This lively and accessible introduction to Plato focuses on the philosophy and argument of his writings, drawing the listener into Plato's way of doing philosophy, and the general themes of his thinking. It looks at Plato as a thinker grappling with philosophical problems in a variety of ways, rather than a philosopher with a fully worked-out system. It includes a brief account of Plato's life and the various interpretations that have been drawn from the sparse remains of information.

Understanding John Stuart Mill is the third book in a series of philosophy study guides to the classics of philosophy. The series is designed for beginning and intermediate philosophy students who would like more depth than they would ordinarily get from "Notes" books that only give outlines of the philosopher's thoughts and theories. At the same time, the Smart Student's books are not scholarly monographs designed for graduate students and professors. Understanding John Stuart Mill focuses on both content and philosophical method in the sections on Mill's famous Utilitarianism and in his ...

This book is fourth in a series of books devoted to helping students understand some of the great works in ethics, social and political philosophy. It has been said that Kant's Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals "is the single most important work in modern moral philosophy" (Henry Allison). It is also one of the most difficult books to comprehend, especially for beginning philosophy students. Understanding Immanuel Kant makes Kant accessible to students while at the same time showing why his writings have had such a powerful influence on philosophical ethics. Professor Houlgate's book ...

This philosophy study guide for Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy is the seventh book in the Smart Student's Guides to Philosophical Classics series. Like the other books in the series, it is much more than an outline or a set of notes and flash cards. It is a book for students who are serious about understanding and thinking critically about one of the most consequential books ever written in the history of philosophy. Part I of the book is a chapter-by-chapter explanation of Descartes/ ideas and theories. It is presented in a way that makes it much easier for a beginning ...

In the eighteenth century, the words “natural religion” referred to religious beliefs based on reason and evidence instead of revelation. In Understanding David Hume, Professor Laurence Houlgate guides serious students through the labyrinth of arguments for and against the existence and infinite nature of God, focusing mainly on the famous Design Argument. Lengthy dialogues are broken down into discrete and understandable short chapters, allowing students to easily navigate through the book. Professor Houlgate uses the same approach to help students understand Hume’s essays concerning...

There are only a few books that have made a significant change in political society. There are even fewer books that inspired a revolution. But in 1789, 11 years after his death, Jean-Jacques Rousseau's The Social Contract did just that. The Social Contract became the Bible of the French Revolution. From Rousseau’s opening words “Man is born free but is everywhere in chains” to his call for a government “by the people,” he risked his life and reputation by challenging the existing political order to return to the terms of the social contract and restore civil liberty. ...

Long regarded as the most accurate rendering of Plato's Republic that has yet been published, this widely acclaimed translation by Allan Bloom was the first to take a strictly literal approach. In addition to the annotated text, there is also a rich and valuable essay—as well as indices—which will enable listeners to better understand the heart of Plato's intention.

What does Plato have to do with the Christian faith? Quite a bit, it turns out. In ways that might surprise us, Christians throughout the history of the church and even today have inherited aspects of the ancient Greek philosophy of Plato, who was both Socrates's student and Aristotle's teacher. To help us understand the influence of Platonic thought on the Christian faith, Louis Markos offers careful readings of some of Plato's best-known texts and then traces the ways that his work shaped the faith of some of Christianity's most beloved theologians.

This engaging course of lectures begins by providing a detailed and accurate overview of Plato's philosophy and it's central idea - the idea of a transcendent reality that has popularly become known as the theory of the Forms. Professor Kreeft then takes us on a concise journey through Western Philosophical history to show how that central idea - the theory of forms - has either been built upon or reacted to by philosophers ever since.

Unlock the Secrets of One of History's Greatest Minds Are you ready to embark on an intellectual adventure? "Socrates: A Beginner's Guide" offers a compelling exploration of the life, teachings, and enduring legacy of the father of Western philosophy. Perfect for both newcomers and seasoned readers, this guide brings Socrates' timeless wisdom to life in an accessible and engaging way. Discover the Man Behind the Philosophy: Learn about Socrates' early life, his quest for knowledge, and his profound impact on ancient Athens. Uncover the personal stories and historical context that shaped his...