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Philosophy: The Power of Ideas, Brief
This brief, inexpensive paperback version of the second edition of Moore and Bruder' s popular introductory text provides a unique topical/historical overview of each major subfield of philosophy.
- GenresPhilosophyScience
Paperback
Published January 13, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 18, 2015
One reviewer called this “the Cadillac” of Intro- Philosophy textbooks while another, an instructor, (?), found its organization frustrating.
I am in agreement with the first reviewer.
This is the “brief edition;” and frankly, after perusing the “full” edition, I undoubtedly will purchase, read, and enjoy the “full” edition.
Regarding the aforementioned second reviewer’s criticism, there are valid points; and, I have a few of my own, (Minor: the omission of Merleau-Ponty, scant reference to C.S. Peirce, additions and a few clarifications within the glossary definitions, placement of the “Eastern Philosophy” section, [though problematic regardless of placement]; Major: only a mention of the effect of Plotinus without information regarding Plotinus’ thought).
Although this all may seem substantial, these critiques really become quite minor given the overall breadth of this text.
Simply, this text is wonderful. It presents the major areas of inquiry, maintains a consistency of presentation throughout, and is carefully written.
While this book cannot provide the in-depth investigation of the philosophers’ works themselves, (and that clearly is not its purpose), it does provide a solid, if sometimes quick, view to individual treatises, schools, movements, etc. all the while reminding the reader of the larger context and/or philosophical questions / issues.
For example, the short section on Critical Theory provided for me, (finally!), the vantage point from which these investigations began. This became invaluable. And “yes,” I previously essayed to discover this independently with mixed results. And “yes,” an instructor within this discipline was incredibly unclear. And “yes,” I was not alone in this.
This text is great for both the person engaged in the field(s) and for the person just introduced to the discipline formally—providing a handy reference for the former and a “touchstone” foundation for the latter.
A great book. And, I cannot wait to get my hands on the “full” edition.
I am in agreement with the first reviewer.
This is the “brief edition;” and frankly, after perusing the “full” edition, I undoubtedly will purchase, read, and enjoy the “full” edition.
Regarding the aforementioned second reviewer’s criticism, there are valid points; and, I have a few of my own, (Minor: the omission of Merleau-Ponty, scant reference to C.S. Peirce, additions and a few clarifications within the glossary definitions, placement of the “Eastern Philosophy” section, [though problematic regardless of placement]; Major: only a mention of the effect of Plotinus without information regarding Plotinus’ thought).
Although this all may seem substantial, these critiques really become quite minor given the overall breadth of this text.
Simply, this text is wonderful. It presents the major areas of inquiry, maintains a consistency of presentation throughout, and is carefully written.
While this book cannot provide the in-depth investigation of the philosophers’ works themselves, (and that clearly is not its purpose), it does provide a solid, if sometimes quick, view to individual treatises, schools, movements, etc. all the while reminding the reader of the larger context and/or philosophical questions / issues.
For example, the short section on Critical Theory provided for me, (finally!), the vantage point from which these investigations began. This became invaluable. And “yes,” I previously essayed to discover this independently with mixed results. And “yes,” an instructor within this discipline was incredibly unclear. And “yes,” I was not alone in this.
This text is great for both the person engaged in the field(s) and for the person just introduced to the discipline formally—providing a handy reference for the former and a “touchstone” foundation for the latter.
A great book. And, I cannot wait to get my hands on the “full” edition.
January 13, 2014
A good solid introduction to philosophy. Some of the ideas and explanations were fairly easy to understand, whilst others, not so much. Dozens of intellects like Socrates , Plato , Nietzsche , Camus etc all in one book. Their ideas (One may dis/agree) accentuates their deep intellect. Some parts of this book I'm still unclear on , will be reading more on them. And this books made me realize that maybe 'I am not a philosopher material' and should stick to programming and Accounts.
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