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  • The History of Philosophy

  • Written by: A. C. Grayling
  • Narrated by: Neil Gardner
  • Length: 28 hrs and 6 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (8 ratings)

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The History of Philosophy

Written by: A. C. Grayling
Narrated by: Neil Gardner
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Publisher's Summary

“A witty, learned, authoritative survey of philosophical thought.” (The New York Times Book Review)

The first authoritative and accessible single-volume history of philosophy to cover both Western and Eastern traditions, from one of the world’s most eminent thinkers

The story of philosophy is an epic tale, spanning civilizations and continents. It explores some of the most creative minds in history. But not since the long-popular classic by Bertrand Russell, A History of Western Philosophy, published in 1945, has there been a comprehensive and entertaining single-volume history of this great, intellectual, world-shaping journey.

With characteristic clarity and elegance, A. C. Grayling takes the listener from the age of the Buddha, Confucius, and Socrates through Christianity’s capture of the European mind, from the Renaissance and Enlightenment on to Mill, Nietzsche, Sartre and, finally, philosophy today. Surveying in tandem the great philosophical traditions of India, China, and the Persian-Arabic world, and astonishing in its range and accessibility, Grayling’s The History of Philosophy is destined to be a landmark work.

©2019 A. C. Grayling (P)2019 Penguin Audio

What the critics say

"Grayling presents an impressive, comprehensive catalogue of great thought and thinkers in this sweeping survey [....] Perhaps Grayling’s greatest strength lies in his ability to categorize, contrast, and clarify complex ideas, such as Plato’s theory of forms and Kant’s categorical imperative. Elegant, clear, and precise [...] Grayling’s superb work is an indispensable resource for any “serious student of ideas.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

"Grayling offers a remarkably comprehensive history of philosophy from ancient Greece to the present. He covers not only Western philosophy but Indian, Chinese, Arabic-Persian, and African philosophy as well, and his skill as an expositor is apparent.... This work will interest readers of philosophy and intellectual history. It aims at general audiences, but scholars will also find it valuable." (Library Journal, starred review)

“A magnificent recapping of the history of philosophy, as it stands apart from theology, in the classic model of Bertrand Russell, as ‘an invitation and an entrance’.... [I]t is a delight to engage in this sweeping history of the great thinkers throughout the ages, from pre-Socratics to the present.... Grayling's accessible omnibus will provide a stepping stone for the student or novice.” (Kirkus Reviews)

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  • 2021-06-12

Even-handed Treatment of the History of Philosophy

I cannot express how much I enjoyed this book. I am not an academic, but I have read a fair bit of philosophy as an amateur dabbler. To the limited extent of my knowledge, Grayling treats every philosopher fairly and tries to bring out the best in his or her thought. To see someone treat both Analytic and Continental philosophy so even-handedly is a pleasure.

The book was read expertly with an apparent awareness of the meaning of the text.

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