Archetypes of Wisdom: An Introduction to Philosophy

by Douglas J. Soccio

ARCHETYPES OF WISDOM, 9E uses a historical approach to bring philosophy to life through lively narratives, engaging illustrations, and a student-friendly writing style. Using its signature conversational prose, the textbook guides students through the lives and works of history's greatest philosophers, drawing from both canonical primary sources and the latest philosophical critiques.

Genres: Philosophy, Textbooks, Nonfiction, History, Reference, Academic, College

624 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Jason Law · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a rewarding book. I had already read Norman Melchert's 'The Great Conversation' before reading this book. Compared to Melchert's book, Soccio's handling of the theoretical part of the philosophies themselves could arguably be said to be somewhat superficial. He merely gives the reader enough information to enable them to understand the issues each philosophical viewpoint is dealing with. As an example, Melchert dedicated two whole chapters in his book to Wittgenstein while Soccio confined the same philosopher to only +- 10 pages. Melchert's book also has a more comprehensive list of philosophers, giving a fuller account of philosophers such as St Augustine, Thomas Hobbes, and Hegel as compared to Soccio. As such, Melchert's book would prob be the better choice were the reader interested in philosophical theories themselves.

Soccio, however, in my opinion has a different aim; to create a more meaningful background as well as to establish a connection between the philosophies and the actual lives of the readers. In this, I feel Soccio succeeded admirably.

I liked the fact that he establishes context before dealing with each philosophy; both through illustrating how each of the philosophical viewpoints came into being though the influence of their surrounding times and culture, as well as how the temperament of each philosopher contributed to the philosophy they built. This gave life and colour to the philosophers and their point of view.

I also liked the fact that he tries and succeeds in relating the philosophies to today's issues, and in the process, illustrated how each philosophy remains relevant. Soccio does this, by including many quotes from other philosophers dealing with the same issues in the margin of the pages; and also through 'text boxes' giving fuller treatment to more recent philosophers' viewpoints on the same issue. Finally, Soccio provides very insightful commentaries at the close of each chapter.

The design of the book was also interesting to me. The decision to arrange the book based on archetypes was effective, and as I read through the contents of the book, I realized that a majority of us actually adopt our own philosophical view whether we realize or profess an interest in philosophy or not.

You could read Soccio's book as an easy and pleasant introduction to philosophy. For myself, I feel reading Melchert's book earlier freed me towards appreciating the application aspects in this book without having to struggle at understanding the philosophies. In any case, Soccio’s and Melchert’s books complement each other superbly.

[Sokcheng · Rating 5 out of 5]

After one year of on-and-off reading, and periodical late fees, I've finally finished this awesome introduction to the wisdom of the west! Really learned a lot about the context, core concepts and implication of some of the most well-known thinkers in the western civilization. Dear old Soccio has grown pretty dear to me. It feels like I have been having a long conversation with a warm-hearted old grandpa, and not reading an old dry textbook! I'll still hold on to this book for a bit longer until I've revised the notes and revived my memory of the earlier chapters!

[Danelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know you are bored when you are reading your husband's old textbook, but I never took a formal Philosophy class and I felt like I was missing out. Fortunately, I am realizing that I got a lot of "Philosophy" in Music 201-202 and American Heritage, oddly enough. Still, it is nice to get back to the basics. This book is interesting enough that I am reading it in my spare time and am not motivated by a grade. :-) hahaha! I enjoy Soccio's writing style as well, although things are pretty boiled down.

[Victoria Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am currently reading this all the way through.I am on the 5th chapter
on Socrates.Ive read about the Asian sages and the sophists.I love this textbook .Its much better with greater more clever clarity in my
opinon than the other philosophy textbook I read which was titled for
Dummies or for Idiots. Ill probably buy a hardcover and always keep
one in my library for reference. Im going to give my softcover as a
gift to a friend after Ive read it all.

[Mariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first philosophy book. I think a good place to start. Hit all the big names, chronologically, mention their teachers and students and the times that shaped the thinking. I was surprised at how easy it was to read for a textbook. I would've liked some connection in each chapter for the vocabulary and thinking but it's an older book. was cool to read and learn about names I knew of.

[Tbase · Rating 4 out of 5]

not altogether bad... but, in my opinion, the author breezes by in many topics

[Heinz · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I was reading this book people would often ask me, “Is that for a class?”, and I would respond, “It was.” This was a textbook of mine almost 20 years ago, and like many students I did not always read the homework. Well now I have finished it and regret I didn’t fully read it all those years ago. As a textbook goes it is interesting, well thought out, well written, and with the right amount of information on each philosophy to give the reader a basic introduction to the different “schools.” The author also implements contemporary philosophers that speak from the point of view of “other voices” such as women and ethnic minorities on the different chapters. In all I recommend it to anyone wanting to delve into the “love of wisdom” for the first time, or to receive a crash course on a specific school of thinking. Most importantly though it has helped me, and possibly could help you, live a more “examined life”.

[Grace Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found my philosophy class far more interesting and engaging then I expected, and I think that’s due in large part to this textbook. also my teacher let me write an analysis of Yu-Gi-Oh! for one assignment. but mostly the textbook.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to philosophy and the great philosophers

[Parker Alleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stellar introduction to all things philosophy.

[Medhavini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. It links every philosopher to the socio economic conditions of the time and their reaction to the prevailing philosophies.
I couldn’t understand the Wittgenstein chapter though

[peanutvendor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good brief reference book.

[Sher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Currently reading for a class I will substitute teach in October 2012. More soon.

Book 54 2012 Reading Challenge. Terrific book for undergraduates who are being introduced to philosophy.

Lots of modern examples of how each philosophy could play out in a 21st century life. A combination of Western and Eastern thinkers.

[Lane Wilkinson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I mistakenly used this text when I first taught PHI 1030, "Introduction to Philosophical Problems."

Why do I give one star? There are several reasons, all of which are summed-up by Soccio's definition of knowledge as "true belief".

I am not making that up. "True belief."

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Seventh Edition)
Nice layout. A few good excerpts and additional information.
Offers basic information of around fifteen to twenty philosophers and their philosophies. A decent book if paired with a good lecture.

[Dahlia]

This is a really great textbook for an intro to philosophy class. The author writes in a way that makes each thinker's project and ideas clear. I read it because somebody was giving away books and I just really like the title. If and when i teach an intro class, I imagine i'll use this book.

[Noems · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book for my philosophy classes and I thought it was really well written. It is easy to understand.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was pretty easy to comprehend, but I only read it because it was necessary for my degree plan :P if I didn't have to, I wouldn't have read it. But overall, pretty clear and concise.

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this for a class over a decade ago, but it is excellent and I still go back to it from time to time.

[Katharine Belcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written textbook for my class.

[Elvedin-ef.babic]

you can learn that you have no idea what learning is!

[Blerta Massie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book