We are currently making improvements to the Audible site. In an effort to enhance the accessibility experience for our customers, we have created a page to more easily navigate the new experience, available at the web address www.audible.com/access.
Nonfiction > Philosophy

Philosophy

Your Likes make Audible better!

'Likes' are shared on Facebook and Audible.com. We use your 'likes' to improve Audible.com for all our listeners.

You can turn off Audible.com sharing from your Account Details page.

OK

criticaltom
criticaltom USA Member Since 2008

criticaltom

HELPFUL VOTES
22
ratings
REVIEWS
62
2
FOLLOWERS
FOLLOWING
1
0
  • The Modern Scholar: The Philosophy of Thomas Aquinas

    "Just what an introduction to Aquina..."

    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Simply put, an introduction to any philosopher should give the reader/listener a good foundation for further exploration. Kreeft does this admirably. After listening I felt like I had a great foundation for reading Thomas, and because of Kreeft's presentation, I wanted to do so.

    I also appreciate the fact that Kreeft does not hide his loyalties behind a veneer of academic objectivity. Who else to present Thomism than a Catholic professor of philosophy? Who else to explain Thomas than someone who shares the same convictions?

    Best of all, Kreeft's presentation leaves us with some very thought provoking comparisons of Scholasticism/Thomism with modern (e.g., Descartes) and post-modern (a la Foucault) philosophy.

    In a word: masterful.

    More

    The Modern Scholar: The Philosophy of Thomas Aquinas

    • UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 35 mins)
    • By Peter Kreeft
    Overall
    (120)
    Performance
    (55)
    Story
    (55)

    An enthusiastic admirer of the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas, professor and philosopher Peter Kreeft details the rational thought and precise literary talent that established Aquinas as the foremost thinker of his time - and as the most important philosopher for the almost 200 years between Aristotle and Descartes.

    criticaltom says: "Just what an introduction to Aquinas should be."
  • The Platonic Tradition

    "intellectual dynamite"

    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    There are great philosophers and then there are great teachers of philosophy. Kreeft is the latter. He is a great teacher, and this is a prime example of it. He makes a very compelling case for the Platonic Tradition and it's centrality, not just as a given of Western culture, but as THE correct approach to truth. Kreeft, taking up Whitehead's oft-quoted aphorism about all Western philosophy being a footnote to Plato, demonstrates why this is so. He demonstrates how most of the rest of ancient and medieval philosophy has been an attempt to add to and/or incorporate Plato into a larger milieu. He also demonstrates how all modern philosophy, beginning with Occam (pre-Descartes even) until today consists of various attempts to subtract from Plato with disastrous results. I found it so utterly convincing that, once I had finished, I restarted it. To me it was that good.

    If you decide you cannot agree with Kreeft's view point, you would still benefit greatly from arguing with his case.

    The one downside is that Recorded books has not provided a guidebook and their website does not even have the course listed, which means no final exam. That's sad.

    More

    The Platonic Tradition

    • ORIGINAL (5 hrs and 4 mins)
    • By Peter Kreeft
    • Narrated By Peter Kreeft
    Overall
    (20)
    Performance
    (17)
    Story
    (17)

    This engaging course of lectures begins by providing a detailed and accurate overview of Plato's philosophy and it's central idea - the idea of a transcendent reality that has popularly become known as the theory of the Forms. Professor Kreeft then takes us on a concise journey through Western Philosophical history to show how that central idea - the theory of forms - has either been built upon or reacted to by philosophers ever since.

    criticaltom says: "intellectual dynamite"
  1. The Modern Scholar: The P...
  2. The Platonic Tradition
    3. .

A Peek at Benjamin's Bookshelf

Helpful
Votes
14
 
Benjamin
2 REVIEWS / 10 ratings 0 Followers / Following 0
 
Benjamin's greatest hits:
  • THINK Critically
    THINK Critically

    "Counting electric sheep"

    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    A robotic reader can ruin an otherwise interesting work. It caused a dull ache between my eyes just to concentrate on the narrator's voice, and after seven grueling minutes, I was tempted to accuse Mina Sands of impersonating a human being. I am fairly certain that a computerized voice program of some kind was used. As it is, please be more discerning than I was and take a few minutes to listen to the audio sample that audible offers above. With a little patience, you'll begin to feel my pain but hopefully avoid paying anything to do so.

  • The God Delusion
    The God Delusion

    "Armchair Philosophers and Science Fiction"

    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Typically, it would be humorous to propose scientific evidence from a work of science fiction. In the same way, quoting Wikipedia in an academic paper produces a comedic effect, and to encounter a complicated philosophical issue with a piece of armchair philosophy is silly. However, this sort of thing is sometimes submitted with grave sincerity, and then it becomes something worse than an innocent jest. It turns into something of an insult to the intelligent men and women who do serious work in the field.

    Richard Dawkins is undoubtedly an intelligent man, and like most intelligent people, it is equally clear that he holds his opinions on whatever subject to which he devotes his attentions to be rather important and insightful. He's a man who doesn't idly waste his own time. Unfortunately, professional philosophers have seen his work and some of them have even tried to correct him, saying with a unanimous conviction that "Dawkins in The God Delusion would fail any introductory philosophy or religion course." It really is quite bad. For instance, he makes strident declarations (twice, I believe) that lead to epistemological skepticism, but perhaps we've misunderstood his intentions.

    It is questionable how seriously he expected anyone to treat this work. It is not written in his usual style, the first-person frame of reference gives away the fact that he is not speaking as a professional, but simply as someone with an opinion, like any of his readers. The book is not organized into an obvious progression but addresses a variety of topics of broadly varying quality and importance. He skips over rather controversial material without a word, neglects to define his terms, doesn't seem overly interested in engaging the arguments of those who intelligently disagree (I'm not even sure he believes they exist), and generally writes as though he is addressing those who already share his position. It seems that Dawkins intended the book simply to provide an outlet for expressing a collection of thoughts that he felt his more avid readers would enjoy perusing. In that case, unfortunately it acts merely as an artifact of belief perseverance for both sides.

German
German Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 12-04-10 Member Since 2009
HELPFUL VOTES
25
ratings
REVIEWS
25
4
FOLLOWERS
FOLLOWING
1
0
  • The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius

    "Practical Philosophy"

    15 of 15 helpful votes

    The Meditations are a personal notebook, written by Marcus to himself and for his own use. This is an incredibly powerful book.

    "In this flowing stream then, on which there is no abiding, what is there of the things which hurry by on which a man would set a high price? It would be just as if a man should fall in love with one of the sparrows which fly by, but it has already passed out of sight." [Meditations 6:15]

    Some may find this recording “monotone and lifeless”. But, remember: Marcus Aurelius had a manly stoic character. He was not a tragic hero.

    “Everything which happens either happens in such wise as thou art formed by nature to bear it, or as thou art not formed by nature to bear it. If, then, it happens to thee in such way as thou art formed by nature to bear it, do not complain, but bear it as thou art formed by nature to bear it. But if it happens in such wise as thou art not formed by nature to bear it, do not complain, for it will perish after it has consumed thee.” [Meditations 10:3]

    Walter Covell’s interpretation provides a fascinating picture of a would-be Stoic sage at work on himself. In some parts, his intonation is just perfect. If you heard it multiple times, you will start noticing it. Listen to the book IV for instance. There is no way to improve it.

    “From Rusticus I received the impression that my character required improvement and discipline and from him I learned (…) to read carefully, and not to be satisfied with a superficial understanding of a book” [Meditations 1:7]

    If you are looking for an introduction to stoicism, here are some suggestions: listen to the Epictetus’ Enchiridion at librivox dot org and search for “James Stockdale”.

    Further Reading: The Fourth Book of the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus at archive dot org -- a commentary by H. Crossley.

    More

    The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius

    • UNABRIDGED (5 hrs)
    • By Marcus Aurelius
    • Narrated By Walter Covell
    Overall
    (85)
    Performance
    (24)
    Story
    (24)

    Marcus Aurelius was Roman Emperor from 161 C.E. to his death in 180 C.E. He was destined to be a leader, havin being born into a prominent family - one related by blood and marriage to rulers and bankers. During his era, Romans who inherited power and vast fortunes were expected to set an example.

    German says: "Practical Philosophy"

What's Trending in Philosophy:

Customer Favorites

(More  Customer Favorites)
  • 4.3 (3595 ratings)
    The God Delusion
    Play The God Delusion
    Audiobook
    The God Delusion
    UNABRIDGED
    • Richard Dawkins

    The God Delusion

    • UNABRIDGED (13 hrs and 52 mins)
    • By Richard Dawkins
    • Narrated By Richard Dawkins, Lalla Ward
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (3595)
    Performance
    (1052)
    Story
    (1035)

    Discover magazine recently called Richard Dawkins "Darwin's Rottweiler" for his fierce and effective defense of evolution. Prospect magazine voted him among the top three public intellectuals in the world (along with Umberto Eco and Noam Chomsky). Now Dawkins turns his considerable intellect on religion, denouncing its faulty logic and the suffering it causes.

    Rick Just says: "Dangerous Religion"
  • 4.4 (1520 ratings)
    Man's Search for Meaning
    Play Man's Search for Meaning
    Audiobook
    Man's Search for Meaning
    UNABRIDGED
    • Viktor E. Frankl

    Man's Search for Meaning

    • UNABRIDGED (4 hrs and 47 mins)
    • By Viktor E. Frankl
    • Narrated By Simon Vance
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (1520)
    Performance
    (545)
    Story
    (558)

    Internationally renowned psychiatrist, Viktor E. Frankl, endured years of unspeakable horror in Nazi death camps. During, and partly because of his suffering, Dr. Frankl developed a revolutionary approach to psychotherapy known as logotherapy. At the core of his theory is the belief that man's primary motivational force is his search for meaning.

    Ann Marie says: "I will isten again and again"
  • 4.3 (616 ratings)
    The Moral Landscape: How Science Can Determine Human Values
    Play The Moral Landscape: How Science Can Determine Human Values
    Audiobook
    The Moral Landscape: How Science Can Determine Human Values
    UNABRIDGED
    • Sam Harris

    The Moral Landscape: How Science Can Determine Human Values

    • UNABRIDGED (6 hrs and 49 mins)
    • By Sam Harris
    • Narrated By Sam Harris
    Overall
    (616)
    Performance
    (283)
    Story
    (277)

    In this explosive new book, Sam Harris tears down the wall between scientific facts and human values, arguing that most people are simply mistaken about the relationship between morality and the rest of human knowledge. Harris urges us to think about morality in terms of human and animal well-being, viewing the experiences of conscious creatures as peaks and valleys on a "moral landscape".

    gerald says: "The book says what many feel, but fear to say"
  • 4.4 (577 ratings)
    The Abolition of Man & The Great Divorce
    Play The Abolition of Man & The Great Divorce
    Audiobook
    The Abolition of Man & The Great Divorce
    UNABRIDGED
    • C.S. Lewis

    The Abolition of Man & The Great Divorce

    • UNABRIDGED (4 hrs and 27 mins)
    • By C.S. Lewis
    • Narrated By Robert Whitfield
    Overall
    (577)
    Performance
    (186)
    Story
    (189)

    Have we been taught to discount the veracity and deeper meaning of our emotional resonance with the world around us? In The Abolition of Man, C.S. Lewis looks at the curriculum of the English "prep school" and begins to wonder if this subliminal teaching has indeed produced a generation who discount such a nature.

    Joseph says: "Two great (but quite different) gems from CSL"
  •  
  • 4.3 (355 ratings)
    The Problem of Pain
    Play The Problem of Pain
    Audiobook
    The Problem of Pain
    UNABRIDGED
    • C. S. Lewis

    The Problem of Pain

    • UNABRIDGED (3 hrs and 58 mins)
    • By C. S. Lewis
    • Narrated By Simon Vance
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (355)
    Performance
    (104)
    Story
    (106)

    For centuries Christians have been tormented by one question above all, "If God is good and all-powerful, why does he allow his creatures to suffer pain?"

    David says: "An Extraordinary Little Book"
  • 4.4 (307 ratings)
    Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal
    Play Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal
    Audiobook
    Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal
    UNABRIDGED
    • Ayn Rand

    Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal

    • UNABRIDGED (14 hrs and 14 mins)
    • By Ayn Rand
    • Narrated By Anna Fields
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (307)
    Performance
    (85)
    Story
    (82)

    The foundations of capitalism are being battered by a flood of altruism, which is the cause of the modern world's collapse. This was the view of Ayn Rand, a view so radically opposed to prevailing attitudes that it constituted a major philosophic revolution. In this series of essays, she presented her stand on the persecution of big business, the causes of war, the default of conservatism, and the evils of altruism.

    steve says: "Must listen"
  • 4.3 (226 ratings)
    Miracles
    Play Miracles
    Audiobook
    Miracles
    UNABRIDGED
    • C. S. Lewis

    Miracles

    • UNABRIDGED (6 hrs and 33 mins)
    • By C. S. Lewis
    • Narrated By Simon Vance
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (226)
    Performance
    (65)
    Story
    (66)

    "The central miracle asserted by Christians is the Incarnation. They say that God became Man. Every other miracle prepares the way for this, or results from this." This is the key statement of Miracles, in which C.S. Lewis shows that a Christian must not only accept but rejoice in miracles as a testimony of the unique personal involvement of God in His creation.

    Philip says: "Christianity for"
  • 4.3 (142 ratings)
    The Modern Scholar: Ethics: A History of Moral Thought
    Play The Modern Scholar: Ethics: A History of Moral Thought
    Lecture
    The Modern Scholar: Ethics: A History of Moral Thought
    UNABRIDGED
    • Peter Kreeft

    The Modern Scholar: Ethics: A History of Moral Thought

    • UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 31 mins)
    • By Peter Kreeft
    • Narrated By Peter Kreeft
    Overall
    (142)
    Performance
    (63)
    Story
    (63)

    This course addresses some of the eternal questions that man has grappled with since the beginning of time. What is good? What is bad? Why is justice important? Why is it better to be good and just than it is to be bad and unjust? Most human beings have the faculty to discern between right and wrong, good and bad behavior, and to make judgments over what is just and what is unjust. But why are ethics important to us?

    John says: "Surprisingly Good"
  •  
  • 4.6 (132 ratings)
    This Is Water: The Original David Foster Wallace Recording
    Play This Is Water: The Original David Foster Wallace Recording
    Speech
    This Is Water: The Original David Foster Wallace Recording
    ORIGINAL
    • David Foster Wallace

    This Is Water: The Original David Foster Wallace Recording

    • ORIGINAL (24 mins)
    • By David Foster Wallace
    Overall
    (132)
    Performance
    (72)
    Story
    (67)

    Only once did David Foster Wallace give a public talk on his views on life, during a commencement address given in 2005 at Kenyon College. This is the audio recording of David Foster Wallace delivering that very address. How does one keep from going through their comfortable, prosperous adult life unconsciously? How do we get ourselves out of the foreground of our thoughts and achieve compassion? The speech captures Wallace's electric intellect as well as his grace in attention to others.

    John Nosal says: "The MVP of my book/audio library"
  • 4.5 (120 ratings)
    The Modern Scholar: The Philosophy of Thomas Aquinas
    Play The Modern Scholar: The Philosophy of Thomas Aquinas
    Lecture
    The Modern Scholar: The Philosophy of Thomas Aquinas
    UNABRIDGED
    • Peter Kreeft

    The Modern Scholar: The Philosophy of Thomas Aquinas

    • UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 35 mins)
    • By Peter Kreeft
    Overall
    (120)
    Performance
    (55)
    Story
    (55)

    An enthusiastic admirer of the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas, professor and philosopher Peter Kreeft details the rational thought and precise literary talent that established Aquinas as the foremost thinker of his time - and as the most important philosopher for the almost 200 years between Aristotle and Descartes.

    criticaltom says: "Just what an introduction to Aquinas should be."
  • 4.4 (105 ratings)
    Meditations
    Play Meditations
    Audiobook
    Meditations
    UNABRIDGED
    • Marcus Aurelius

    Meditations

    • UNABRIDGED (5 hrs and 11 mins)
    • By Marcus Aurelius
    • Narrated By Duncan Steen
    Overall
    (105)
    Performance
    (85)
    Story
    (86)

    One of the most significant books ever written by a head of State, the Meditations are a collection of philosophical thoughts by the Emperor Marcus Aurelius (121 - 180 ce). Covering issues such as duty, forgiveness, brotherhood, strength in adversity and the best way to approach life and death, the Meditations have inspired thinkers, poets and politicians since their first publication more than 500 years ago. Today, the book stands as one of the great guides and companions - a cornerstone of Western thought.

    Guilherme says: "Stoic Wisdom at it's best"
  • 4.5 (103 ratings)
    The Art of Living: The Classical Manual on Virtue, Happiness, and Effectiveness
    Play The Art of Living: The Classical Manual on Virtue, Happiness, and Effectiveness
    Audiobook
    The Art of Living: The Classical Manual on Virtue, Happiness, and Effectiveness
    ABRIDGED
    • Epictetus (translated by Sharon Lebell)

    The Art of Living: The Classical Manual on Virtue, Happiness, and Effectiveness

    • ABRIDGED (1 hr and 30 mins)
    • By Epictetus (translated by Sharon Lebell)
    • Narrated By Richard Bolles
    Overall
    (103)
    Performance
    (25)
    Story
    (23)

    Regina says: "Wonderful advice"

Best Sellers

(More Philosophy Best Sellers) All Philosophy Best Sellers
  • Meditations
    Play Meditations
    Meditations
    UNABRIDGED
    • Marcus Aurelius

    Meditations

    • UNABRIDGED (5 hrs and 11 mins)
    • By Marcus Aurelius
    • Narrated By Duncan Steen
    Overall
    (105)
    Performance
    (85)
    Story
    (86)

    One of the most significant books ever written by a head of State, the Meditations are a collection of philosophical thoughts by the Emperor Marcus Aurelius (121 - 180 ce). Covering issues such as duty, forgiveness, brotherhood, strength in adversity and the best way to approach life and death, the Meditations have inspired thinkers, poets and politicians since their first publication more than 500 years ago. Today, the book stands as one of the great guides and companions - a cornerstone of Western thought.

    Guilherme says: "Stoic Wisdom at it's best"
  • Intuition Pumps and Other Tools for Thinking
    Play Intuition Pumps and Other Tools for Thinking
    Intuition Pumps and Other Tools for Thinking
    UNABRIDGED
    • Daniel C. Dennett

    Intuition Pumps and Other Tools for Thinking

    • UNABRIDGED (13 hrs and 22 mins)
    • By Daniel C. Dennett
    • Narrated By Jeff Crawford
    Overall
    (3)
    Performance
    (2)
    Story
    (2)

    Over a storied career, Daniel C. Dennett has engaged questions about science and the workings of the mind. His answers have combined rigorous argument with strong empirical grounding. And a lot of fun. Intuition Pumps and Other Tools for Thinking offers seventy-seven of Dennett’s most successful “imagination-extenders and focus-holders” meant to guide you through some of life’s most treacherous subject matter: evolution, meaning, mind, and free will.

  • A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose
    Play A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose
    A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose
    UNABRIDGED
    • Eckhart Tolle

    A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 12 mins)
    • By Eckhart Tolle
    • Narrated By Eckhart Tolle
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (2206)
    Performance
    (512)
    Story
    (501)

    Humanity now, perhaps more than in any previous time, has an opportunity to create a new, saner, more loving world. This will involve a radical inner leap from the current egoic consciousness to an entirely new one. In illuminating the nature of this shift in consciousness, Tolle describes in detail how our current ego-based state of consciousness operates. Then gently, and in very practical terms, he leads us into this new consciousness. We will come to experience who we truly are and learn to live and breathe freely.

    James says: "A Realized Being Shares In Person...a rare find."
  • The 48 Laws of Power
    Play The 48 Laws of Power
    The 48 Laws of Power
    ABRIDGED
    • Robert Greene

    The 48 Laws of Power

    • ABRIDGED (9 hrs and 53 mins)
    • By Robert Greene
    • Narrated By Don Leslie
    Overall
    (779)
    Performance
    (354)
    Story
    (354)

    Amoral, cunning, ruthless, and instructive, this piercing work distills 3,000 years of the history of power into 48 well-explicated laws. This bold volume outlines the laws of power in their unvarnished essence, synthesizing the philosophies of Machiavelli, Sun-tzu, Carl von Clausewitz, and other great thinkers.

    John says: "Listen at High Speed"
  •  
  • The Art of War: The Strategy of Sun Tzu
    Play The Art of War: The Strategy of Sun Tzu
    The Art of War: The Strategy of Sun Tzu
    UNABRIDGED
    • Sun Tzu

    The Art of War: The Strategy of Sun Tzu

    • UNABRIDGED (1 hr and 50 mins)
    • By Sun Tzu
    • Narrated By Mike Borris
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (158)
    Performance
    (135)
    Story
    (137)

    This timeless text is required listening for any business person or athlete interested in strategy. It includes a soundtrack entitled "The Mysterious Sound of Wind In the Bamboo", a 43-minute collection of Zen-inspired Japanese music by the Matsu Take Ensemble.

    Kwinsee says: "Surprise change"
  • The Story of Philosophy: The Lives and Opinions of the Greater Philosophers
    Play The Story of Philosophy: The Lives and Opinions of the Greater Philosophers
    The Story of Philosophy: The Lives and Opinions of the Greater Philosophers
    UNABRIDGED
    • Will Durant

    The Story of Philosophy: The Lives and Opinions of the Greater Philosophers

    • UNABRIDGED (19 hrs and 26 mins)
    • By Will Durant
    • Narrated By Grover Gardner
    Overall
    (348)
    Performance
    (241)
    Story
    (228)

    Durant lucidly describes the philosophical systems of such world-famous “monarchs of the mind” as Plato, Aristotle, Francis Bacon, Spinoza, Kant, Voltaire, and Nietzsche. Along with their ideas, he offers their flesh-and-blood biographies, placing their thoughts within their own time and place and elucidating their influence on our modern intellectual heritage. This book is packed with wisdom and wit.

    Arthur says: "Beginners start here! This is the one you want!"
  • Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder
    Play Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder
    Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder
    UNABRIDGED
    • Nassim Nicholas Taleb

    Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder

    • UNABRIDGED (16 hrs and 13 mins)
    • By Nassim Nicholas Taleb
    • Narrated By Joe Ochman
    Overall
    (308)
    Performance
    (261)
    Story
    (262)

    In The Black Swan Taleb outlined a problem, and in Antifragile he offers a definitive solution: how to gain from disorder and chaos while being protected from fragilities and adverse events. For what Taleb calls the "antifragile" is actually beyond the robust, because it benefits from shocks, uncertainty, and stressors, just as human bones get stronger when subjected to stress and tension. The antifragile needs disorder in order to survive and flourish. Taleb stands uncertainty on its head, making it desirable, even necessary, and proposes that things be built in an antifragile manner.

    PHIL says: "Some good ideas, smart guy, not smart as HE thinks"
  • The God Delusion
    Play The God Delusion
    The God Delusion
    UNABRIDGED
    • Richard Dawkins

    The God Delusion

    • UNABRIDGED (13 hrs and 52 mins)
    • By Richard Dawkins
    • Narrated By Richard Dawkins, Lalla Ward
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (3595)
    Performance
    (1052)
    Story
    (1035)

    Discover magazine recently called Richard Dawkins "Darwin's Rottweiler" for his fierce and effective defense of evolution. Prospect magazine voted him among the top three public intellectuals in the world (along with Umberto Eco and Noam Chomsky). Now Dawkins turns his considerable intellect on religion, denouncing its faulty logic and the suffering it causes.

    Rick Just says: "Dangerous Religion"
  •  
  • Man's Search for Meaning
    Play Man's Search for Meaning
    Man's Search for Meaning
    UNABRIDGED
    • Viktor E. Frankl

    Man's Search for Meaning

    • UNABRIDGED (4 hrs and 47 mins)
    • By Viktor E. Frankl
    • Narrated By Simon Vance
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (1520)
    Performance
    (545)
    Story
    (558)

    Internationally renowned psychiatrist, Viktor E. Frankl, endured years of unspeakable horror in Nazi death camps. During, and partly because of his suffering, Dr. Frankl developed a revolutionary approach to psychotherapy known as logotherapy. At the core of his theory is the belief that man's primary motivational force is his search for meaning.

    Ann Marie says: "I will isten again and again"
  • The Abolition of Man & The Great Divorce
    Play The Abolition of Man & The Great Divorce
    The Abolition of Man & The Great Divorce
    UNABRIDGED
    • C.S. Lewis

    The Abolition of Man & The Great Divorce

    • UNABRIDGED (4 hrs and 27 mins)
    • By C.S. Lewis
    • Narrated By Robert Whitfield
    Overall
    (577)
    Performance
    (186)
    Story
    (189)

    Have we been taught to discount the veracity and deeper meaning of our emotional resonance with the world around us? In The Abolition of Man, C.S. Lewis looks at the curriculum of the English "prep school" and begins to wonder if this subliminal teaching has indeed produced a generation who discount such a nature.

    Joseph says: "Two great (but quite different) gems from CSL"
  • This Is Water: The Original David Foster Wallace Recording
    Play This Is Water: The Original David Foster Wallace Recording
    This Is Water: The Original David Foster Wallace Recording
    ORIGINAL
    • David Foster Wallace

    This Is Water: The Original David Foster Wallace Recording

    • ORIGINAL (24 mins)
    • By David Foster Wallace
    Overall
    (132)
    Performance
    (72)
    Story
    (67)

    Only once did David Foster Wallace give a public talk on his views on life, during a commencement address given in 2005 at Kenyon College. This is the audio recording of David Foster Wallace delivering that very address. How does one keep from going through their comfortable, prosperous adult life unconsciously? How do we get ourselves out of the foreground of our thoughts and achieve compassion? The speech captures Wallace's electric intellect as well as his grace in attention to others.

    John Nosal says: "The MVP of my book/audio library"
  • Why Does the World Exist?: An Existential Detective Story
    Play Why Does the World Exist?: An Existential Detective Story
    Why Does the World Exist?: An Existential Detective Story
    UNABRIDGED
    • Jim Holt

    Why Does the World Exist?: An Existential Detective Story

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 47 mins)
    • By Jim Holt
    • Narrated By Steven Menasche
    Overall
    (2)
    Performance
    (2)
    Story
    (2)

    Author Jim Holt explores the greatest metaphysical mystery of all: why is there something rather than nothing? This runaway best seller, which has captured the imagination of critics and the public alike, traces our latest efforts to grasp the origins of the universe. Holt adopts the role of cosmological detective, traveling the globe to interview a host of celebrated scientists, philosophers, and writers.

    Bookman says: "Deep, deep, DEEP listen..."

New Releases

(More Philosophy New Releases) All Philosophy New Releases
  • El Arte de la Guerra [The Art of War] (Spanish Edition)
    Play El Arte de la Guerra [The Art of War] (Spanish Edition)
    El Arte de la Guerra [The Art of War] (Spanish Edition)
    UNABRIDGED
    • Sun Tzu

    El Arte de la Guerra [The Art of War] (Spanish Edition)

    • UNABRIDGED (1 hr and 7 mins)
    • By Sun Tzu
    • Narrated By Caroline Simone, Luis Fernando Hernandez
    Overall
    (0)
    Performance
    (0)
    Story
    (0)

    Esta obra es importante no porque sus reflexiones sean una invitacion a practicar la guerra, sino porque para Sun Tzu la guerra es algo mas que la simple fuerza bruta y la irracionalidad de la destruccion. Se trata del arte de evitar los conflictos; requiere de una sabiduria mayor, pero sobre todo, exige de nuestra parte una gran sensibilidad para detectar cuales son las exigencias que nos demanda la armonia universal. Please Note: This audiobook is in Spanish.

  • Feeding the Mind
    Play Feeding the Mind
    Feeding the Mind
    UNABRIDGED
    • Lewis Carroll

    Feeding the Mind

    • UNABRIDGED (13 mins)
    • By Lewis Carroll
    • Narrated By Nicola Barber
    Overall
    (0)
    Performance
    (0)
    Story
    (0)

    A manuscript of a brief lecture Lewis Carroll once gave, Feeding the Mind discusses the importance of not only feeding one's body, but one's mind, as well. He wittily puts forth connections between the diet of the body and mind, and gives helpful tips on how to best digest knowledge in the brain. Lewis Carroll (1832-1898) was an English author, best known for his works Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. He is prized for his ability to deal with word play, logic, and fantasy.

  • Life and the Universe: Exploring Eternity
    Play Life and the Universe: Exploring Eternity
    Life and the Universe: Exploring Eternity
    UNABRIDGED
    • Walter Parks , John Long

    Life and the Universe: Exploring Eternity

    • UNABRIDGED (4 hrs and 3 mins)
    • By Walter Parks, John Long
    • Narrated By Charles Craig
    Overall
    (0)
    Performance
    (0)
    Story
    (0)

    Just what is life? What do we really know about God? What do we really know about the universe? Is there intelligent life out there? Are we likely to encounter aliens in our lifetime? Is there more than one universe? Will parallel universes soon be proven beyond a shadow of a doubt? These are just some of the questions that two friend have been asking since we were in grammar school together over 70 years ago.

  • Integral Philosophy and Evolution
    Play Integral Philosophy and Evolution
    Integral Philosophy and Evolution
    ORIGINAL
    • Steve McIntosh

    Integral Philosophy and Evolution

    • ORIGINAL (54 mins)
    • By Steve McIntosh
    • Narrated By Glen Sebera
    Overall
    (0)
    Performance
    (0)
    Story
    (0)

    In this interview, integral philosopher Steve McIntosh says the way to approach truth is threefold: science, philosophy, and spirituality. He explores the purpose of evolution, including the evolutionary impulse in humans and how cultural evolution changes and progresses. He addresses the significant worldviews that have emerged in history and what is emerging now, and that while cultural progress makes the world a better place, it also brings problems.

  •  
  • Crossing the Murky Moral Terrain of Ethics
    Play Crossing the Murky Moral Terrain of Ethics
    Crossing the Murky Moral Terrain of Ethics
    ORIGINAL
    • Mark Matousek

    Crossing the Murky Moral Terrain of Ethics

    • ORIGINAL (54 mins)
    • By Mark Matousek
    • Narrated By Justine Willis Toms
    Overall
    (0)
    Performance
    (0)
    Story
    (0)

    Are there universal human ethics? Mark Matousek discusses his research on the subject of ethical wisdom through interviews with social scientists, spiritual leaders, ex-cons, altruists and philosophers. He describes the five innate moral and ethical categories he finds to be hardwired into humans, and how our emotional impulses effect our ethical behavior.

  • Creating the New Dream and the Future of the Earth
    Play Creating the New Dream and the Future of the Earth
    Creating the New Dream and the Future of the Earth
    ORIGINAL
    • Elisabet Sahtouris

    Creating the New Dream and the Future of the Earth

    • ORIGINAL (55 mins)
    • By Elisabet Sahtouris
    • Narrated By Justine Willis Toms
    Overall
    (0)
    Performance
    (0)
    Story
    (0)

    Despite many crises in the world today, biologist Elisabet Sahtouris is optimistic about the future, and points to biology and the model of evolution moving toward cooperation and co-creation. In this interview, she describes the cyclical maturation process in nature, including why diversity is an imperative in nature and in human culture. She explains why it is important to know the basic assumptions as represented by different scientists from a variety of cultures, and the difference between the new consciousness science and materialist science.

  • The Power of the Grimm Brothers’ Collection of Folktales
    Play The Power of the Grimm Brothers’ Collection of Folktales
    The Power of the Grimm Brothers’ Collection of Folktales
    ORIGINAL
    • Allan G. Hunter

    The Power of the Grimm Brothers’ Collection of Folktales

    • ORIGINAL (54 mins)
    • By Allan G. Hunter
    • Narrated By Justine Willis Toms
    Overall
    (0)
    Performance
    (0)
    Story
    (0)

    In this interview, Allan Hunter demonstrates that, while the collection of folktales by the Grimm brothers deal with some very murky human passions, they also hold the possibility of a productive way of being - on the other side of difficulty. He explores what magic represents in German folktales, and why Grimm’s tales are often disturbing. In discussing the "unDisneyfied" stories of Cinderella, the Frog Prince, and others, Allan identifies empowerment and healing themes, relevant to the community and society, both then and now.

  • The Wisdom of Oscar Wilde
    Play The Wisdom of Oscar Wilde
    The Wisdom of Oscar Wilde
    UNABRIDGED
    • The Wisdom Series

    The Wisdom of Oscar Wilde

    • UNABRIDGED (5 hrs and 17 mins)
    • By The Wisdom Series
    • Narrated By Mark Turetsky
    Overall
    (0)
    Performance
    (0)
    Story
    (0)

    One of the most well-known personalities of his day, Oscar Wilde charmed and beguiled readers and audiences with his eloquent and biting observations, his smart quips, and the witticisms peppering his own speech and the speech of his characters. The Wisdom of Oscar Wilde collects both his best-loved quotes and longer excerpts, revealing a man wise to human nature and his times, and never shy with his searing comments on men, women, art, behavior, children, politics, youth, and other topics.

  •  
  • The Art of Freedom: Teaching the Humanities to the Poor
    Play The Art of Freedom: Teaching the Humanities to the Poor
    The Art of Freedom: Teaching the Humanities to the Poor
    UNABRIDGED
    • Earl Shorris

    The Art of Freedom: Teaching the Humanities to the Poor

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 27 mins)
    • By Earl Shorris
    • Narrated By Steve Coulter
    Overall
    (0)
    Performance
    (0)
    Story
    (0)

    Seeking answers to the toughest questions about poverty in the United States, Earl Shorris had looked everywhere. At last, one resounding answer came from a conversation with a woman in a maximum-security prison: the difference between rich and poor is the humanities. Shorris took that idea and started a course at the Clemente Family Guidance Center in New York. With a faculty of friends, he began teaching the great works of literature and philosophy - from Plato to Kant, from Cervantes to Garcia Marquez - at the college level to dropouts, immigrants, and ex-prisoners.

  • Intuition Pumps and Other Tools for Thinking
    Play Intuition Pumps and Other Tools for Thinking
    Intuition Pumps and Other Tools for Thinking
    UNABRIDGED
    • Daniel C. Dennett

    Intuition Pumps and Other Tools for Thinking

    • UNABRIDGED (13 hrs and 22 mins)
    • By Daniel C. Dennett
    • Narrated By Jeff Crawford
    Overall
    (3)
    Performance
    (2)
    Story
    (2)

    Over a storied career, Daniel C. Dennett has engaged questions about science and the workings of the mind. His answers have combined rigorous argument with strong empirical grounding. And a lot of fun. Intuition Pumps and Other Tools for Thinking offers seventy-seven of Dennett’s most successful “imagination-extenders and focus-holders” meant to guide you through some of life’s most treacherous subject matter: evolution, meaning, mind, and free will.

  • One World: The Interaction of Science and Theology
    Play One World: The Interaction of Science and Theology
    One World: The Interaction of Science and Theology
    UNABRIDGED
    • John C. Polkinghorne

    One World: The Interaction of Science and Theology

    • UNABRIDGED (5 hrs and 13 mins)
    • By John C. Polkinghorne
    • Narrated By James Robert Killavey
    Overall
    (2)
    Performance
    (2)
    Story
    (2)

    Both science and religion explore aspects of reality, providing "a basis for their mutual interaction as they present their different perspectives onto the one world of existent reality," Polkinghorne argues. In One World he develops his thesis through an examination of the nature of science, the nature of the physical world, the character of theology, and the modes of thought in science and theology. He identifies "points of interaction" and points of potential conflict between science and religion.

    ROLAND says: "Interesting subject matter, poor narration."
  • A Companion to Hegel
    Play A Companion to Hegel
    A Companion to Hegel
    UNABRIDGED
    • Stephen Houlgate , Michael Baur

    A Companion to Hegel

    • UNABRIDGED (34 hrs and 45 mins)
    • By Stephen Houlgate, Michael Baur
    • Narrated By Noah Michael Levine
    Overall
    (1)
    Performance
    (1)
    Story
    (1)

    G.W.F. Hegel (1770–1831) was one of the most important and sophisticated modern thinkers, but only now are his substantial contributions to metaphysics, epistemology, political philosophy, aesthetics, philosophy of history, and philosophy of religion gaining the recognition they deserve. This companion is the first collection of essays to do justice to the extraordinary richness and diversity of Hegel's philosophy.