Amazon.com Book Description (ISBN 0198242786, Hardcover)

From Socrates to Sartre, philosophy has played a central part in the history of Western civilization. Written for the general reader by a team of distinguished philosophers, this beautifully illustrated book charts the growth of Western philosophy from its ancient beginnings to the present day--emphasizing the development of philosophy in its intellectual context. Key concepts, doctrines, and schools of thought from both the Anglo-American and Continental traditions are explored in a distinctive, authoritative, and accessible way. There is detailed coverage of the lives and works of all the major thinkers through the ages from Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Descartes, Locke, Hume, Kant, and Hegel, to recent figures such as Russell and Wittgenstein. Their personalities and ideas are brought to life as the book captures the richness and vitality of philosophy across a wide range of cultures and times. Lively, original, and highly readable Each chapter is written by an acknowledged expert, and presents an original and uniquely informed view of the subject. The chapters are lively and intelligible, and communicate the authors' deep understanding of--and their enthusiasm and zest for--the subject. Beautiful and varied selection of illustrations The 150 lavish colour and black-and-white illustrations are specially chosen to complement and illuminate the text. The historical framework is reinforced by maps and a detailed chronological table, and the reference material is completed with an annotated guide to further reading and a full index. Authoritative, comprehensive, and highly readable, the volume will be welcomed by anyone who has an interest in the history of philosophy and the intellectual development of Western civilization. Contributors: Stephen R. L. Clark, Paul Vincent Spade, Anthony Kenny, Roger Scruton, David Pears, Anthony Quinton