Philosophy in 50 Milestone Moments: A Timeline of Philosophical Landmarks

by Dan Smith

This is not an average text book--it is a lively, accessible, and thought-provoking introduction to philosophy, its history, and its practitioners.

Philosophy in 50 Milestone Moments is a comprehensive guide to philosophy from around the world and through the ages. It makes a great work reference, and is a stimulating read as you enjoy concise and straightforward explanations of specific terms and concepts.

What makes the book unique, however, is that it is based around a timeline of landmark events. By using a chronological approach, the reader is gently guided from one subject to another while tracking the historical evolution of the discipline. If philosophy is all Greek to you, then this book will make you think again. 

Genres: Philosophy

188 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 6, 2017

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Ken Rideout · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really was amazed at how much I have enjoyed dipping into this book over the past several years. A gimmicky concept and an idiosyncratic tour through the years of philosophy to be sure, but I found myself reflecting numerous times - "Oh yeah - that's why I liked person X so much in college" or "Oh, I definitely need to go back and read more about XYZ". The fact that there are holes and odd choices, just made me like it all the more for it is clearly not the work of a committee of historians or philosophers but one person's take on it. The bite size independent chunks for each milestone (usually people but sometimes an event or a movement) made for easily accessible 5 minute reads months apart which is how I wound up reading the book.

[Cyberpunkkitten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking for a brief introduction to Philosophy, and this book fulfilled that purpose beautifully! It highlights many documents of significance through much of our written history, without becoming to obtuse for the layman reader. I will likely reread this book as some of the concepts are challenging to grasp, but overall it was an enjoyable and educational read. I particularly liked the timeline at the top of each page which helped me to understand the historical context and significance of each individual to particular time periods.

[Ridallah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have ordered this book because I have enjoyed before some books published by Quarto publishing.
This book is a great light introduction to philosophy that gives a taste about the richness of philosophers ideas, how everyone of them viewed the world differently and how it evolved through the ages. I find the book however quite biased towards the western philosophers. Still, this is a very enjoyable and stimulating read

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic.
Interesting, clear, concise, well-written descriptions of major philosophers and philosophies from the past few millennia, told in a chronological timeline that shows how major historical events affected philosophy and vice versa.
This book is EXACTLY what I wanted, and it works perfectly to dip in and out of over a few months, reading about a philosopher or two at a time.
I love it.

[Derek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introductory book and most succinct summary of the timeline and major players of philosophy throughout history. It is a pretty enjoyable read and I (admittedly a novice here) learned a great deal.

[Brandon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction to philosophy and great bibliography and resource for my next philosophical adventures.

[Michal Krol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the style of the book. Gives ideas as to what to read next. Need to remember to try and also read/consider the opposing views. Will probably buy this