Bacon to Kant: An Introduction to Modern Philosophy

by Garrett Thomson

In teaching Modern philosophy, the absence of a comprehensive secondary text results in much class time spent on clarifying the ideas of the philosophers, leaving little room for philosophical discussion of wider issues. Bacon to Kant was developed as a response to the classroom need to offer undergraduate philosophy students an introduction to the claims and arguments of ten of the most-studied Rationalist, Empiricist, and Enlightenment-era philosophers Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Bacon, Hobbes, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, Rousseau, and Kant. The text is designed to be accessible without being philosophically naive. Thomson explains and analyzes central arguments in a readable and engaging style. Critical assessments of evolving views and arguments, contrasting interpretations of original texts, and thought-provoking questions designed to promote lively discussion help students connect the material to broader contemporary philosophical issues.

Genres: Philosophy, History, School

390 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2001

Reviews

[Selma Slocum · Rating 4 out of 5]

a useful introductory text for undergraduate students
the structure of the book allows the reader to compare the systems of thinking of different philosophers as he/she moves through the book
but, in its tone, it is much more of a textbook than an "original" text

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good textbook, Thomson guides the student through the points of early modern philosophers clearly and intelligently.

[Fr. Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I was unimpressed by this work of philosophical history. Thomson often went into excruciating detail about topics that were so specific that you lost the broad scope of what that particular philosopher taught. He was difficult to follow overall and had a very biased take on philosophy that came before (Medieval Philosophy).

[Samantha Puc · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a lifesaver in my modern philosophy class! It helped me get through a number of assignments relatively unscathed, and contributed to my understanding greatly. I cited it in both of my term papers and found Thomson's writing to be accessible and incredibly helpful.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

To much of Gregory Thomson's insight on the matter that sometimes strays from the original topic at hands purpose. Great supplemental reading.

[Mills College Library]

190.9032 T4831 2012