A History of Western Philosophy

By: Bertrand Russell

Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble

Length: 38 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Un brochazo general, casi biográfico

Una mirada general, útil para saber en qué ideas filosóficas filosóficas hacer ‘doble click’. En algunos casos demasiado general, se termina convirtiendo en la historia de los filósofos (biográfico), no de la filosofía

Helps strip you off most philosophies

A good book that makes it certain that only 1 western philosophical tradition can actually be helpful for your life.

Phenomenal

I have read quite a few books of introduction to philosophy over the years, and in comparison to Russell’s “A History of Western Philosophy,” I must confess that I haven’t seen it’s match. Its range, breadth and depth of analysis as well as level of objectivity left me wishing I had summoned the discipline to read the book version all these 20+ years that I have had it on my shelf. Perhaps my outlook on life and my understanding and interpretation of some of the biggest names in philosophy would have been the better for it. My consolation is that it’s never too late to learn.

Excellent

Took me around five years to listen to this book. I loved it each time.

BEE IN HIS BONNET

What made the experience of listening to A History of Western Philosophy the most enjoyable?

PROBABLY RUSSELL'S BIASED INTERPRETATIONS -- I CHUCKLED.

Who was your favorite character and why?

THE AUTHOR. HE IS COMICALLY PARTISAN AND SO SURE OF HIMSELF.

What about Jonathan Keeble’s performance did you like?

INTELLIGENT

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

EVERYTHING ABOUT PLATO AND ARISTOTLE IS DISTORTED ENOUGH TO MAKE ME CROSS.

Any additional comments?

DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU ARE NEW TO PHILOSOPHY AND WANT AN OVERVIEW. IT IS JUST TOO BIASED. IT IS INTERESTING IF YOU ARE ABLE TO EVALUATE THE SYNOPSES BASED ON YOUR READINGS OF ORIGINAL SOURCES.

An excellent book, brilliantly narrated!

Other than his one-dimensional and unfair assessment of Nietzche, which was no doubt a product of the propaganda of the time in which this book was written, Russell delivers a beautiful and highly entertaining portrait of Western thought. This book does far more than simply expound the thoughts of philosophers; it teaches philosophy in a manner that only a genuine philosopher could. In that regard I found it far more compelling than any course or lecture series. The 38 hours of listening time flew by and I was sad when it ended.

Entertaining, humorous, opinionated masterpiece

I've read one other history of western philosophy, and although that one was certainly more philosophically thorough, Russell's is far more entertaining. Russell finds all the marvelous details that humanize dead thinkers. His purpose is NOT to tell a dry, sober, unbiased story. He tells this story with several measures of humor and opinion. One of the things I love about this book is just how opinionated it is. Russell isn't afraid to criticize even the so-called greats. He treats Plato no differently than he would "any modern advocate of totalitarianism"; he mocks Aristotle's ideal of "the magnanimous man" mercilessly; he mocks Hegel's impenetrability and Bergson's poetry; and he has no intention of hiding his utter contempt and loathing for Nietzsche. You may say that this open display of opinion is inappropriate for an historian. The other history of philosophy I read often tried to hide the author's opinions behind dry discussion—which struck me as slightly dishonest, as well as dull.

I can think of a few places where Russell's information is incorrect. Once or twice it's merely outdated (he was writing during WWII). Some of his interpretations may be inaccurate—or at least, one might disagree with any one of them. But I support Russell's right to give his opinions and his interpretations. If nothing else, he is always entertaining, even when he might be wrong.

Jonathan Keeble is the ideal narrator of this book. He reads so naturally, with such sensitivity to and understanding of the text, it's almost as if he IS Bertrand Russell.

Must read for anyone interested in Philosophy

Wonderful book and narrator. It is a tad dense at times, but the quality and explanation of the material is phenomenal. I highly recommend this to anyone looking to learn more about philosophy. I do recommend that this not be the first book about philosophy you choose, as it helps to have a base with all the various names and ideas presented here.

must read and reread

i thoroughly enjoyed this book and learned much that i didn't know. i will reread.

A Magnum Opus of Magnum Opus’s

Bertrand Russell is one of the most prolific thinkers and writers of philosophy and mathematics, and he lends the breadth of his knowledge and experience to examine the origins and evolution of human thought, morality, and self-definition. The book and audiobook are everything you could hope for. It is quite and investment of time but it is well worth it, I assure you. The narration is well done, and I would listen to him again.