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Engaging and compelling on every page, Velasquez?s text is a fascinating exploration of philosophy that helps readers appreciate how the subject is relevant to day-to-day life and our larger social world. This trusted book combines clear prose and primary source readings to take readers on a meaningful exploration of a range of philosophical topics, such as human nature, reality, truth, ethics, the meaning of life, diversity, and social/political philosophy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

From a students perspective
I'm using the book for independent study in an online classroom environment. In my eyes the book is very hard to follow because of the lack of quality visual aides and the long drawn out chapters. Most of visuals are photos or paintings of famous philosophers but the book fails to show us some of the artwork that was inspired by some of these philosophical theories in their respective time periods. The long chapters make it difficult to pause, reflect, and comprehend some of the topics and the glossary needs some attention. Most of the chapters are around 70 pages of long, boring text. I think that this book would fare better as a supplement in a lecture based classroom environment but it makes independent study or online coursework difficult for the student.

Unbalanced but Decent Resource
I found this book to be unbalanced in terms of opposing philosophical viewpoints.The book can also seem directionless and dull at times.However, there are a few chapters, such as Chapter 8, which are VERY comphrehensive and thorough.I'd rate this book as average in terms of a philosophy resource.I'm sure there are better written books on the topic that would be a more convenient and complete source to read through. ... Read more

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Bold=New to this edition

Now greatly expanded in its second edition, Political Philosophy: The Essential Texts is ideal for survey courses in social and political philosophy. Offering coverage from antiquity to the present, this historically organized collection presents the most significant works from nearly 2,500 years of political philosophy. It moves from classical thought (Plato, Aristotle) through the medieval period (Augustine, Aquinas) to modern perspectives (Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Hume, Smith, Hamilton and Madison, Kant). The book includes work from major nineteenth-century thinkers (Hegel, Marx and Engels, Mill) and twentieth-century theorists (Rawls, Nozick, Charles Taylor, Foucault, Habermas, Virginia Held) and also presents a variety of notable documents and addresses, including The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution of the United States, The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and speeches by Pericles, Edmund Burke, Abraham Lincoln, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Martin Luther King, Jr. The readings are substantial or complete texts, not fragments. In addition to the new selections noted above in bold, the second edition also includes more essays from Aristotle, Locke, Hume, Smith, Hamilton and Madison, Kant, and Mill.

An especially valuable feature of this volume is that the works of each author are introduced with an engaging essay by a leading contemporary authority. These introductions include Richard Kraut on Plato and Aristotle; Paul J. Weithman on Augustine and Aquinas; Roger D. Masters on Machiavelli; Jean Hampton on Hobbes; A. John Simmons on Locke; Joshua Cohen on Rousseau and Rawls; Donald W. Livingston on Hume; Charles L. Griswold, Jr., on Smith; Bernard E. Brown on Hamilton and Madison; Paul Guyer on Kant; Steven B. Smith on Hegel; Richard Miller on Marx and Engels; Jeremy Waldron on Mill; Thomas Christiano on Nozick; Robert B. Talisse on Taylor; Thomas A. McCarthy on Foucault and Habermas; and Cheshire Calhoun on Held. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Back to Ancient Times
This is a great book if you enjoy the exact words of our ancient philosophers. It will put you to bed in no time, especially when you are trying to translate their fancy language into modern day english. So it's highly recommended for those who can't turn their mental wheels off at bedtime. Skip the Ambien and buy this book. ... Read more

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The works translated here deal with two major themes in the thinking of St Augustine (354-430): free will and divine grace. On the one hand, free will enables human beings to make their own choices; on the other hand, God's grace is required for these choices to be efficacious. 'On the Free Choice of the Will', 'On Grace and Free Choice', 'On Reprimand and Grace' and 'On the Gift of Perseverance' set out Augustine's theory of human responsibility, and sketch a subtle reconciliation of will and grace. This volume is the first to bring together Augustine's early and later writings on these two themes, in a new translation by Peter King, enabling the reader to see what Augustine regarded as the crowning achievement of his work. The volume also includes a clear and accessible introduction that analyzes Augustine's key philosophical lines of thought. ... Read more

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This two-part sourcebook gives the reader easy access to the language and thought of the Presocratic thinkers, making it possible either to read the texts continuously or to study them one by one along with commentary. It contains the complete fragments and a generous selection of testimonies for twenty major Presocratic thinkers including cosmologists, ontologists, and sophists, setting translations opposite Greek and Latin texts on facing pages to allow easy comparison. The texts are grouped in chapters by author in a mainly chronological order, each preceded by a brief introduction and an up-to-date bibliography, and followed by a brief commentary. Significant variant readings are noted. This edition contains new fragments and testimonies not included in the authoritative but now outdated Fragmente der Vorsokratiker. It is the first and only complete bilingual edition of the works of the Presocratic philosophers for English-speakers. ... Read more

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A new introduction and sourcebook in presocratic philosophy, Philosophy Before Socrates provides a wide survey, informed by the most recent scholarship, of Greek science, metaphysics, and moral and political philosophy, from their roots in myth to the philosophers and sophists of the fifth century. A comprehensive selection of fragments and testimonia, newly translated by the author, is presented in the context of a thorough and accessible discussion. An introductory chapter deals with the sources of presocratic and sophistic texts and the special problems of interpretation they present. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Excellent Introduction
Philosophy Before Socrates by Richard McKirahan overviews pre-Socratic Greek philosophers up to and including the Sophists.

McKirahan's book is crisp and comprehensive providing an accessible scholarly introduction to pre-Socratic thought.Though a survey text , the author rightly highlights the limitations that exist in studying ancient thinkers - a point sometimes overlooked in introductory works. Some readers may also find the cross referencing of documents to other well-known catalogues/indexes such as Diels and Knanz useful.

One small criticism that might be addressed in a subsequent edition is the handling of the so-called "Eleatic challenge" posed by Parmenides.Given that this challenge and its inherent ramifications are especially relevant to many subsequent thinkers it may warrant more clarification, i.e. if one accepts the notion that non-being is logically unthinkable, a plurality of substances and motion seem to be impossible.It is not a clear concept at first glance and, if not clarified, students may be perplexed about its importance.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to readers seeking an introduction to pre-Socratic philosophers - it is the best introduction to the subject that I have come across.Folks interested in this area may also enjoy a related free on-line ancient philosophy course offered by Howard Ruttenberg of City University of New York (just google Ruttenberg).

A tremendous introduction to the material, a great reference source, a page turner!
Here's what you get: An introduction regarding the history and or life stories of each source. 99% of the existing fragments in McKirahan's own translation. A brief but informative explanation from McKirahan's view of each Philosopher. Rinse, lather, repeat, one chapter for each Pre-Socratic.

I must disagree with the opinion that McKirahan's prose explanations of the fragments are somehow lacking or overly terse - I find he strikes just the right balance between offering theory and explanations for the fragments and going too far in pressing his view. Particularly deft is the way he frames the Milesian School, the "Eleatic Challenge," and the responses to the challenge thereafter. A very nice framework for understanding the evolution of the thought through time.

I was spellbound from start to finish. Not only is the source material interesting, engaging, perplexing, inspiring; but the scholarship offered in support of it by McKirahan is balanced, thoughtful, and never overbearing. Because of its logical layout, its brevity, and its clarity, this is the ultimate textbook for any survey of the Pre-Socratics.

Heavy Reading, Great Reference
This book is not one that I would recommend for free reading, unless you have a strange affinity for ancient presocratic philosophy. However, as a reference book, or a book for learning philosophy, the book ranks among the best. I was introduced to this book in my Philosophy course at UCLA, and this book was an excellent learning tool. The author sets out translated fragments from ancient philosophers and writers, like Parmenides, Aristotle, and Plato. Then, McKirahan does an excellent job of analyzing and explaining the fragments. The book is set up well; it is interesting and makes an EXCELLENT reference book.

Phil. Before. Soc : Critique
(1)Excellent organization of importantfragments and texts of the Pre Socratic Philosophy. Very useful indeed.(2)Keep as source book for tight analytical study of arguments. Well segmented and sub-headed. (3)Major convenient ref. book. The only one to have, I guess, in pocketbook. Well documented and quoted. No or little Greek. (Translated when necessary) (4)But author needs to write with more maturity,fluidity ( Really terse prose spoil the mood). Naturally, this can be rectified by reading large doses ofGibbon's Dec. & Fall. (with a good wine vector.) (5)The author must realize that he now has the intelligence to cast a shadow of his own.(6) A delicious book, well worth the expense. However, I recommendsupplimenting his book with a photo copy of the schematic and simplified diagram in W.T Jones's History of Phil. Buy it. Not for absolutebeginners.But this is to a philosophers advantage.

-Opinions are like noses. Everyone has got one. I use this book often, & useful when reading The Republic ( Books 4 & 5 ) ... Read more

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David Hume's Dialogues concerning Natural Religion, first published in 1779, is one of the most influential works in the philosophy of religion and the most artful instance of philosophical dialogue since the dialogues of Plato. It presents a fictional conversation between a sceptic, an orthodox Christian, and a Newtonian theist concerning evidence for the existence of an intelligent cause of nature based on observable features of the world. This new edition presents it together with several of Hume's other, shorter writings about religion, and with brief selections from the work of Pierre Bayle, who influenced both Hume's views on religion and the dialectical style of the Dialogues. The volume is completed by an introduction which sets the Dialogues in its philosophical and historical contexts. ... Read more

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This highly engaging text will not only help you explore and understand philosophy-it will also give you an appreciation of how philosophy is relevant to your day-to-day life as well as the larger social world. Author Manuel Velasquez combines clear prose and primary source readings to take you on a meaningful exploration of a range of philosophical topics, such as human nature, feminist theory, diversity, and aesthetics. Plus, the text's carefully crafted built-in learning aids will help you succeed in your course. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

good Book
I am taking an online course but I like this book. It is unbiased and I like that. It's not the typical boring book, it actually has some interesting scenarios for each chapter.

Good Textbook
I have just finished reading this textbook, it's easy to read, complete, and will give you a good introduction to the vast world of philosophy.

Excellent Intro Book
I'm always a bit skeptical about "Intro to" books as one could typically find basic theories and shallow discourse. However, upon receipt of this book, "Intro to Philosophy", by Manuel Velasquez, I was certainly impressed. After sifting through the book and paying attention to the different aspects, it became clear that this was not just a typical Intro book. Velasquez goes above the norm to find common ground with the theories, thoughts, and ideas of modern and ancient philosophy, as well as with the reader and/or student. Not a step is missed in Velasquez's discourse and conclusions for theories (whether or not one is more correct than the other) is left entirely up to the readers to determine for themselves. With an entirely objective and "Socratic" approach, Velasquez makes this book entirely worth reading and ensures that the road to becoming a philosopher is paved with understanding, honesty and, of course, knowledge. I would highly recommend this book for Philosophy students, the "unprofessional" beginning Philosopher, and Philosophy Instructors alike.

Good introduction to philosophy
This is a good introduction into philosophical ideas. The text is extremely easy to understand if perhaps not in depth. A good textbook to get students to start thinking philosophically. ... Read more

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This new anthology, which integrates explanatory text, primary source readings, and case studies, provides students of any major (philosophy, science, or other) with an accessible and comprehensive introduction to the philosophy of science.

The anthology is organized around a unique “three-pronged” approach: the metaphysical (what), the epistemological (how), and the axiological (why).  The coverage of issues builds coherently and logically: from issues of scientific method to ethical issues, to the most current social and political implications of science — demonstrating how philosophy of science is relevant in a modern day context.  The anthology carefully examines the theoretical apparatus of the philosophy of science and applies it to rich case studies from the history of science.

Customer Reviews (1)

Philosophy of Science
This is an excellent book for anyone who wants to learn about the philosophy of science. It can be used in any discipline that has a connection to philosophy and/ or science. I am using it in a PhD in Nursing program and I have found ita wonderful resource.It is easy to read and well organized. There are some wonderful examples of some of the philosophers' perspectives on various subjects. I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

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Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

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Julien Offray de La Mettrie (1709-51), author of Man a Machine (1747), was the most uncompromising of the materialists of the eighteenth century, and the provocative title of his work ensured it a succès de scandale in his own time. This fully annotated edition presents a new English translation of the text together with the most important of La Mettrie's other philosophical works, translated into English for the first time. Ann Thomson's introduction examines his aims and the scandalous moral consequences which he drew from his materialism. ... Read more

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"Textual reasoning" is the name that a group of contemporary Jewish thinkers has given to its overlapping practices of Jewish philosophy and theology. This volume represents the most public expression to date of the shared work, over a period of twelve years, of this society of "textual reasoners."Although the movement of textual reasoning is diverse and multiform, it is characterized at bottom by the pursuit of the claim that there are significant affinities between Jewish forms of reading and reasoning and postmodern thought. These affinities are presently being pursued by scholars throughout Jewish studies, in fields such as the Bible, Talmud, Midrash, medieval philosophy, Kabbalah, and the Jewish phenomenology of Rosenzweig and Levinas, among others. As the essays in this book amply convey, their work has stimulated a lively and creative reengagement with the philosophical dimensions of Jewish texts and, even more, with the textual dimensions of Jewish reasoning. In large part, this new energy has come from conceiving of the postmodern as a place where some of the most distinctive features of Jewish reasoning can be elucidated as well as challenged.A fine addition to the Radical Traditions series, Textual Reasonings provides a superb review of contemporary Jewish thought.Contributors:Eugene B. BorowitzZachary BraitermanVirginia BurrusAryeh CohenMichael FishbaneDavid F. FordSteven D. FraadeTikva Frymer-KenskyRobert GibbsDavid Weiss HalivniDaniel W. HardyMartin KavkaSteven KepnesNancy LeveneGeorge LindbeckShaul MagidJacob MeskinPeter OchsRandi RashkoverMichael ZankLaurie Zoloth ... Read more

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This classic study of human language was first published in 1836, as a general introduction to Humboldt's treatise on the Kawi language of Java. It is the final statement of his lifelong study of language, exploring its universal structures and its relation to mind and culture. It remains one of the most interesting and important attempts to draw philosophical conclusions from comparative linguistics. This volume presents a modern translation by Peter Heath together with a new introduction by Michael Losonsky that places Humboldt's work in its historical and philosophical context. ... Read more

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Philosophy of education is a study both of the aims of education and the most appropriate means of achieving those aims.  This volume contains substantial selections from those works widely regarded as central to the development of the field. These are the "essential texts" that lay the foundation for further study. The text is historically organized, moving from classical thought (Plato, Aristotle), through the medieval period (Augustine), to modern perspectives (Locke, Rousseau, Wollstonecraft), and twentieth-century thinkers (Whitehead, Dewey).  Each selection is followed by an extended interpretative essay in which a noted authority of our time highlights essential points from the readings and places them in a wider context.

Exhibiting both breadth and depth, this text is ideal as a reader for courses in philosophy of education, foundations of education, and the history of ideas.

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The Birth of Tragedy is one of the seminal philosophical works of the modern period. The theories developed in this relatively short text have had a profound influence on the philosophy, literature, music and politics of the twentieth century. This edition presents a new translation by Ronald Speirs and an introduction by Raymond Geuss that sets the work in its historical and philosophical context.The volume also includes two essays on related topics that Nietzsche wrote during the same period. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Competent translation --incompetent editor (1/2)

This volume includes

The Birth of Tragedy
The Dionysian World View
On Truth and Lying in the Supra-Moral Sense

Ronald Speirs' translation is very good and about everything one expects from an institution such as Cambridge.Raymond Geuss' introduction is: unsympathetic, condescending, spurious and trite with biographical snippets excepting. Skip the introduction to this text.

For Nietzsche, art is nothing less then a "life affirming force"
I read this book for a graduate seminar on the philosophy of art.Nietzsche's "Birth of Tragedy" and "On The Genealogy of Morality" begin to shape or force the latter character of his thought, which is an affirmation of life.An affirmation of life, even with its tragic character rather than an affirmation of life without tragedy.Nietzsche agrees with Schopenhauer about the nature of reality being dark.He accepts Plato's characterization about tragedy, but affirms tragedy instead of wanting to ban it like Plato argued for in his "Republic."He rejects Aristotle' formalism, Nietzsche rejects Kant's notion of disinterest, and its life denying implications, the whole idea that you have to be disinterested in art is a complete contradiction of the vitality of art.It betrays a kind of life denying implication, if the point of art is to find a zone to turn off ones interests, then why would you think that, that is valuable.Why would someone think that that is a good thing?Nietzsche accepts the idea of genius and like Hegel, although not in the same way as Hegel, Nietzsche elevates art to a high level, by saying that art and reality mirror each other, in that art is a kind of forming formlessness and that is the way reality is.Nietzsche had a big influence on 20th century art.

Nietzsche unlike Aristotle insists on a religious component in tragedy, the two main Greek myth currents is Apollo and Dionysus.By associating these two religious sects with tragedy, it is more historically true for Nietzsche.He observes Greek tragedy and Dionysian religion and its character.The image of Greek culture was one of being measured and civilized, however Nietzsche sees the Dionysian religion was dark and violent and irrational as well.Tragedies were performed at Dionysian festivals it is a "nature" based religion, celebrating the cycle of life, both birth and death.The world is like a restaurant, all living things live off other living things.Dionysian rites probably included animal sacrifices, maybe human as well.Dionysus was an unusual deity in Greece; he was the only one to suffer death and to be brought back to life, unlike other Olympian deities.Dionysian religion was very popular in Greece; Apollonian religion was very popular as well.Nietzsche says tragedy has something to do with Dionysius religions dark side.

One of the best sources of the Dionysian religion is Euripides in the "Bacchae."There is some question about his intent in writing the "Bacchae."Euripides turns against his Greek tragic tradition by showing the Greeks the absurdities and ironies in their tragic tradition with his plays, which also essentially recommend that Greeks turn away from their form of tragedy.Euripidean heroes are usually rebelling against the state rather than accommodating it.However, the "Bacchae" is an unusual play because it seems to be just the kind of portrayal of the Dionysian religion.It is a tragic satire of Dionysian religion by presenting its absurdities.

Nietzsche's point is that there is something very different about tragedies, they have measured constructions of beauty and form, and Aristotle is very good at pointing that out.Greek tragedys are not chaotic not just wild abandonment, they are beautifully constructed artistic works with plots and characters and story lines.This is often misunderstood, for Nietzsche Greek tragedy is not a purely Dionysian phenomenon.Apollo, the Apollonian religion is equally important to understand tragedy, and in fact, it is the Apollonian part that makes tragedy for Nietzsche not a life of pessimism art form.You could say the Dionysian and Apollonian religions were two powerful forces that are very different from each other.Nietzsche said they had different manifestations and often looked on each other with antagonism.Dionysian religion and Christianity has similarities, the dying God, sacrament of eating and drinking of the body.Nietzsche's tragic hero is done in by faith, for both.Big difference for Christianity is the resurrection.Nietzsche believes that what makes Greek tragedy special is that it is a joining of these two forces, the Apollonian form in representing measured power and the darker undoing power of the Dionysian religion.

Apollo represents form and Dionysus formlessness.Apollonian form is an artistic phenomenon it is not a rational form.Sometimes people read the Apollonian as a rational principle, but they do this because Socrates comes on the scene who represents what Plato wanted.The overcoming of the tragic by way of the conscious reflection and rational principles and so on.The Apollonian is always an artistic sensuous produced form.The Dionysian is the impulse to self-transcendence and by self-transcendence Nietzsche means the Greek word ecstasy, which literally means to stand outside oneself.It would be proper therefore to say that the Dionysian experiences were ecstatic in the literal sense because there was a loss of individualization a loss of self-consciousness and an emersion in these powerful natural forces.Therefore, the whole point of the Dionysian religion was to overcome the self.You can see that eroticism and killing are two forms of dismemberment.Killing is obviously the termination of life,but as every human culturalknows, the power of the erotic has its own kind of dismembering force in that it is a natural force that can easily undue the culture.Sex is always an enemy in some respects, and yet, no sex, no culture.The erotic is a natural force and all cultures have recognized the power of the erotic as a powerfully disintegrating force.It can lead people to abandon all decorum and measure and responsibility.Therefore, sex, birth, and death are the Dionysian religion in a nutshell.Dionysian's would argue no sex no culture, so why not give cultural expression to power of sex.This releases pent up depression.Nietzsche wants to understand tragedy as interdependent, yet the form of the one religion is dependent of the other religion.Dionysian part and Apollonian part are together in tragedy, but with dark theme but no wholly chaotic art form.Tragedy represents reconciling of the two religions.Nietzsche's point is we truly don't understand what tragedy meant to the Greeks.It wasn't simply a dark story of destruction.It had religious connotations.

From this religious cultural analysis, Nietzsche wants to form an art theory.In Nietzsche's "Birth of Tragedy" he sees things in the Greek world having a stimulus of thought starting philosophy.Regeneration of art world, was he thought, found in Richard Wagner's music.Nietzsche is a life philosopher.Nietzsche believes there is some life force tapped into by the creative person.Artists are "touched" by a force.Dionysian religion is a bit of this you lose yourself and are given over to something more powerful like Nietzsche's life force.Creativity has to be a little abnormal or as Nietzsche says dissatisfaction with the normal.Nietzsche argued that philosophy should contain artistic elements.One of the messages of Nietzsche's philosophy is that the problem arose when philosophy came on the scene and tried to organize and govern everything by rational concepts and methods and reflection and categorization and demonstration and logical arguments.That is the reason why Socrates and Plato found tragedy so offensive, so unwieldy and such a stimulation.But then again Nietzsche asks the question, before I get on board with this plan to overcome these terrible forces, I want to know why its so terrible, this is his constant method, which is to ask, prove to me why tragedy has to give way to philosophy.Part of Nietzsche's approach to philosophy itself is that philosophy should contain artistic elements.This is the reason for his writing style, which are elusive and not straightforward argumentations.

Remember, Schopenhauer who influenced Nietzsche's thinking said the ultimate nature of will is this formless chaotic energy, that we strive for meaning that we have here and there but in the end it is all taken away from us and that is the end of it and that is why life is meaningless.However, Nietzsche says the fact that the Greeks had this very same insight but did not turn away from life should not have been a puzzle to Schopenhauer it should have made Schopenhauer question his own argument.Instead, Schopenhauer argued that the Greeks didn't realize the full impact of tragic insight, they were naive.Nietzsche thought Schopenhauer was wrong about tragedy.Schopenhauer thought tragedy was a necessary insight into meaninglessness, which would lead to resignation.That is why the Apollonian is so important for Nietzsche; the Apollonian is what saves the human spirit from disintegration.Therefore, art has this saving power.However, the fact that the Greeks had in one form in tragedy, the two forces of Apollo and Dionysus interests Nietzsche.On the one hand, they recognize the limits of things, in the other hand they delighted in the artistic orientation of this dark story.How can there be pleasure from dark themes in art, in a way Nietzsche is giving his own version of it, for him it is inherently life affirming to actually render the dark in artistic form.There is a difference between coming to the insight that life is meaningless, and then saying that now guides all my thinking and all my dispositions.The very fact of tragedy as an artistic form is life saving element for the Greeks.The curious thing is that the Greeks could enjoy these tragic performances and yet the message was dark.

Therefore, it is important to note that Nietzsche insists that the Apollonian and Dionysian dyad are a characteristic of reality.One by themselves is not real.Form is by itself just an allusion of formal structure; an allusion of formal structure is what so many philosophers wanted, eternal being eternal structures, timeless truths that would be form.Formlessness by itself is too chaotic, no culture, no art, no creativity.Nietzsche was always a philosopher of culture, always pointing to his German culture that he thought needed to be renewed and revived.Nietzsche recognizes the force and reality of wildness, but it is the two together that make human life, the wild, and the cultured, both are unavoidable dualities the Apollonian and Dionysian.Greek tragedy brought them into focus; his philosophy tries to work from that and he says, yes that is how we should see existence.

So poetry and tragedy are both pre-conceptual artforms that start culture, no culture starts with philosophy, conceptual formations and definitions and axioms and truths.Culture begin with religion and art forms and habit and things that are not clarifying with conceptual structure.They have life to them and a culture lives them out.Although he values philosophy as higher form of thinking, he always insists that philosophy can't alienate itself from pre-conceptual world of art, (poetry), which he certainly thought Plato was saying when he wanted to ban poetry.Nietzsche would say there is an infinite relationship between poetry and philosophy and that means that those who might want to distinguish philosophy with having a higher value than just poetry are wrong.He thinks it is wrong that you can have a pure conceptual procedure on the one hand and have anything of deep value or that you can simply have a poetic genre on one hand all by itself.Thinking is important, not just poeticizing.However, Nietzsche argues we must have thinking with poeticizing.

I recommend this work for anyone interested in Nietzschean philosophy, philosophy of art, Greek tragedy, culture, and history.

Mind-blowing and life-changing: why nighttime is the right time.
After Plato/Aristotle, the most influential (and read) Western philosopher is Nietzsche, and few of his writings continue to resonate in the mind as forcefully as "The Birth of Tragedy."It's at once a coherent and fairly accessible text with implications far in excess of its stated, explicit meanings.Although Nietzsche's focus is, as the title indicates, on Greek drama prior to the 5th century B.C. and to the written records of Aeschylus, his setting is as much the realm of the sub-conscious, whether viewed as Jung's collective unconscious or Freud's id.

"The Birth of Tragedy" could as accurately be titled "An Anatomy of Desire and Investigation of the Role of the Erotic."Anyone who has read with understanding this account of the primary agency of the Chorus in early tragedy as well as the privileging of darkness over light, of the ear over the eye, of incantation over narration, is likely to find all "texts" thereafter colored by Nietzsche's views.It's no longer a mystery why "Moon" songs outnumber "Sun" songs by a vast margin in music literature, or why writers from Chaucer and Shakespeare toWagner and Cole Porter extoll the realm of the dark and atemporal while sparing no venomous rhetoric in relentless denunciations of a rational, brightly lit temporal order.

Even a poet as calm and commonsensical as Wordsworth could write, "We murder to dissect."That which is illuminated, and hence visible and measurable, is necessarily individualized, quantified, and objectified, removing it from the vital stream that at some level we recognize as leading us to our most authentic selves.Whenever we "stop" the life-flow to examine a part--whether as an analytic scientist, a rational psychologist, or a pathological individual who finds love surrogates in the form of some fetish--we in effect "kill" the thing that had formerly embodied the living and the whole.Only by careful reconstruction can we begin to understand how the object of analysis, when experienced as part of the current, is not merely an object but a microcosm.

"The Birth of Tragedy" is Nietzsche's metaphorical journey into the archetypal "heart of darkness" that has been the destination for storytellers from Homer to Francis Ford Coppola.But it also represents the challenge confronting any true mathematician or scientist engaged in the quest of exploring and representing "the real."Perhaps it goes without saying that for any lover who is capable of addressing with honesty the experience of being "in love" Nietzsche's essay is practically required reading: it may probe sores and open wounds, but it's doubtful any other text does a better job of explaining why we as humans love to love, desire to desire, and are drawn--repeatedly and against our wills--to the entrancing song from the darkness.

Greeks, those who made life seem most seductive...
Although I'd spent some time reading Nietzsche somewhat intensively, I'm far from being a "student of Nietzsche," let alone a "Nietzsche scholar." My reading of him was more as a disturbed soul than as a student/scholar, and I didn't get much in the way of philosophical achievement of his. One of my plans for the summer is to read him more carefully and more with an eye to his intellectual development, and I began with The Birth of Tragedy.

So, BT is his first book, published when he was only 27. As he himself famously noted, 14 years after the first publication of BT, it is "a first book in every bad sense of the word." Apart from his own criticism (in "Attempt at a Self-Criticism"), any new reader just entering Nietzsche's corpus and Nietzsche scholorship is bound to hear of critical belittlements toward BT. So we hear that Nietzsche of BT is far from the mature philosopher we admire in Beyond Good and Evil and other later works, that he was under a strong sway of his youthful influences (Wagner, Schopenhauer) and was helplessly romantic. That he was a mere "philologist and cultural critic," whose philosophical maturing is years to come. That, taken with Nietzsche's later intellectual developments in mind, it is a "scandalous" (albeit in a different sense from what his detractors used it on its publication) book. Etc. Etc.

I'm now into Human, All Too Human, and I cannot but think that what Richard Schacht says in "Introduction" as to this another llargely ignored book of Nietzsche's early period equally applies to BT: "Even today, few recognize it as the gold mine it is, not only as an excellent way of becoming acquainted with his thinking, but also for its wealth of ideas worth thinking about." Coarsely put, isn't it often true that the worst work by the greatest mind often is far superior to the best by the mediocre?

My reading of BT this time concludes: his most pressing concern in BT is *not* to pay homage to Wagner or Schopenhauer, rather it is to seek ways to learn from Greeks, for as he notes, "the ability to learn from this people is in itself a matter of lofty fame and distinguishing rarity." By tracing the birth and death of tragedy in ancient Greece, Nietzsche is showing us how a culture could "justify" (affirm and embrace) even the "worst of all worlds," and how it perished. His diagnosis of modern ills toward the end of BT is indeed a goldmine, a wealth of ideas worth exploring, and is so pertinent to our time.

Perhaps Nietzsche's insights and ideas in BT have been fully explored and exhausted, and thus we may benefit more from elsewhere in this regard. Yet, as a beautifully written "youthful" book, belonging to the precious group of books we may call "books for the eternal youth (in us)," it has the power to make our heart beat faster, awakening the spirit in us we thought we have long lost.

It got me through a long plane ride
My mom gave me this book to read on a plane flight to Prague. I loved it and it kept me glued to the pages for the whole time. "The age of the Socratic man is over...only dare to be tragic men" - I love this stuff!
Sincerely,
David ... Read more

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Introducing Philosophy: A Text with Integrated Readings, Ninth Edition, is an exciting and accessible introduction to core philosophical problems and the many ways in which they are, and have been, answered. Insisting both that philosophy is very much alive today and that it is also deeply rooted in the past, acclaimed teacher and author Robert C. Solomon combines substantial selections from significant works in the history of philosophy with excerpts from current philosophy, clarifying the readings and providing context with his own detailed commentary and explanation. Spanning 2,500 years, the selections range from the oldest known fragments to cutting-edge essays in feminism, multiculturalism, and cognitive science. They include work by a multitude of prominent thinkers, from Plato, Confucius, René Descartes, and Immanuel Kant to Emma Goldman, Sigmund Freud, Albert Einstein, and Malcolm X. Organized topically, the chapters present alternative perspectives--including analytic, continental, feminist, and non-Western viewpoints--alongside the historical works of major philosophers; this juxtaposition encourages students to carefully evaluate the theories themselves. Topics covered include the nature of reality, the existence and nature of God, the possibility of human knowledge, the mystery of the self, the problem of consciousness, the essence of freedom, ethics and morality, and the nature of truth. The ninth edition has been streamlined to make it more accessible to students. Featuring new selections by Phillip Bricker, Martin Heidegger, Friedrich Nietzsche, Judith Orr, Amartya Sen, Tara Smith, Galen Strawson, and Malcolm X, it also offers new translations of several of the Nietzsche excerpts.
Introducing Philosophy, Ninth Edition, incorporates numerous pedagogical features including more than 300 review questions that appear throughout the text at the end of each chapter. Each chapter ends with a summary, a list of key terms, and a bibliography with suggestions for further reading. Key philosophical terms are carefully introduced in the text (and boldfaced at their first appearance) and also summarized in the glossary at the end of the book. Brief biographies of the philosophers discussed in the text are provided at the end of the book. A Companion Website at www.oup.com/us/solomon9e offers valuable resources for students and instructors. An Instructor's Manual--in both print and CD editions--is available to adopters. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Got it new and love it!
Got it when I needed it and its in perfectly new condition. I recommend these people to anyone, the order turned out exactly how I wanted.

Killer for your eyes
If you even a little bit dyslexic your eyes will hurt the moment you open this book. The whole book's format makes anyone want to throw in the towel and say TLDR.If you are dyslexic make sure you have a colored overlay before you even THINK about opening this book, even if you don't normally need one (like me).

An excellent textbook even for high school level
I am a high school Philosophy teacher and highly recommend this book. This is a very good textbook to accompany theories that are taught. It contains primary readings but they are mainly short and always preceded by a short editorial explanation of the key points/theory. Also, the selections are relevant and interesting, representing a range of traditional theories, modern/contemporary views, cultural views (though I do wish more cultures were represented). I like the thematic arrangement of chapters rather than a historical chronological structure. I have used this with Gr 11 and 12 students and they agree that it makes a great companion to the basic theories.

Excellent textbook, with one problem...
Just finished the first semester of a philosophy degree and we used this as one of our textbooks. As a beginner, I found it very good. Solomon explains the extracts from philosophers in a very clear way. It is presented by topic, e.g. a chapter on Freedom, a chapter on Knowledge, with each chapter containing extracts from a number of philosophers on the subject.

The only problem I found with the book is that the extracts Solomon uses are not cited with page numbers, in the ninth edition at least. This is problematic when writing papers and essays, as once you find what you're looking for, if you want your referencing to be correct you need to get the original book and vainly attempt to find which page in the original text that the extract in Solomon came from. He gives all relevant details in his citations except for page numbers. As a student, I would argue that the page number is much more important to me than the name of the publisher.

But besides that... the book is genuinely good. It will certainly always have a place on my shelf.

Philosophy
The book did not come in as quickly as I thought it would and it was not in as good of condition as I thought either but still arrived just within the amount of days and it was a required book so it serves its purpose and is good for learning philosophy. ... Read more

Product Description
This book is designed for use in courses in law schools and university departments of philosophy. It can serve as a text for basic and ad-vanced courses and seminars. Readings include excerpts of classic works of Aristotle, Aquinas, Locke, Hobbes, Kant, Bentham, and Aus-tin. Provided also are excerpts from standard works of twentieth cen-tury philosophers. The book explores contemporary legal discourse with readings on topics such as sociobiology, Islamic law, the legal process school, legal feminism, and critical legal studies. It reprints leading cases on natural rights/human rights and readings from on-line blogs, op-ed essays, news stories and internet publications. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Nice!
The item was in good condition. Had no problems receiving it on time either.Overall good seller.

A Good Reader
I used this book in a law school class on Jurisprudence. The book is weak on Cicero and the Stoics, strong on the 20th/c movements. Best of all, it introduced me to the work of John Finnis! ... Read more

Product Description
Combining clear, accessible prose and many primary sources, Velasquez provides a complete introduction to philosophy in an engaging and meaningful way. The text brings attention to topics not always covered in other texts, including human nature, feminist theory, continental philosophy, diversity, and aesthetics. The chapter organization encourages critical thinking and studying in amounts students can master while examples and questions help connect philosophy to their personal experiences. In addition to the chapter-end readings, which permit students to work with primary source material, "Historical Showcases" readings put development of ideas into context for a "big picture" view. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

PHILOSOPHY
The book contains some mistake. It was once been used by an University for one semester. the book contains philosopher's profile also

Highly Engaging
Of all the books on philosophy which I have purchased over the years (and have dispaired over), "Philosopy: A Text With Readings" is the only one that manages to be deeply engaging and rewarding, as well as comprehensive and capable of truly elucidating me on this expansive and illusive subject. The writing style is gentle, fluid, and personal.Manuel Valesquez writes in a way that is responsive to the modern sensibility of inclusiveness and respect. Because this book is so enjoyable it makes learning a pleasure instead of a chore. I recommend it enthusiastically!

Highly Engaging
Of all the books on philosophy which I have purchased over the years (and have dispaired over), "Philosopy: A Text With Readings" is the only one that manages to be deeply engaging and rewarding, as well as comprehensive and capable of truly elucidating me on this expansive and illusive subject. The writing style is gentle, fluid, and personal.Manuel Valesquez writes in a way that is responsive to the modern sensibility of inclusiveness and respect. Because this book is so enjoyable it makes learning a pleasure instead of a chore. I recommend it enthusiastically!

wrong edition
Seller advertised the wrong edition.Was very, very slow about communication.Never received the correct book.

Bias toward analytic philosophy
While this text is serviceable for introduction to philosophy classes, I haven't used it in the sections I teach.The reason is one all to common in current philosophy textbooks:the editorial slant is decidedly toward contemporary analytic philosophy.While this philosophical movement is certainly significant, those of us in the more traditional, realist tradition find the academic imperialism of analytic philosophy a bit troublesome.This has affected this particular text's treatment of Aquinas and natural law, for example.The study questions devoted to this section demonstrate a rather dismissive and superficial understanding of the related issues.Having graduated at the B.A. level from the institution where the author teaches, I am familiar with the institutional bias on campus toward ideological "multiculturalism," and other contemporary PC "isms."During my own doctoral studies in philosophy, I shed such trendy scholarly prejudices.Classical realism is, and always has been, what I find to be the most substantial approach to the discipline.Unfortunately, those swimming with the tide of scholarly fashion, like Velasquez, attract the majority of those teaching in the field today. In fairness, the book does have many strengths.The ample primary texts included are a definite plus.The slick illustrations and study aids should help attract the limited attention spans of today's students.But the overall editorial stance is one dimensional, and does not reflect any interest in academic "inclusiveness" or "tolerance" regarding other approaches to philosophical texts--other than that of the analytic school.The best policy, in any case, is to focus on a few complete primary texts rather than employing the shot-gun blizzard of scattered readings typical of an introductory text. ... Read more

Product Description
This anthology of philosophical texts by Greek and Roman authors brings together works from the late fifth century BC to the sixth century AD that comment on major aesthetic issues such as the perception of beauty and harmony in music and the visual arts, structure and style in literature, and aesthetic judgement. It includes important texts by Plato and Aristotle on the status and the role of the arts in society and in education, and Longinus' reflections on the sublime in literature, in addition to less well-known writings by Philodemus, Cicero, Seneca, Plotinus, Augustine and Proclus. Most of the texts have been newly translated for this volume, and some are available in English for the first time. A detailed introduction traces the development of classical aesthetics from its roots in Platonism and Aristotelianism to its ultimate form in late Antiquity. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (28)

Shaolin Cha'an Grandmasters Text Review
I waited for the Grandmasters Text with great anticipation and was not disappointed. I found the discourse on philosophy of Shaolin Buddhism very interesting (8-fold path is a quality path). The discussion of the communist regime's hijacking of Kung-fu and the Temple in particular is entirely unsurprising. As a decade long practitioner of Wing Chun, I found great interest in the dissertation of styles. Grading Systems were a minor point of interest. The focus on Bruce Lee as No.1 Wing Chun proponent seems a deliberate attempt to get the westerner interest. I would find great difference between the limited wing chun of Bruce Lee (though no doubt a proficient martial artist in his own right) and and historical patrons/heroes such as Leung Jan, Leung Bik (Fatshan). Whilst i understand the modesty and rejection of ego of the grandmasters, the absence of an author is always going to cast doubt over the accuracy/validity of the work. In academic circles it is a drawback but if you're after a good read that rings true philosophically, overall its a good resource.

good book!
It is a good book that review many aspects of shaolin kung fu, including buddhism and many other philosophical issues.

Huge Disappointment!!
This book is a gigantic disappointment! Full of historical and philosophical errors. If you are over twelve and have ever read a book on Shaolin martial arts you will be able to smell the phoniness of this book a mile away. Save yourself some money and get a different book.

A fine book on Shaolin Zen Buddhism
I bought this book because I have a keen interest in Kung Fu, and wanted to gainmore insight into the historical and philosophical background of the Chinese martial arts.

Initially, I was rather sceptical of the book because it was from a group based in the pacific NW in the US. I though, "uh, oh - what have I just bought?" However, after reading several pages I began to realise that I had just bought a gem. The book gives a good insight both into Shaolin Zen (Ch'an) philosophy, and into the historical reasons of why the "authentic" Shaolin now reside in the US and not in China. There is also some discussion of some basic techniques and training, although this is not the focus of the book. What I like about the book is that it iswell-written in a non-evangical tone. The underlying principles of self-knowledge and respect, as follow by Zen Buddhists, comes though in the text.

If you are interested in some philosophical background to the Chinese martial arts (specifically Shaolin Gong Fu) and wish to know more about Shaolin Zen Buddhism, then this book is for you. If you are looking for a "how-to" Gong Fu book, then look elsewhere.

Articulate, Useful Text of Rare Insight
Looking at previous reviews, one tends either to love or simply not think much of this text. I fall into the former category, and thus thought to lend weight in favor of the Order of Shaolin Ch'an's efforts.

The authors write to us from Oregon. This mere fact seems to be a big deal for some, who prefer that their scribes intone only from Henan Province on high, and preferably from centuries ago. But, if the lineages presented in this text are true (Li En Huo, Ben Ch'i Lo, etc.) -- and I'm sure they are -- the authors could write from anywhere they well pleased and represent, if not de facto, at least legitimately, Shaolin's rich heritage. To have qualms with their current locale and perhaps skin tone is to possess unexamined and misdirected stereotypes, racial and otherwise, regarding this particular branch of the martial arts. And to possess such stereotypes is antithetical to the most basic principles of Chan Buddhism. Best then seek your lessons from that commando instructor in the Karate Kid. I suppose one day he might author a book just for you.

I particularly enjoyed (and continued to enjoy) this book for its broad overview of Shaolin's long history. As the authors frequently mention, much of this heritage was (and is) passed down orally, by individuals who were (and are) largely unconcerned with the "written word" and "posterity." The authors are honest and upfront when treating areas of Shaolin history that are hazy, and much is, for the above-mentioned reasons. I really laughed at and love the passage that says something along the (paraphrased) lines of: "Given these competing versions, we are content to say that he lived a long time ago." You have to appreciate such honesty. What is particularly important here is that, where there are competing names, dates, or interpretations regarding Shaolin history, the authors unfurl the nuances of each version. This amounts to a historiographical exercise, and that is something that is missing all-too frequently from most books on gong fu. Having read more than a few such books in the last year or so, which is not to say that I am an expert, you will find here, in one place, the absolute best overview of Shaolin history, dating from Tamo, and earlier, to the present. Period. You could, of course, read the rich source material found in the bibliography. But good luck finding many of these texts, and then not going broke acquiring them. The Order of Shaolin Ch'an has accomplished this for you, while supplementing that material with oral traditions you simply won't find anywhere else. I, for one, am especially thankful. Other authors that provide useful supplements to this OSC text (and vice-versa) are Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming ("Shaolin White Crane" and "Chinese Qigong"), plus Wong Kiew Kit ("The Complete Book of Shaolin"). Yang provides some history, but is more attuned to actual practice and forms. For this his DVDs are especially useful, although his writing on theoretical concepts are exceptionally strong, although he is not so much interested in the "Buddha-aspect" gong fu, which is not a drawback. The efforts of Wong Kiew Kit are also very good, in general.

"The Shaolin Grandmasters' Text" is not concerned with teaching forms much beyond the most basic rudiments of training concepts, such as stances and the like. They do, however, provide a nice compendium and history of the various styles and sub-styles associated with Shaolin gong fu. Generally speaking, their work is concerned with Shaolin history, philosophy, and important gong fu concepts, both ethical and otherwise. Actual forms are best acquired from a live instructor, or so I am repeatedly told. I do not have one. The best book I've found for acquiring the basics of kung fu is Shifu Shi Yan Ming's "The Shaolin Workout." Its multitude of color photographs and detailed textual explanations accomplish things that a few grainy black-and-white photographs found in numerous other manuals just cannot. Ming's work, too, is beyond excellent, I find.

But to return to "The Shaolin Grandmasters' Text," I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it to anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of the Shaolin Temple, gung fu, or Buddhism. You will not find this much quality material in one place anywhere else. It is that simple. The writing style is exceptionally articulate and well-crafted. The writers clearly possess a strong background and training in the history of philosophy (as gong fu practitioners should). Their materials on the philosophical aspects of the Shaolin heritage are first-rate. They boil these things down to their essence, in prose that is clean and deft.

I particularly suggest getting the hardcover version, because, if you are like me, you will want this book to last a long time. And your standard paperback will look rather ratty after the repeated consultations you will want to make. Having read this text once all the way through, I frequently return, open at random, and lose myself between the covers. Now, if I could only unravel the koan-like question found on page 130 -- "Something is intentionally amiss with the the photograph below" -- I would be much happier. My guess is "no thing."

If you are sincerely interested in gong fu -- and not just in learning how to hurt somebody on a Friday night -- add this book to your library and you will NOT be disappointed.

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Product Description
Kant is the central figure of modern philosophy. He sought to rebuild philosophy from the ground up, and he succeeded in permanently changing its problems and methods. This new translation of the Prolegomena, which is the best introduction to his philosophy, also includes selections from the Critique of Pure Reason, which fill out and explicate some of his central arguments. The volume is completed by a historical and philosophical introduction, explanatory notes, a chronology, and a guide to further reading. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The "Critique of Pure Reason" ...refined and clarified!!
...Kant himself wrote this to clarify the excruciatingly convoluted paragraphs of the agonizing "Critique". This is Kant's groundbreaking Transcendental Idealism written in his own words as clearly and concisely as possible! to all you philosophy enthusiasts...ENJOY!

If the Critique scares the bejeezus out of you...
For the serious student of Philosophy this work should just serve as a bridge into the justifiably intimidating Critique of Pure Reason.That being said,

For those who are gunshy about the first critique, this book is an extremely good introduction to Kant's Metaphysics.It does not give the depth of full critique but gives you the general thrust of the direction that he is going in his Philosophical activity and introduces the concepts that were essential to the critique.(the transcendental ego of apperception, the antinomies of reason, etc.)In this smaller production Kant is much less intimidating.His style is still fairly circuitous, and he is virtually incapable of sussinctly summarizing himself, but take it for what you will.

also, I'm not sure what the guy beneath me is talking about.I'm really not.But it should be noted that Kant's variety of idealism should be called critical idealism rather than subjective idealism.The latter is misleading and fails to make the distinction between Kant's philosophy and that of Berkley or Descartes.

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
The Antinomies are too complex and mysterious to the instrument of Reason: this is why one should be so enthusiastic to end It [i.e. the Reason] through Aleister Crowley's " Liber OS ABYSMI vel DAATH," whichwill cause a replacement of It with Ultimately Higher Faculties.

TheReason has been proved to be so droolingly absurd by Kant in his boringliterary form. He needs an upgrade via activation of the Poetical Faculties-- I am not here speaking of the former paragraph's identity of expression.His style is so sublimely shown to be in an opposed functioning with mostother philosophical books.

An excellent method to become a SubjectiveIdealist is propounded here in this treatise. ... Read more