The Story of Philosophy

+++++ The author, U.S. historian and Pulitzer Prize winner Will Durant (1885-1981) has written an exceptional book for any reader who wants to survey the history and development of philosophical ideas of the Western world. However, this book is just not your typical survey! It is also a stimulating introduction and enthusiastic invitation to philosophy of the Western world. This book concerns itself with fifteen influential... Read Full Review

If you believe that philosophy is about complex theorizing, and not your cup of tea - think again, in fact dont think - just read Will Durants book. The title says it all so wonderfully elegantly, that it makes one feel almost emotional about the book after it is over - this book is a story. It is a story of a science, of a subject, and the people who made it. It is a tale that will move you with the love Plato shows for Socrates,... Read Full Review

There is no pre-requisite to the enjoyment of philosophy, and there is no pre-requisite to the Story of Philosophy. Simply bring a mind that is famished for an injection of joy. "That is very good; but there is an infinitely worthier subject for philosophers than all these trees and stones, and even all those stars; there is the mind of man. What is man, and what can he become?" (Durant summarizing Socrates) Philosophy... Read Full Review

I usually look down on philosophical "collections" because they tend to give an inadequate picture of any single philosopher and they also tend to lack cohesion. But this book is not just a collection - it is more like a narrative. The name "The STORY of Philosophy" indicates the focus, which is not just to present the work of various philosophers but to weave them together. Durant's choice of philosophers may seem to be... Read Full Review