What do you think?
Rate this book
History of Philosophy ; With Philosophy Since 1860 by Ralph Barton Perry
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
- GenresPhilosophy
Hardcover
First published March 24, 2013
About the author
Alfred Weber
5 books1 followerLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Alfred^^Weber
1835-1914
Translator
Alfred^^Weber
1835-1914
Translator
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 19, 2017
just picked it up after few months. it is readable, covers ground from Greek till the positivism thought. for the beginner, this text is not recommended. one needs to have clarity with the basics before trying it. on some topics i found the book vague like Russell's atomism, constructions, existentialism etc.
June 13, 2023
I prefer this over Russell's History
July 15, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
Frank Thilly, A History of Philosophy, Allahabad, Central Publishing House (cPh), 2007 (Reprint2016), XIII+453, INR: 220/-, ISBN: 978-81-85444-40-6. “A HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY” the book written by the late Professor Frank Thilly first appeared over forty years ago, and an extensively appeared in 1951. In this book Thilly clearly and in a detailed manner teaches and guides all the key requirements and important Philosophers starting from ancient GREEK philosophers to the ANALYTICAL philosophy of Modern Philosophy. In these book author is trying to give a detail information about the development and fast growth of philosophical ideas from ancient time till now. Thilly mainly concentrates on the philosophical growth which has mainly happened in the WEST [Western Philosophy]. The main of writing these book is for mainly education purpose, and it can also work as a great guideline and a reference for all those who are interested in studying Western Philosophy. It is the simple and most easily referable book for any beginner who is interested in Western Philosophy.
The outstanding characteristic of Professor Frank Thilly’s approach to The History of Philosophy was the objectivity and impartiality of his historical attitude, which escaped the distorting effect of a dogmatic interpretation of historical development. Thilly allowed the Philosophers to speak for themselves and, in the conviction that the later systems in the history of philosophy provide the best criticism to a minimum. Thilly has beautifully tried to illustrate each and every philosophers starting from ancient times i.e. Thales, Anaximander, Anaximenes, and many more. The key points in Thilly’s work is that he gives a very brief short summary of the situation that prevailed and a detail history of each and every philosophers, which is very useful for the student who wants to study Western Philosophy.
Thilly’s first feature of the book is that, he did not allow his own philosophical biases to obtrude in his account of the historical figures with whom he dealt. Thilly himself was the propagator of two main philosophical ideas that of Idealism and Rationalism. He was more successful in the presentation of historical theories with which he was in disagreement than of those which he was in sympathy. Professor Thilly’s idealism was closer to the critical idealism of Kant than to the dogmatic idealism of Hegel. He considered mind an indubitable fact whose existence was guaranteed by introspective experience. His idealism was, however, not a subjectivism which denied the external world or reduced it to the status of mere appearance, and his rationalism insisted that experience, or nature, had rational structure and coherence which render it intelligible to man’s rational mind. His was not a dogmatic rationalism of the Cartesian variety which posits innate, self –evident truths, but rather a critical rationalism, which considers the basic truths of mathematics and the underlying assumptions of science and philosophy to be indispensable presuppositions of an intelligible world. A second feature of the book which explains its sustained success is the sense of proportion displayed in the presentation of thinkers in their place in philosophical movements. Without adopting a Hegelian dialectic of the history of philosophy, Thilly discerned an inner logic in historical development. Thilly’s assimilation of philosophers to movements was particularly skillful in his organization of the modern period. Bacon and Hobbes were grouped together apart from the British empiricism of Locke, Berkeley, and Hume. Descartes and Spinoza, were considered together, as the founders of continental rationalism, and Leibniz, instead of being included, as customary. A third feature was the clarity and simplicity of Thilly’s style.
Frank Thilly, A History of Philosophy, Allahabad, Central Publishing House (cPh), 2007 (Reprint2016), XIII+453, INR: 220/-, ISBN: 978-81-85444-40-6. “A HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY” the book written by the late Professor Frank Thilly first appeared over forty years ago, and an extensively appeared in 1951. In this book Thilly clearly and in a detailed manner teaches and guides all the key requirements and important Philosophers starting from ancient GREEK philosophers to the ANALYTICAL philosophy of Modern Philosophy. In these book author is trying to give a detail information about the development and fast growth of philosophical ideas from ancient time till now. Thilly mainly concentrates on the philosophical growth which has mainly happened in the WEST [Western Philosophy]. The main of writing these book is for mainly education purpose, and it can also work as a great guideline and a reference for all those who are interested in studying Western Philosophy. It is the simple and most easily referable book for any beginner who is interested in Western Philosophy.
The outstanding characteristic of Professor Frank Thilly’s approach to The History of Philosophy was the objectivity and impartiality of his historical attitude, which escaped the distorting effect of a dogmatic interpretation of historical development. Thilly allowed the Philosophers to speak for themselves and, in the conviction that the later systems in the history of philosophy provide the best criticism to a minimum. Thilly has beautifully tried to illustrate each and every philosophers starting from ancient times i.e. Thales, Anaximander, Anaximenes, and many more. The key points in Thilly’s work is that he gives a very brief short summary of the situation that prevailed and a detail history of each and every philosophers, which is very useful for the student who wants to study Western Philosophy.
Thilly’s first feature of the book is that, he did not allow his own philosophical biases to obtrude in his account of the historical figures with whom he dealt. Thilly himself was the propagator of two main philosophical ideas that of Idealism and Rationalism. He was more successful in the presentation of historical theories with which he was in disagreement than of those which he was in sympathy. Professor Thilly’s idealism was closer to the critical idealism of Kant than to the dogmatic idealism of Hegel. He considered mind an indubitable fact whose existence was guaranteed by introspective experience. His idealism was, however, not a subjectivism which denied the external world or reduced it to the status of mere appearance, and his rationalism insisted that experience, or nature, had rational structure and coherence which render it intelligible to man’s rational mind. His was not a dogmatic rationalism of the Cartesian variety which posits innate, self –evident truths, but rather a critical rationalism, which considers the basic truths of mathematics and the underlying assumptions of science and philosophy to be indispensable presuppositions of an intelligible world. A second feature of the book which explains its sustained success is the sense of proportion displayed in the presentation of thinkers in their place in philosophical movements. Without adopting a Hegelian dialectic of the history of philosophy, Thilly discerned an inner logic in historical development. Thilly’s assimilation of philosophers to movements was particularly skillful in his organization of the modern period. Bacon and Hobbes were grouped together apart from the British empiricism of Locke, Berkeley, and Hume. Descartes and Spinoza, were considered together, as the founders of continental rationalism, and Leibniz, instead of being included, as customary. A third feature was the clarity and simplicity of Thilly’s style.
February 20, 2025
Alfred Weber’s History of Philosophy is a comprehensive survey of Western philosophical thought, tracing its development from ancient Greece to the 19th century. First published in the late 19th century, the work reflects the intellectual climate of its time while striving to provide an objective and systematic account of philosophical doctrines. Weber, a French philosopher and historian, approaches the subject with a commitment to both historical rigor and conceptual clarity, making his work a valuable resource for students and scholars of philosophy. Despite certain historiographical limitations and an interpretative framework influenced by 19th-century European thought, History of Philosophy remains a significant contribution to the study of intellectual history.
Weber’s History of Philosophy is structured as a chronological exposition of philosophical ideas, examining how different thinkers and schools of thought have contributed to the evolution of philosophical inquiry. His primary thesis is that philosophy is a progressive discipline, shaped by the interplay of metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical concerns across different historical periods. Weber does not merely catalog philosophical ideas but seeks to show how they emerge in response to prior debates and broader cultural and scientific developments.
The book is divided into major sections corresponding to different historical epochs: ancient philosophy, medieval scholasticism, early modern philosophy, and 19th-century thought. Within each section, Weber provides detailed discussions of key figures and movements, analyzing their contributions and influence. He pays particular attention to the dialectical relationships between thinkers, illustrating how philosophical systems arise through a process of critique and synthesis.
Weber adopts a historical-analytical approach, combining exposition with critical evaluation. His treatment of each philosopher is both descriptive and interpretative; he outlines their main ideas while also assessing their logical coherence and historical impact. The book is structured in a way that facilitates both linear reading and selective consultation, making it useful as both a textbook and a reference work.
Weber’s methodology is informed by a belief in the cumulative development of philosophy. He views philosophical history as a continuous dialogue in which each new system builds upon and refines the insights of its predecessors. While this perspective highlights the interconnectedness of philosophical ideas, it also reflects a somewhat teleological view of intellectual progress, characteristic of 19th-century historiography.
One of Weber’s central concerns is the development of metaphysics, from its origins in Greek philosophy to its transformations in the modern era. He provides a detailed account of the Pre-Socratics, emphasizing their attempts to explain the fundamental nature of reality, and then moves on to Plato and Aristotle, whom he sees as foundational figures in Western thought. His treatment of medieval philosophy highlights the synthesis of Greek metaphysics with Christian theology, particularly in the works of Augustine and Aquinas.
In his discussion of modern philosophy, Weber traces the shift from metaphysical speculation to epistemological inquiry, particularly in the works of Descartes, Locke, and Kant. He presents Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason as a pivotal moment in philosophical history, marking the transition from dogmatic metaphysics to critical philosophy. However, his analysis of post-Kantian thinkers, such as Hegel and Schopenhauer, is somewhat compressed, reflecting a tendency to prioritize earlier philosophical developments.
Weber pays significant attention to the relationship between philosophy and scientific progress, particularly in the modern era. He discusses how the scientific revolution of the 17th century influenced philosophical inquiry, leading to new questions about knowledge, perception, and causality. His treatment of empiricism and rationalism highlights the ways in which philosophers grappled with the implications of scientific discoveries, culminating in Kant’s synthesis of these traditions.
Weber also examines the impact of 19th-century scientific developments on philosophy, particularly in relation to positivism and materialism. He discusses Comte’s positivist philosophy as an attempt to establish a scientific foundation for human knowledge, while also addressing the challenges posed by Darwinism and the emerging field of psychology. However, his account of 19th-century philosophy is less detailed than his treatment of earlier periods, suggesting a bias toward classical and early modern thought.
Throughout the book, Weber explores the ethical and political dimensions of philosophical thought, examining how different thinkers have addressed questions of morality, justice, and the nature of the good life. He provides extensive discussions of Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Christian ethics, highlighting their influence on later philosophical traditions. His analysis of modern moral philosophy focuses on Kantian ethics and utilitarianism, emphasizing the tension between deontological and consequentialist approaches to morality.
In his discussion of political philosophy, Weber traces the evolution of ideas about the state, sovereignty, and individual rights. He examines the social contract theories of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, as well as the emergence of liberal and socialist thought in the 19th century. While he acknowledges the historical significance of these debates, his treatment of political philosophy is somewhat secondary to his focus on metaphysics and epistemology.
Weber’s History of Philosophy is a remarkable synthesis of philosophical thought, offering clear and systematic accounts of complex ideas. His ability to present abstract concepts in an accessible manner makes the book an excellent introduction to the history of philosophy. Moreover, his emphasis on the interconnectedness of philosophical ideas provides a valuable perspective on intellectual history.
However, the book is not without its limitations. One of the most notable is its Eurocentrism; Weber focuses almost exclusively on Western philosophy, with little attention given to non-Western traditions. While this reflects the scholarly conventions of his time, it limits the book’s scope and relevance for contemporary global philosophy.
Additionally, Weber’s progressive view of philosophical history, while useful for understanding intellectual development, can sometimes lead to an oversimplified narrative. By emphasizing continuity and progress, he underplays the role of ruptures, crises, and alternative perspectives that do not fit neatly into a linear framework. This is particularly evident in his treatment of 19th-century philosophy, where his analysis is less detailed than his discussions of earlier periods.
Another potential critique is Weber’s relatively limited engagement with existentialism, phenomenology, and other movements that were emerging in his own time. While this is understandable given the book’s historical focus, it means that readers seeking insights into late 19th- and early 20th-century philosophy may find the book less useful.
Despite these limitations, History of Philosophy remains a valuable work for students and scholars interested in the historical development of philosophical thought. It provides a clear and comprehensive overview of major philosophical ideas while also offering insightful interpretations of their significance. While more recent histories of philosophy have expanded upon Weber’s work by incorporating non-Western traditions and alternative perspectives, his book remains a foundational text in the field.
Alfred Weber’s History of Philosophy is a thorough and engaging account of the evolution of Western thought, offering a structured and accessible introduction to major philosophical ideas. While it reflects some of the biases and historiographical assumptions of its time, it remains a significant contribution to the study of philosophy. For those seeking a historical overview that emphasizes the continuity and development of philosophical inquiry, Weber’s work is an invaluable resource. However, readers interested in more contemporary perspectives or global philosophy may need to supplement it with more recent scholarship.
In sum, History of Philosophy is a work of historical synthesis that, despite its limitations, continues to provide valuable insights into the intellectual heritage of Western thought. Its clarity, depth, and systematic approach make it a useful text for both students and scholars, ensuring its place in the history of philosophical literature.
GPT
Weber’s History of Philosophy is structured as a chronological exposition of philosophical ideas, examining how different thinkers and schools of thought have contributed to the evolution of philosophical inquiry. His primary thesis is that philosophy is a progressive discipline, shaped by the interplay of metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical concerns across different historical periods. Weber does not merely catalog philosophical ideas but seeks to show how they emerge in response to prior debates and broader cultural and scientific developments.
The book is divided into major sections corresponding to different historical epochs: ancient philosophy, medieval scholasticism, early modern philosophy, and 19th-century thought. Within each section, Weber provides detailed discussions of key figures and movements, analyzing their contributions and influence. He pays particular attention to the dialectical relationships between thinkers, illustrating how philosophical systems arise through a process of critique and synthesis.
Weber adopts a historical-analytical approach, combining exposition with critical evaluation. His treatment of each philosopher is both descriptive and interpretative; he outlines their main ideas while also assessing their logical coherence and historical impact. The book is structured in a way that facilitates both linear reading and selective consultation, making it useful as both a textbook and a reference work.
Weber’s methodology is informed by a belief in the cumulative development of philosophy. He views philosophical history as a continuous dialogue in which each new system builds upon and refines the insights of its predecessors. While this perspective highlights the interconnectedness of philosophical ideas, it also reflects a somewhat teleological view of intellectual progress, characteristic of 19th-century historiography.
One of Weber’s central concerns is the development of metaphysics, from its origins in Greek philosophy to its transformations in the modern era. He provides a detailed account of the Pre-Socratics, emphasizing their attempts to explain the fundamental nature of reality, and then moves on to Plato and Aristotle, whom he sees as foundational figures in Western thought. His treatment of medieval philosophy highlights the synthesis of Greek metaphysics with Christian theology, particularly in the works of Augustine and Aquinas.
In his discussion of modern philosophy, Weber traces the shift from metaphysical speculation to epistemological inquiry, particularly in the works of Descartes, Locke, and Kant. He presents Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason as a pivotal moment in philosophical history, marking the transition from dogmatic metaphysics to critical philosophy. However, his analysis of post-Kantian thinkers, such as Hegel and Schopenhauer, is somewhat compressed, reflecting a tendency to prioritize earlier philosophical developments.
Weber pays significant attention to the relationship between philosophy and scientific progress, particularly in the modern era. He discusses how the scientific revolution of the 17th century influenced philosophical inquiry, leading to new questions about knowledge, perception, and causality. His treatment of empiricism and rationalism highlights the ways in which philosophers grappled with the implications of scientific discoveries, culminating in Kant’s synthesis of these traditions.
Weber also examines the impact of 19th-century scientific developments on philosophy, particularly in relation to positivism and materialism. He discusses Comte’s positivist philosophy as an attempt to establish a scientific foundation for human knowledge, while also addressing the challenges posed by Darwinism and the emerging field of psychology. However, his account of 19th-century philosophy is less detailed than his treatment of earlier periods, suggesting a bias toward classical and early modern thought.
Throughout the book, Weber explores the ethical and political dimensions of philosophical thought, examining how different thinkers have addressed questions of morality, justice, and the nature of the good life. He provides extensive discussions of Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Christian ethics, highlighting their influence on later philosophical traditions. His analysis of modern moral philosophy focuses on Kantian ethics and utilitarianism, emphasizing the tension between deontological and consequentialist approaches to morality.
In his discussion of political philosophy, Weber traces the evolution of ideas about the state, sovereignty, and individual rights. He examines the social contract theories of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, as well as the emergence of liberal and socialist thought in the 19th century. While he acknowledges the historical significance of these debates, his treatment of political philosophy is somewhat secondary to his focus on metaphysics and epistemology.
Weber’s History of Philosophy is a remarkable synthesis of philosophical thought, offering clear and systematic accounts of complex ideas. His ability to present abstract concepts in an accessible manner makes the book an excellent introduction to the history of philosophy. Moreover, his emphasis on the interconnectedness of philosophical ideas provides a valuable perspective on intellectual history.
However, the book is not without its limitations. One of the most notable is its Eurocentrism; Weber focuses almost exclusively on Western philosophy, with little attention given to non-Western traditions. While this reflects the scholarly conventions of his time, it limits the book’s scope and relevance for contemporary global philosophy.
Additionally, Weber’s progressive view of philosophical history, while useful for understanding intellectual development, can sometimes lead to an oversimplified narrative. By emphasizing continuity and progress, he underplays the role of ruptures, crises, and alternative perspectives that do not fit neatly into a linear framework. This is particularly evident in his treatment of 19th-century philosophy, where his analysis is less detailed than his discussions of earlier periods.
Another potential critique is Weber’s relatively limited engagement with existentialism, phenomenology, and other movements that were emerging in his own time. While this is understandable given the book’s historical focus, it means that readers seeking insights into late 19th- and early 20th-century philosophy may find the book less useful.
Despite these limitations, History of Philosophy remains a valuable work for students and scholars interested in the historical development of philosophical thought. It provides a clear and comprehensive overview of major philosophical ideas while also offering insightful interpretations of their significance. While more recent histories of philosophy have expanded upon Weber’s work by incorporating non-Western traditions and alternative perspectives, his book remains a foundational text in the field.
Alfred Weber’s History of Philosophy is a thorough and engaging account of the evolution of Western thought, offering a structured and accessible introduction to major philosophical ideas. While it reflects some of the biases and historiographical assumptions of its time, it remains a significant contribution to the study of philosophy. For those seeking a historical overview that emphasizes the continuity and development of philosophical inquiry, Weber’s work is an invaluable resource. However, readers interested in more contemporary perspectives or global philosophy may need to supplement it with more recent scholarship.
In sum, History of Philosophy is a work of historical synthesis that, despite its limitations, continues to provide valuable insights into the intellectual heritage of Western thought. Its clarity, depth, and systematic approach make it a useful text for both students and scholars, ensuring its place in the history of philosophical literature.
GPT
Want to Read
June 25, 2020Such a nice book
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews