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

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.

Approachable depth

The first thing I'll say about this classic is that it is a great read for any person who is interested in western philosophy, and western history in general. Bertrand Russell is such a phenomenal writer, that he makes a lot of complex philosophies very approachable for people just dipping their toes in it. I have this book in paperback, on kindle, and on Audible. That's how big of a fan I am of it. Jonathan Keeble narrating it is a match made in heaven. Keeble gives Russell a deep, dynamic, commanding voice. From all the footage I have seen of Russell in real life, he had a high very pitched voice that just doesn't live up to this material. After going through this book multiple times, I will list my pros and cons, because even I can admit that it ain't perfect.

PROS: Russell's brilliant writing makes a lot of complex ideas, and obscure times in history easy to digest. Russell goes over all major philosophical schools of thought, and most major philosophers in western canon up to analytical philosophy (of which he was most associated with himself). He goes over other major movements of thought such as the rise of theology and modern science. He tells the history of philosophy almost like a story or giant novel. Jonathan Keeble's amazing performance makes it even easier to listen to (I sometimes listen to it as I fall asleep haha).

CONS: It has bias; you have to take this book with a grain of salt whether you are on the same page ideologically or not with Russell. He spends way too much times on some subjects that I don't believe deserve it. Russell is known for his aversion of the church and Christianity in general, yet he spends 190 pages on Catholic philosophy. The first few times I read it, I skipped the entire section. Since then I have gone back and read it once, and enjoy some of the more notable characters such as Constantine and Thomas Aquinas. On the opposite end of the spectrum, he spends way too much time on modern science. I care about science's impact on philosophy, but don't care that much. Like the Catholic philosophy section, he could've summarized it much quicker. My final con* is that he completely ignores the philosophical boom the East was having during about 500 B.C.E through our dark ages. He briefly mentions it at the end of Catholic philosophy, that the East was experiencing a boom in philosophy and religion during our dark ages.
*I understand the book's title itself says Western philosophy.

A good purchase

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

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.

Great book, awesome voice, should be read

It's a great work by a great writer, with a fantastic narrator. That being said, the audiobook format is not the best way to take it in. Philosophical ideas need pauses and rereading of difficult phrases, which works better when reading.

incredibly detailed almost to a fault.

This book is pretty dry and long but so comprehensive of all philosophy. very informative

very interesting book, but no for everyone

this is a panoramic view of philosophy over the ages from the prespectiv of mid 20th century.
I wouldn't say this is a must to read book. though it is important for those who are interested in the subject

Exceptional textbook that laid a solid foundation.

Loved it. Narrator was top tier. Thourough explanations with a focus towards the politics of philosophy. A great starting point for anyone interested in philosophy.