you a solid foundation but also spark your curiosity and passion for further exploration of this fascinating subject.
July 24, 2023
I’m a bit confused by the marketing and release campaign for this book. The audiobook is coming out first, but it’s not coming out in hardback for another four months, and yet… it doesn’t really work as an audiobook?
As the title suggests, this book guides us through the main principles and fields of philosophy. Instead of taking a chronological view, the author instead focuses on different principles – such as ethics, politics and metaphysics – and explores each one in turn. It’s a good approach, as the field of philosophy and its main focuses have changed so much over the millennia. I definitely felt like I had a much better understanding of these different topics, although I would have been interested to know more about how they link together.
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The reason it doesn’t work particularly well as an audiobook is that this book includes lots of different elements. There are tables and diagrams, which would be incredibly useful to see, but are dry and not very informative when they’re simply read out. The benefit of visual aids is they provide an alternative way to present the information, and that is completely lost on an audiobook. Some fantasy audiobooks come with a pdf of the map and other supplementary material; perhaps that’s something that could be explored here.
What was useful, though, was the regular summaries throughout the book. At the end of each chapter there is a summary that helps lay out the key points and consolidates what has been covered.
I said this last time I reviewed a book on philosophy, but I’ll mention it again here: there was no mention at all of any non-European people or ideas. Particularly in the chapters on language and religion, this felt like a glaring omission.
This is a good introduction to the building blocks of Western philosophy. While it doesn’t go as far as it could to paint a broader picture, it does build basic understanding and interest.
I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.
As the title suggests, this book guides us through the main principles and fields of philosophy. Instead of taking a chronological view, the author instead focuses on different principles – such as ethics, politics and metaphysics – and explores each one in turn. It’s a good approach, as the field of philosophy and its main focuses have changed so much over the millennia. I definitely felt like I had a much better understanding of these different topics, although I would have been interested to know more about how they link together.
📚Blog📖YouTube📖Instagram📚
The reason it doesn’t work particularly well as an audiobook is that this book includes lots of different elements. There are tables and diagrams, which would be incredibly useful to see, but are dry and not very informative when they’re simply read out. The benefit of visual aids is they provide an alternative way to present the information, and that is completely lost on an audiobook. Some fantasy audiobooks come with a pdf of the map and other supplementary material; perhaps that’s something that could be explored here.
What was useful, though, was the regular summaries throughout the book. At the end of each chapter there is a summary that helps lay out the key points and consolidates what has been covered.
I said this last time I reviewed a book on philosophy, but I’ll mention it again here: there was no mention at all of any non-European people or ideas. Particularly in the chapters on language and religion, this felt like a glaring omission.
This is a good introduction to the building blocks of Western philosophy. While it doesn’t go as far as it could to paint a broader picture, it does build basic understanding and interest.
I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.
September 12, 2023
The Principles of Philosophy by Michael Moore is a nice basic introductory book to various important principles within philosophy.
This format serves much better as an introduction to philosophical thought than a chronological account. A history by design will move from key philosopher or idea to whomever or whatever comes next. While philosophy is a conversation, philosophers aren't always responding to a contemporary, or even someone from the previous generation, so a history can make philosophy seem disjointed. A history of a particular area, however, would work, and in some ways that is what this book is, a collection of brief histories of different areas within philosophy. Kinda like how a history of science as a whole would be disjointed (last week there was a discovery in medicine, this week one in astronomy, etc) but a history of medicine or of astronomy would keep the ideas together.
I think this volume is written at a basic enough level to be good for anyone from a high school student on up yet can serve as a nice refresher even for those more knowledgeable in the area. In my case, once I completed the lower-level courses I focused on a few specific topics and thinkers, so sometimes the other areas, which should never be ignored, became hazy in the back of my mind. This would have been a nice volume to read to help pull me back into the bigger picture where the different areas speak to each other. I also think this would be a nice volume to give someone who is thinking about studying philosophy since it offers a good overview that leaves the readers with further questions to ponder (one of the most appealing aspects of philosophy, to me).
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
This format serves much better as an introduction to philosophical thought than a chronological account. A history by design will move from key philosopher or idea to whomever or whatever comes next. While philosophy is a conversation, philosophers aren't always responding to a contemporary, or even someone from the previous generation, so a history can make philosophy seem disjointed. A history of a particular area, however, would work, and in some ways that is what this book is, a collection of brief histories of different areas within philosophy. Kinda like how a history of science as a whole would be disjointed (last week there was a discovery in medicine, this week one in astronomy, etc) but a history of medicine or of astronomy would keep the ideas together.
I think this volume is written at a basic enough level to be good for anyone from a high school student on up yet can serve as a nice refresher even for those more knowledgeable in the area. In my case, once I completed the lower-level courses I focused on a few specific topics and thinkers, so sometimes the other areas, which should never be ignored, became hazy in the back of my mind. This would have been a nice volume to read to help pull me back into the bigger picture where the different areas speak to each other. I also think this would be a nice volume to give someone who is thinking about studying philosophy since it offers a good overview that leaves the readers with further questions to ponder (one of the most appealing aspects of philosophy, to me).
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
July 28, 2023
If you love Philosophy, then you will love this book. It is a great read for those that are well advanced in philosophical thought as well as to new lovers of philosophy. It offers great references and theories and gives a summation after each chapter. The narrator is just delightful to listen. It's like being in lecture hall listening to the most delightful lecture that is full of insight and examples to help any reader to assimilate and enjoy the experience.
The contents definitely match the cover! I love that! What you see is what you get, which is a fascinating, thought provoking, and a wonderful read! It offers a journey into many thoughts, theories, and concepts of philosophical thought. I love that it explores the theories of many of our favorite philosophers and gives present day examples to better clarify these concepts for the reader. It is a book that will definitely make you reflect on many things. It is wonderful to listen to while being in nature or sitting near a window relaxing and enjoying a cup of tea. I think the cover and narration is perfectly suited for this book.
The contents definitely match the cover! I love that! What you see is what you get, which is a fascinating, thought provoking, and a wonderful read! It offers a journey into many thoughts, theories, and concepts of philosophical thought. I love that it explores the theories of many of our favorite philosophers and gives present day examples to better clarify these concepts for the reader. It is a book that will definitely make you reflect on many things. It is wonderful to listen to while being in nature or sitting near a window relaxing and enjoying a cup of tea. I think the cover and narration is perfectly suited for this book.
October 16, 2023
The Principles of Philosophy by Michael Moore was very well done. As a doctoral student, full-time business owner, and adjunct college professor I recommend this book highly. The reigning topic is informative however, it did not read like a textbook. The questions at the beginning of each chapter helped to guide the reader through reflection which served useful with the principles introduced throughout. I loved the flow, the sequencing, and the layout of the book. The audiobook narrator was perfect for the subject matter. I really enjoyed this book and have already recommended it to colleagues who are interested in learning more about philosophy.
I received a review copy of this book from the author/publisher through NetGalley for my honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I received a review copy of this book from the author/publisher through NetGalley for my honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
November 16, 2023
This is an introduction to philosophy which would be useful to either an intelligent teenager choosing A Level subjects, or an interested adult looking for a wide ranging look at different aspects of a very wide subject.
The book is an easy read with chapters laid out around topics that have questions and follow up ideas. There is plenty here for people to get caught up by and I liked the way it eases you into aspects of complicated philosophy while allowing you to follow at your own pace.
There is enough depth to be challenging without being patronising if you have some knowledge. A good gift for an intelligent friend who would use it as a starting point into the fascinating journey of philosophy.
I was given a copy of the book by NetGalley
The book is an easy read with chapters laid out around topics that have questions and follow up ideas. There is plenty here for people to get caught up by and I liked the way it eases you into aspects of complicated philosophy while allowing you to follow at your own pace.
There is enough depth to be challenging without being patronising if you have some knowledge. A good gift for an intelligent friend who would use it as a starting point into the fascinating journey of philosophy.
I was given a copy of the book by NetGalley
October 6, 2024
I thought this had a lot of well-researched and well-presented topics in philosophy presented by topic rather than chronologically which I appreciated. They were pretty easy to understand despite having very very limited in basic knowledge of philosophy. It wasn't the most captivating book and I do wish the author had found a more interesting way to present the information. I did think that it did a good job of covering 10 of the most basic principles and giving examples of each. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2023
I have not read books on philosophy before, which is why this one peaked my interest. This book covers a lot of subjects within philosophy: nature, knowledge, metaphysics, logic, ethics, language, mind, aesthetics, politics, and religion. Definitely informative!
I listened to this book. I do feel it would have been better to read it, as the visual layout (pictures, summary boxes, etc) would have helped me comprehend the subjects more. The narration was clear, albeit a bit monotone.
I listened to this book. I do feel it would have been better to read it, as the visual layout (pictures, summary boxes, etc) would have helped me comprehend the subjects more. The narration was clear, albeit a bit monotone.
May 27, 2025
An introduction to philosophy. The author (who is not the Michael Moore of Bowling for Columbine fame, despite what my car’s audio system thinks) gives an overview of ten areas of philosophical inquiry, presenting historical background and a brief summary of the leading thinkers and issues in each area, usually in chronological order. Nothing in great depth, but it gives one something to think about.
July 15, 2023
I couldn't finish this audiobook. I thought this was going to be a history of philosophy and philosophers. It seemed to be a book about why people philosophize. The narrator was very bland, but it may have been because of the many charts, drawings, and subsections in the book. I think there could be a market for this work, but it's not for me.
Thank you to Arcturus Digital Audio and NetGalley for an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Arcturus Digital Audio and NetGalley for an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2023
The Principles of Philosophy is an informative and interesting guide covering ten crucial subfields of philosophy, including Nature, Knowledge, Metaphysics, Logic, Ethics, Language, Mind, Aesthetics, Politics, and Religion. The book presents a topic format, allowing readers to absorb the ideas more easily. The book is divided into sections 'History of Philosophy' and 'Important Principles', with questions and summary points to motivate discussion and encourage further consideration. The guide is accessible to both seasoned and beginners, with informative diagrams, helpful text boxes, and full-color images. It provides a solid foundation for exploring philosophy and sparks curiosity for further exploration.
Thank you so much to #netgalley and Micheal Moore for this advanced listening copy for an honest review.
Thank you so much to #netgalley and Micheal Moore for this advanced listening copy for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews