A History of Western Philosophy

By: Bertrand Russell

Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble

Bertrand Russell's A History of Western Philosophy serves as the perfect introduction to its subject; it remains unchallenged as the greatest account of the history of Western thought. Charting philosophy's course from the pre-Socratics up to the early twentieth century, Russell relates each philosopher and school to their respective historical and cultural contexts, providing erudite commentary throughout his invaluable survey. This engaging and comprehensive work has done much to educate and inform generations of general readers; it is written in accessible and elegantly crafted prose and allows for an easy grasp of complex ideas.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©1945 Bertrand Russell (P)2013 Naxos AudioBooks

advice to non-philosophers

This book is as straight forward a read as any book could be on the complex subject of philosophy but that is not to say it is an easy read in general. Philosophy is hard and its authors easy to misinterpret. I recommend to anyone listening to this book, if you don't have a background in philosophy, use Russel as a guide but do supplementary reading of the thinkers he discusses. Without prior education you will most likely walk away from the book falsely thinking you understand these philosophers, underestimating their contributions, and having an ill conceived prejudice against them.

The title of the book is misleading. What makes this book tower above others is its ability to identify what the defining moments of philosophy were, how they define our times, and its lucid criticism of these ideas. Both in how wrong such ideas were and how some lead to destructive irrational political movements. Many books teach philosophy in the spirit of impartiality while giving no commentary. This book is not impartial.

Russel does a good job of inoculating the reader from the seductive arguments of the past and for that even a beginner should start here despite the need for extra strict. If you're just getting started with philosophy and you have the conviction to do supplementary study along with the book. This book will radically change how you think and see the world.

Entertaining history of western philosophers

Good gloss of the field. Insightful history.
It is heavily influenced by being a 1945 book, where Hitler is a recurring theme (the inheritor of an ugly thread in totalitarian thought).

Mostly a good reading by the narrator, but no educated person should ever pronounce "ec cetera." Surprising how often that occurred in the text. Jarring.

Excellent

Remarkably insightful and still well worth Reading. The boom relates philosophical position to the time and circumstances. It gives philosophy an unavoidable place next to science.

Highly recommended

An excellent presentation. The history of philosophy presented with style and dry humor. Russel does not hide his personal biases, but rather embraces them and is quite open about them. I highly recommend the book.

A good purchase

well done and well Read. definetly worth the money. not just a quick read. happy that I chose this.