A Classic Collection of Philosophical Essays

Summary

"A Classic Collection of Philosophical Essays: Spinoza, Immanuel Kant, Schopenhauer, Herbert Spencer, Friedrich Nietzsche, Bertrand Russell and Many Others" by Will Durant offers an insightful and comprehensive anthology of essays on some of the most influential philosophers in Western thought. This collection captures the essence of each thinker's contributions to philosophy, making complex ideas accessible and engaging for a broad audience.
Spinoza: Durant explores Spinoza's pantheism and his view of a universe governed by natural laws, presenting his ideas on ethics, politics, and the nature of reality.
Immanuel Kant: The essays delve into Kant's critical philosophy, including his revolutionary ideas on metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics, particularly his notion of the categorical imperative.
Arthur Schopenhauer: Durant examines Schopenhauer's concept of the "will" as the driving force behind all existence and his pessimistic view of life, highlighting his influence on later existential and psychoanalytic thought.
Herbert Spencer: The collection covers Spencer's application of evolutionary theory to philosophy, sociology, and ethics, emphasizing his ideas on progress and the "survival of the fittest."
Friedrich Nietzsche: Durant discusses Nietzsche's critique of traditional morality, his concept of the "Übermensch," and his declaration of the "death of God," exploring how these ideas challenge conventional beliefs and promote individual self-overcoming.
Bertrand Russell: The anthology includes essays on Russell's contributions to logic, analytic philosophy, and his advocacy for scientific rationalism and social reform.
Through vivid biographical sketches and clear expositions of their key ideas, Durant brings these philosophers' thoughts to life. "A Classic Collection of Philosophical Essays" is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the foundational concepts and enduring questions that have shaped Western philosophy.
Contents:
1. Plato
2. Aristotle and Greek Science
3. Francis Bacon
4. Spinoza
5. Voltaire and the French Enlightenment
6. Immanuel Kant and German Idealism
7. Schopenhauer
8. Herbert Spencer
9. Friedrich Nietzsche
10. Contemporary European Philosophers: Bergson, Croce and Bertrand Russell
11. Contemporary American Philosophers: Santayana, James and Dewey