Anthony C. Grayling Libros

The follow-up to THE MEANING OF THINGS which continues AC Grayling's philosophical journey through life schovat popis

Leading philosopher's guide to the ideas that will shape the 21st century.

This is the first truly authoritative and accessible history of philosophy encompassing both Western and Eastern traditions. It narrates the epic tale of philosophy, exploring the ideas and teachings of some of humanity's most creative minds. Since Bertrand Russell's classic work in 1945, there has been no comprehensive single-volume history of this intellectual journey. A.C. Grayling guides readers from the worldviews before the age of the Buddha, Confucius, and Socrates, through the dominance of Christianity in Europe, the Renaissance, and Enlightenment, to thinkers like Mill, Nietzsche, and Sartre, and contemporary philosophy. The narrative also includes a comparative survey of significant philosophical traditions from India, China, and the Persian-Arabic world. Accessible for students and enlightening for philosophy enthusiasts, it addresses key areas such as epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, aesthetics, logic, the philosophy of mind, language, political philosophy, and historical debates, featuring both renowned and lesser-known thinkers. Grayling prompts reflection on what we have learned from this body of thought and the progress still to be made. This landmark work stands out for its remarkable range and accessibility, making it a significant contribution to the field.

From the bestselling philosopher, an ambitious and gripping history of science, thought, life on earth and the human mind itself - and what we might know in the future What do we know, and how do we know it? What do we now know that we don't know? And what have we learnt about the obstacles to knowing more? In a time of deepening battles over what knowledge and truth mean, these questions matter more than ever. Bestselling polymath and philosopher A. C. Grayling seeks to answer them in three crucial areas at the frontiers of knowledge- science, history, and psychology. In each area he illustrates how each field has advanced to where it is now, from the rise of technology to quantum theory, from the dawn of humanity to debates around national histories, from ancient ideas of the brain to modern theories of the mind

As democracy shows signs of decay, how do we not only arrest its decline but build something better - a state which is democratic in the fullest sense?

A. C. Grayling's lucid and stimulating books, based on the idea that philosophy should engage with the world and make itself useful, invariably cause discussion. The Challenge of Things joins earlier collections such as The Reason of Things and Thinking of Answers, collecting Grayling's recent writings on the world in a time of war and conflict. In describing and exposing the dark side of things, he also explores ways out of the habits and prejudices of mind that would otherwise trap us forever in the deadly impasses of conflicts of all kinds. Whether he is writing about the First World War and its legacy, free speech, the advantages of an atheist prime minister or the role of science in the arts, his essays are always enlightening, enlivening, and hopeful.

The often-violent conflicts of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries were sparked by the pursuit of freedom of thought. In time, this drive led to bitter fighting, including the English Civil War. Then came revolutions in America and France that swept away monarchies for more representative forms of government and making possible the abolition of slavery, the enfranchisement of women, and the idea of universal human rights and freedoms. Each of these struggles was a memorable human drama, and Grayling interweaves the stories of these heroes, including Martin Luther, Mary Wollstonecraft and Rosa Parks, whose sacrifices make us value these precious rights, especially in an age when governments under pressure find it necessary to restrict rights in the name of freedom.

Thinking about life, what it means and what it holds in store does not have to be a despondent experience, but rather can be enlightening and uplifting. A life truly worth living is one that is informed and considered so a degree of philosophical insight into the inevitabilities of the human condition is inherently important and such an approach will help us to deal with real personal dilemmas. This book is an accessible, lively and thought-provoking series of linked commentaries, based on A. C. Grayling's 'The Last Word' column in the Guardian. Its aim is not to persuade readers to accept one particular philosophical point of view or theory, but to help us consider the wonderful range of insights which can be drawn from an immeasurably rich history of philosophical thought. Concepts covered include courage, love, betrayal, ambition, cruelty, wisdom, passion, beauty and death. This will be a wonderfully stimulating read and act as an invaluable guide as to what is truly important in living life, whether facing success, failure, justice, wrong, love, loss or any of the other profound experience life throws out.

The new bestseller from one of Britain's most pre-eminent philosophers and arguably the best known, A.C. Grayling

Following the huge success of THE MEANING OF THINGS and THE REASON OF THINGS, a third collection of bestselling essays from Britain's top philosopher.