Philosophy: Visual Reference Guide Hardcover – 2012

Eyewitness Companions

by Stephen Law

Covering not only the history of Western thought, but also the traditions of Eastern philosophy and schools of thought from the Indian subcontinent, this companion combines philosophical analysis with historical and biographical information to explain and explore the major issues, theories, and problems at the heart of all philosophies.

Genres: Philosophy, Reference, Nonfiction, Social Commentary

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Stephen Law is a philosopher who teaches at Heythrop College in the University of London. He also edits the journal THINK, a source of philosophy aimed at the general public, affiliated with The Royal Institute of Philosophy.

Reviews

[Amauri Caetano Campos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a simple man. I like books with pictures.

[Mat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've dipped in and out of this book before, most significantly when studying Raphael's, The School of Athens. This is the first time I've read it cover to cover. It was tough at times, sometimes ideas are packed tightly on the page, but immensely rewarding. Given the subject matter this introduction is highly accessible and even encourages a layman to critique the ideas of great thinkers, I wanted a pen and paper half the time I was reading to put down my thoughts on Plato, or arguments about God.

The only problem with this book is the length of the reading list it left me with, including: John Stuart Mill, Mary Wollstonecraft, Hannah Arendt, David Hume, Plato, Heraclitus, Confucius, Adam Smith, Hegel, Comte, Karl Marx, Theodor Adorno, Simone de Beauvoir, John Rawls, Bertrand Russel, Michel Foucault, Noam Chomsky and Lyotard. Oh dear, where to begin.

[Joey Culoper · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for beginners

[André Maia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excelente overview sobre filosofia para leigos. Porém, se mostrou uma leitura longa e relativamente complicada para mim (que sou bem amador no assunto).

[Carlos Alberto · Rating 2 out of 5]

6/10
Guia Ilustrado Zahar | Filosofia escrito por Stephen Law, professor universitário de filosofia, é um excelente meio de apresentação das ideias, conceitos, colunas do pensamento filosófico. De maneira construtiva e pouco profunda, temos uma iniciação básica, porém, científica de como o pensamento filosóficos e suas ideias surgiram e se ampliarem até chegar no modelo que temos hoje. Com 351 páginas temos uma apresentação, e não uma introdução, sobre as ideias, pensadores e variáveis que afetam a dinâmica de exercício e modo de produção de ensaios acadêmicos da realização e materialização do ensaio do pensar. Em conclusão, é um livro que explora muitas, mas MUITAS coisas mesmo, abre diversas portas e janelas, apresenta uma fama infinita de temas mas que não se aprofunda em nada. Em suma, o objetivo do livro é se aprofundar na apresentação dos temas e não na explicação proporcional deles. Enfim, é um livro bom para iniciantes ou pessoas que queiram entrar no mundo filosófico, mas só isso. Entrar. Para um aprofundamento é necessário uma fonte de pesquisas mais avançada ou detalhada.

[Durakan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reserve five stars for books that I consider to make some tangible alteration to the way I think or act. This book introduced me to so many different concepts and theories that five stars seems inadequate, but it'll have to do!

It's taken me about three years (maybe more) to make it to the end, not because it's a tough read (far from it - I've never formally studied philosophy but found the language very accessible), but because each page of the 'Branches of Philosophy' section deserves reflection, and because I was constantly inspired to read further into the subject matter. Plus, it's beautifully illustrated and I probably spent a lot of time looking at the pictures.

So if, like me, you like to think, and you missed out in your school days, read this book.

[Rudi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goed en duidelijk geschreven boek , hoewel het mij niet lukt om vlot iets van filosofie te lezen of mijn gedachten blijven wat hangen of ze drijven wat weg , ben benieuwd wie er allemaal in een filosofie boek vanaf het jaar 2000 zal staan met die snel veranderde omgeving , meer vrouwen ? Nieuwe gedachten en ideeën

[Morris Yen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book serves well on introducing basic yet monumental philosophical thoughts, as well as introducing prominent figures. The author has tried to stay neutral in tone but content is still biased such as on how greatness of a thought or figure is determined.

[Jo Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Used for a college course.

[nina! · Rating 4 out of 5]

i feel so smart reading this!

[Bill Robson]

Stopped reading this book.

[Richie Chan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decided to revisit some fundamental philosophical concepts and found this book.
Easy to read, and the first several pages summarises key periods and proponents. A good refresher.

[David Resendes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction and overview of the branches of Philosophy and Philosophers.

[J.A. A Santana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Covering not only the history of Western thought but also the traditions of Eastern philosophy and schools of thought from the Indian subcontinent, this companion combines philosophical analysis with historical and biographical information to explain and explore the major issues, theories, and problems at the heart of all philosophies.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent primer on philosophy, whether one is new to philosophy and pursuing a budding interest, or one interested in learning more about the various influential schools of philosophical thought. Stephen Law does an excellent job of covering growth and evolution of philosophy, being succinct but without failing to leave the reader with a solid basic understanding of each topic. The book covers a broad spectrum of philosophical ideas and concepts, and ends with a list of over a hundred "Who's Who" list of influential philosophers and thinker, giving a brief background and covering their key ideas and concepts that contributed to philosophy. I was only disappointed that Robert Green Ingersoll did not make it into the "Who's Who" list, as I would easily count him as one of the best 19th century thinkers. Overall, great book. Highly recommended.

[Phillip Gallegos · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an excellent companion to my Intro to Philosophy class. It is clear and to the point, with plenty of examples and definitions. Being a DK book, it is also laden with illustrations and photos, and is a handy reference, or even a good read on its own.

[Sunil Surendar · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to philosophical terminologies in simple parlance, provides very good illustrations and comparisons between eastern and western philosophies. Could be a good read for those curious minds who would like to know the history of philosophy and different facets of it.

[Jessica Triana de Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic basic starter into types of philosophy throughout history and the world. Very easy to put everything into context and discover who or what schools of thought you might yourself be more interested in discovering in more detail.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to open your eyes to philosophy, and to get an idea about the many philosophers from the begining to the presant. It is an overview of the many forms of philosophy.

[Gordon Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good overview need to see more from this series

[Jay Mansfield]

Not a subject I'm particularly interested in, so it would be unfair to comment on this book.

[ROC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps the best introductory book you could give to someone interested in Philosophy.

[Tsion Hailu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for beginners!

[Rebecca Crunden]

This is a fantastic, easy-to-read introduction to philosophy and breaks everything down quite well. Not too in-depth, but a great basis for those new to theories. Definitely recommend.