The Story of Philosophy by Bryan Magee: A Review and Critique of the Essential Guide to Western Philosophy
The Story of Philosophy by Bryan Magee: A Review
Philosophy is one of the oldest and most fascinating disciplines in human history. It explores some of the most fundamental questions about reality, knowledge, morality, politics, art, religion, and more. But how did philosophy begin? What are its main branches and schools? Who are its most influential thinkers and what are their main ideas? How has philosophy changed over time and what are its current challenges?
the story of philosophy bryan magee pdf free 95
If you are looking for a comprehensive, accessible, and engaging introduction to the history of western philosophy, you might want to check out The Story of Philosophy by Bryan Magee. This book is a remarkable achievement that covers more than 2500 years of philosophical thought in a clear and lively manner. It is not only a great source of information but also a pleasure to read.
Introduction
What is the book about?
The Story of Philosophy is a book that tells the story of philosophy from its origins in ancient Greece to its latest developments in the 20th century. It is divided into 10 chapters, each focusing on a major period or movement in philosophical history. Each chapter consists of several sections that introduce the main philosophers, concepts, arguments, problems, and controversies that shaped that period or movement.
The book is richly illustrated with photographs, paintings, diagrams, maps, timelines, quotations, summaries, and biographies that help to bring the story to life. It also includes a glossary of key terms, a bibliography of further reading, and an index of names and topics.
Why is it worth reading?
The Story of Philosophy is worth reading for several reasons. First, it is written by a renowned philosopher and author who has a deep knowledge and passion for the subject. Bryan Magee is a former professor of philosophy at Oxford University and the host of several popular TV series on philosophy. He has written many books and articles on various aspects of philosophy, including Confessions of a Philosopher, The Great Philosophers, Popper, and Wagner and Philosophy.
Second, it is written in a clear, concise, and engaging style that makes philosophy accessible and enjoyable for anyone. Magee avoids unnecessary jargon and technicalities and explains complex ideas and arguments in simple and understandable terms. He also uses examples, analogies, metaphors, and stories to illustrate his points and to stimulate the reader's imagination and curiosity.
Third, it is written with a critical and balanced perspective that acknowledges the strengths and weaknesses of different philosophical views and approaches. Magee does not shy away from pointing out the problems, contradictions, limitations, and criticisms that philosophers have faced or raised against each other. He also does not impose his own opinions or preferences on the reader but invites them to think for themselves and to form their own judgments.
The Greeks and their world
The origins of philosophy
The story of philosophy begins in ancient Greece, where the first philosophers emerged around the 6th century BCE. These philosophers were not just interested in abstract speculation but also in observing and explaining the natural world around them. They were called natural philosophers because they sought to discover the nature or essence of things.
The natural philosophers were dissatisfied with the traditional explanations of nature that relied on myths, legends, and superstitions. They wanted to find rational and empirical grounds for their claims. They also wanted to find a principle or element that could account for the origin, structure, and change of everything that exists. They proposed various candidates for this principle, such as water, air, fire, numbers, atoms, or logos.
The main schools of thought
The natural philosophers gave rise to several schools of thought that developed different aspects of their inquiries. Some of the most influential schools were:
The Cynics, who rejected conventional values and norms and advocated a simple and natural life in accordance with nature.
The Sceptics, who doubted the possibility of certain knowledge and advocated a suspension of judgment on all matters.
The Epicureans, who taught that the goal of life is to attain pleasure and avoid pain by following reason and moderation.
The Stoics, who taught that the goal of life is to live in harmony with nature and reason by cultivating virtue and self-control.
The legacy of the Greeks
The Greek philosophers laid the foundations for many branches and fields of philosophy, such as metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, logic, aesthetics, politics, and science. They also influenced many later thinkers and cultures, such as the Romans, the Arabs, the Jews, the Christians, the Renaissance humanists, the Enlightenment rationalists, and the modern scientists.
The Greek philosophers also left behind a rich legacy of writings that have survived through the ages. Some of the most famous works are:
The Dialogues of Plato, which present the teachings of Socrates in a dramatic form.
The Metaphysics of Aristotle, which explores the nature of being and reality.
The Enchiridion of Epictetus, which summarizes the principles of Stoic ethics.
The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, which reflect on the challenges and duties of a Stoic emperor.
The Elements of Euclid, which systematize the rules and proofs of geometry.
Christianity and philosophy
Saint Augustine and the synthesis of faith and reason
Medieval philosophy and the rise of scholasticism
After the fall of the Roman Empire, philosophy entered a period of decline and stagnation in Europe. However, it flourished in other parts of the world, such as the Islamic and Jewish civilizations, where philosophers such as Avicenna, Averroes, Maimonides, and Al-Ghazali contributed to the development of logic, metaphysics, ethics, and mysticism.
In the 11th century, philosophy began to revive in Europe with the emergence of scholasticism, a method of teaching and learning that used logic and reason to analyze and harmonize the teachings of faith and reason. The scholastics were mainly based in universities and monasteries, where they engaged in debates and disputes on various topics.
The most famous scholastic philosopher was Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274 CE), who was influenced by Aristotle's philosophy but also by his own Christian faith. He wrote several works, such as Summa Theologica and Summa Contra Gentiles, that aimed to provide a comprehensive and systematic account of theology and philosophy. He argued that faith and reason are compatible and complementary sources of knowledge and that natural law and divine law are both expressions of God's will.
The beginnings of modern science
Copernicus, Newton, and the scientific revolution
In the 16th and 17th centuries, philosophy witnessed a radical transformation with the advent of modern science. The scientific revolution challenged the traditional views of nature and knowledge that were based on ancient authorities and scriptures. It introduced new methods of observation, experimentation, measurement, and calculation that led to new discoveries and theories.
The scientific revolution began with Copernicus (1473-1543 CE), who proposed that the Earth is not the center of the universe but rather one of the planets that orbit around the Sun. This heliocentric model contradicted the geocentric model that was accepted by most philosophers and theologians at the time. It also paved the way for further developments in astronomy, such as Kepler's laws of planetary motion and Galileo's telescopic observations.
The scientific revolution reached its peak with Newton (1642-1727 CE), who formulated the laws of motion and universal gravitation that explained the movements of celestial and terrestrial bodies. He also invented calculus, a mathematical tool that enabled him to solve complex problems in physics. He wrote his masterpiece Principia Mathematica, which is considered one of the most influential works in science and philosophy.
Machiavelli, Bacon, and Hobbes: the foundations of political philosophy
The scientific revolution also had an impact on political philosophy, which emerged as a distinct branch of philosophy in this period. Political philosophers were concerned with the nature and origin of political authority, the rights and duties of citizens, the best forms of government, and the causes and effects of war and peace.
Some of the most influential political philosophers were:
Machiavelli (1469-1527 CE), who wrote The Prince, a manual for rulers that advised them to use cunning, deception, and force to achieve their goals. He also wrote The Discourses, a commentary on Livy's history of Rome that praised republican government and civic virtue.
Bacon (1561-1626 CE), who wrote The New Organon, a critique of Aristotelian logic and a proposal for a new method of scientific inquiry based on induction, experimentation, and observation. He also wrote The New Atlantis, a utopian vision of a society governed by science and technology.
Hobbes (1588-1679 CE), who wrote Leviathan, a defense of absolute monarchy based on a social contract theory. He argued that human beings are naturally selfish and violent and that they need a strong sovereign to maintain order and peace.
The great rationalists
Descartes, Spinoza, and Leibniz: the quest for certainty
and foundation of knowledge and truth. The rationalists believed that there are innate ideas and principles that can be discovered and demonstrated by pure reason alone, without relying on sense experience or authority.
The most famous rationalist philosophers were:
Descartes (1596-1650 CE), who wrote Meditations on First Philosophy, a series of reflections on the nature and limits of human knowledge. He famously doubted everything that could be doubted and arrived at the conclusion that he could be certain of only one thing: cogito ergo sum (I think, therefore I am). He then tried to rebuild his knowledge on this solid foundation by using a method of clear and distinct ideas and deductive reasoning. He also proposed a dualism of mind and body, a proof of God's existence, and a theory of free will.
Spinoza (1632-1677 CE), who wrote Ethics, a geometrical demonstration of the nature and attributes of God, the human mind and body, the emotions, and the ethical life. He argued that God is the only substance that exists and that everything else is a mode or modification of God. He also argued that the human mind and body are two aspects of the same thing and that human freedom consists in understanding the necessity of nature and acting according to reason.
Leibniz (1646-1716 CE), who wrote Monadology, a metaphysical account of the nature and structure of reality. He argued that reality is composed of infinitely many simple substances called monads, which have no parts or extension but have perception and activity. He also argued that each monad reflects the whole universe from its own perspective and that there is a pre-established harmony between all monads, orchestrated by God. He also invented the calculus independently of Newton and developed a universal language and a system of binary notation.
The great empiricists
Locke, Berkeley, and Hume: the limits of knowledge
In the 18th century, philosophy was challenged by empiricism, a movement that emphasized the role of experience as the source and test of knowledge and truth. The empiricists believed that there are no innate ideas or principles but only impressions and ideas that are derived from sense experience or reflection.
The most famous empiricist philosophers were:
Locke (1632-1704 CE), who wrote An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, an inquiry into the origin, nature, extent, and validity of human knowledge. He argued that all knowledge comes from experience, either external (sensation) or internal (reflection). He also distinguished between simple and complex ideas, primary and secondary qualities, and nominal and real essences. He also wrote Two Treatises of Government, a defense of natural rights, social contract theory, and limited government.
Berkeley (1685-1753 CE), who wrote A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge, an attack on materialism and skepticism. He argued that there is no such thing as matter or external reality but only ideas in the mind of God or finite spirits. He also argued that to be is to be perceived (esse est percipi) and that nothing exists independently of perception. He also wrote Three Dialogues between Hylas and Philonous, a dialogue between a materialist and an idealist.
Hume (1711-1776 CE), who wrote An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, a critique of rationalism and metaphysics. He argued that all knowledge is based on experience, but experience itself is nothing but a succession of impressions and ideas that are associated by custom or habit. He also argued that there is no necessary connection between cause and effect, no proof of the existence of God or the soul, no objective basis for morality or justice, and no rational justification for induction or causation. He also wrote A Treatise of Human Nature, a comprehensive account of human psychology, morality, politics, and history.
Burke: the father of conservatism
Another important empiricist philosopher was Burke (1729-1797 CE), who wrote Reflections on the Revolution in France, a critique of the French Revolution and a defense of the British constitution. He argued that the revolution was based on abstract and rational principles that ignored the historical and cultural traditions of society. He also argued that society is a complex and organic entity that cannot be changed by sudden and violent means. He advocated a gradual and moderate reform that respects the rights and duties of the people and the government. He is considered the father of conservatism, a political philosophy that values order, stability, tradition, and authority.
Revolutionary French thinkers
Voltaire, Diderot, and Rousseau: the enlightenment and its critics
In the 18th century, France was the center of a cultural movement called the enlightenment, which promoted reason, science, progress, tolerance, and human rights. The enlightenment thinkers were influenced by both rationalism and empiricism, but also by their own social and political context. They challenged the authority of the church, the monarchy, and the aristocracy and advocated for democracy, equality, and liberty.
Some of the most influential enlightenment thinkers were:
Voltaire (1694-1778 CE), who wrote Candide, a satirical novel that exposes the absurdity and cruelty of life. He also wrote Letters on England, a comparison of French and English culture and institutions. He was a champion of free speech, religious tolerance, and civil rights. He famously said: "I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it."
Diderot (1713-1784 CE), who edited The Encyclopedia, a massive collection of articles on various subjects that aimed to spread knowledge and enlightenment. He also wrote Rameau's Nephew, a dialogue between a philosopher and a musician that explores the nature of genius, morality, and society. He was a critic of religion, superstition, and dogmatism. He famously said: "Man will never be free until the last king is strangled with the entrails of the last priest."
Rousseau (1712-1778 CE), who wrote The Social Contract, a theory of political legitimacy based on the general will of the people. He also wrote Emile, a treatise on education that advocates for natural and progressive learning. He was a critic of civilization, inequality, and corruption. He famously said: "Man is born free, but everywhere he is in chains."
A golden century of German philosophy
Kant: the critique of pure reason
In the late 18th century, philosophy reached a new height with Kant (1724-1804 CE), who is widely regarded as one of the greatest philosophers of all time. He wrote Critique of Pure Reason, a monumental work that attempted to resolve the conflicts between rationalism and empiricism and to establish the limits and conditions of human knowledge. He argued that knowledge is not derived from either pure reason or pure experience but from a combination of both. He also argued that knowledge is not about things in themselves but about how they appear to us through our categories and forms of intuition.
and teleological judgments. He also wrote Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, which introduces his famous categorical imperative, a universal and rational principle of morality. He also wrote Perpetual Peace, which proposes a plan for achieving world peace and international law.
Schopenhauer: the pessimist philosopher
In the early 19th century, philosophy was influenced by Schopenhauer (1788-1860 CE), who wrote The World as Will and Representation, a metaphysical and ethical system that is based on a pessimistic view of human existence. He argued that the world is not governed by reason or order but by a blind and irrational force called the will, which manifests itself in everything that exists. He also argued that human life is full of suffering and frustration, caused by the conflict between the will and the representation. He proposed that the only way to escape from this misery is to renounce the will and to achieve a state of detachment and resignation.
Schopenhauer also wrote On the Basis of Morality, which criticizes Kant's moral philosophy and proposes a morality based on compassion. He also wrote On the Freedom of the Will, which denies the existence of free will and argues that human actions are determined by motives and character. He also wrote The Art of Being Right, which exposes the tricks and fallacies of dialectical argumentation.
Some comparisons of East and West
Schopenhauer was one of the first western philosophers to show an interest in eastern philosophy, especially Buddhism and Hinduism. He was impressed by their teachings on the nature of reality, the causes of suffering, and the paths to liberation. He also found similarities between his own philosophy and theirs, such as the concept of the will, the idea of illusion, and the goal of renunciation.
However, Schopenhauer was not alone in his appreciation of eastern philosophy. Many other western philosophers have been influenced by or have