World Philosophies: A Historical Introduction

by David E. Cooper

This popular text has now been revised to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of the growing number of people interested in all the main philosophical traditions of the world.

Genres: Philosophy, Reference

592 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 1995

Reviews

[Steven R. Kraaijeveld · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction to philosophy in different parts of the world through the ages. Although it does not go into depth as much as, for instance, "A Companion to World Philosophies", it more than makes up for it by being highly readable.

There is a basic leitmotif that permeates Cooper's exposition of the various philosophies, and that is the attempt to relieve the tension that is created by the uniqueness of the human condition - the ability to self-reflect - which is at the same time located within the totality of nature.

The book, basically, addresses how different philosophers, at different times, have attempted to reconcile this tension.

A must-read if you're interested in philosophy in China, Japan, India, the Jewish/Islamic tradition, and the middle ages.

[Liam Peacock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life-saver during uni innit

[Caro · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a required text for my Philosophy 101 class. It was unnecessarily convoluted and only served to confuse the material.