Great Thinkers of the Western World: The Major Ideas and Classic Works of More Than 100 Outstanding Western Philosophers, Physical and Social Scientists, Psychologists, Religious Writers and Theologians

by Ian Philip McGreal

Great Thinkers of the Western World is a concise and authoritative guide to the principal theoretical ideas of the outstanding thinkers in Western history. From Parmenides to Albert Camus, theses men and women have profoundly influenced the development of Western civilization through their theories and revolutionary ideas and by providing intellectual, scientific or spiritual illumination. Articles on 116 thinkers are arranged chronologically, making it essay for readers to follow and appreciate the development of ideas from the early Greeks through the first half of the twentieth century. Each article provides basic biographical information, a list of the thinker's major works, a summary of his or her principal ideas, an essay explaining the thinker's most significant theories and indicating his or her place in the history of thought and a brief bibliography of further readings. An absorbing, accessible and highly informative introduction to the greatest minds of Western civilization, Great Thinkers of the Western World improves our understanding of Western thought and how it evolved.

Genres: Philosophy, Reference, Nonfiction

592 pages, Hardcover

First published September 23, 1992

Reviews

[Brenton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read all the entries. But I've found this to be a good resource for basic biographical information, key works and major ideas drawn from major thinkers in the western intellectual tradition.

[Marcie · Rating 3 out of 5]

fun reference book.

[Rick Eng · Rating 5 out of 5]

An indispensable reference. Fine descriptions that will encourage you to read further about the figures included in this book.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short but concise biographies of the most influential thinkers arranged cronologically.