Of all the courses at university that I took, the one that paid the greatest dividends over time was a first year course on philosophy. My prof was not a particularly effective instructor, in fact, I'd have to say he was pretty bad, but the subject matter shone right through, although it has taken a few decades to restore the gloss of the subject to its full sheen. That does not mean there isn't some dreck that masquerades as philosophy, but the beauty of study is that it should equip one to discern what is useful and what is not.
Thanks to MJA, Max and the Center for the Study of the Great Ideas for providing the means and the motivation for making philosophy the fruitful object of life time study.
Bryan Magee's Story of Philosophy is a good basic survey. He takes almost the opposite approach to Durant. Whereas Durant ignores epistemology and skips over thinkers like Descartes, Locke, and Hume, Magee makes epistemology the center of his story, and shows how the ethical and political views of the philosophers emerged from their respective theories of knowledge.
BTW, I am a little confused about this blog. Are the Center members supposed to be able to contribute original posts? Or are you just asking us to read the posts and leave comments? Either way, it's a good idea for promoting the Center.
A good introduction (though not a survey to philosopher) to philosophy is Jacques Maritain's Introduction to Philosophy. At least I found it very well written, insightful, and useful.
Thanks to Jaime's rec, I've ordered Maritain's Intro to Philosophy from amazon. See my views in brief on the topic of surveys of philosophy on the "Newer Page" of this blog.
Thanks, JMA, for the prod on Magee. I have his Confessions of a Philosopher and was a bit put off by his love of Schopenhauer and Nietzsche. I will go back and try to read it in a more sympathetic light and if that works, may try his Story of Philosophy. I certainly believe that epistemology should get fairer treatment than old Will gives it!
BTW, I think Max would like us to carry on this conversation on the other thread - if you haven't found it yet, click on the title "Center for the Study of The Great Ideas" and you should get there. I had a little bit of navigation trouble earlier today, but think I understand it now. A little epistemic risk, as it were!
Hi folks (hey Terry). Mark Brawner here, San Diego, CA. Member since 1996 or so, when I fist started emailing Max during my grad-studenthood at St. John's College, Annapolis.
"ambrose mensch" is my blogger display name and 'apocaloopsis' is my silly little more-or-less anonymous blog.
Of all the courses at university that I took, the one that paid the greatest dividends over time was a first year course on philosophy. My prof was not a particularly effective instructor, in fact, I'd have to say he was pretty bad, but the subject matter shone right through, although it has taken a few decades to restore the gloss of the subject to its full sheen. That does not mean there isn't some dreck that masquerades as philosophy, but the beauty of study is that it should equip one to discern what is useful and what is not.
ReplyDeleteThanks to MJA, Max and the Center for the Study of the Great Ideas for providing the means and the motivation for making philosophy the fruitful object of life time study.
Mike Murphy/Toronto
A site such as this is needed. I sincerely hope that it will be well used
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the world of blogging, Max.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea Max. Its been added to my netvibe page to track and respond.
ReplyDeleteCarl
Bryan Magee's Story of Philosophy is a good basic survey. He takes almost the opposite approach to Durant. Whereas Durant ignores epistemology and skips over thinkers like Descartes, Locke, and Hume, Magee makes epistemology the center of his story, and shows how the ethical and political views of the philosophers emerged from their respective theories of knowledge.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I am a little confused about this blog. Are the Center members supposed to be able to contribute original posts? Or are you just asking us to read the posts and leave comments? Either way, it's a good idea for promoting the Center.
Dear Joseph.
ReplyDelete>BTW, I am a little confused about this blog. Are the Center members supposed to be able to contribute original posts?
By all means, that is the idea!
>Or are you just asking us to read the posts and leave comments?
That too!
>Either way, it's a good idea for promoting the Center.
Thank you!
Complete agree with Mike Murphy in thanking MJA, Max and the Center.
ReplyDeleteJaime Huerta/LA
A good introduction (though not a survey to philosopher) to philosophy is Jacques Maritain's Introduction to Philosophy. At least I found it very well written, insightful, and useful.
ReplyDeleteJaime Huerta/LA
Thanks to Jaime's rec, I've ordered Maritain's Intro to Philosophy from amazon. See my views in brief on the topic of surveys of philosophy on the "Newer Page" of this blog.
ReplyDeleteMike Murphy/Toronto
Thanks, JMA, for the prod on Magee. I have his Confessions of a Philosopher and was a bit put off by his love of Schopenhauer and Nietzsche. I will go back and try to read it in a more sympathetic light and if that works, may try his Story of Philosophy. I certainly believe that epistemology should get fairer treatment than old Will gives it!
ReplyDeleteBTW, I think Max would like us to carry on this conversation on the other thread - if you haven't found it yet, click on the title "Center for the Study of The Great Ideas" and you should get there. I had a little bit of navigation trouble earlier today, but think I understand it now. A little epistemic risk, as it were!
Mike Murphy/Toronto
The very first book, I ever read on philosophy, was Maritain's "Introduction to Philosophy" --for what ever that is worth.
ReplyDeleteHi folks (hey Terry). Mark Brawner here, San Diego, CA. Member since 1996 or so, when I fist started emailing Max during my grad-studenthood at St. John's College, Annapolis.
ReplyDelete"ambrose mensch" is my blogger display name and 'apocaloopsis' is my silly little more-or-less anonymous blog.
Good move, Max. Enjoying it already.