Populærfilosofi

‘100 Quotes by Lao Tseu’ is a collection of thoughts and reflections by one of the most influential figures in Chinese philosophy.Thoughtful, reflective, and with a focus on personal development, his ideas are food for any hungry soul.An ideal read for those with an interest in philosophy, this book is superb for dipping in and out of, particularly if you’re in search of a drop of practical wisdom.Commonly referred to as the ‘Old Master,’ Lao Tseu (4th century) is thought to have been born in the Hu district, part of the Henan province. What little is known about him suggests that he was a court astrologer and historian under the Zhou dynasty.According to legend, Tseu met Confucius and accused him of being too arrogant and ambitious. Subsequently, Confucius hailed him as something close to a dragon, seeing the world from above the clouds.Tseu’s travels are equally shrouded in mythology, with many stating that he travelled to the pass separating the Wei valleys and the Yellow River. There, he was challenged to write a book, by the guardian, Yinxi. The result was the ‘Daodejing,’ Tseu’s thoughts on the purpose and fulfilment of life.

‘100 Quotes by Jean de la Fontaine’ uncovers one of the most widely read French poets of the 17th century.In this impressive collection, readers are invited to explore Fontaine’s influence on the French language, discovering pockets of wisdom and wit along the way.Having been depicted resisting the rule of Louis XIV during the dawn of the French Revolution in the 2007 film ‘Jean de la Fontaine’, his quotes are a must-read for those looking to discover one of the greatest thinkers - and writers - of the age.Ideal for Hugh Jackman fans of 'Les Misérables'.Jean de la Fontaine (1621-1695) was one of the most widely-read French poets of the 17th century. Known for his ‘Fables’, he explored a traditional style of French verse dating back to the Middle Ages.His influence on the French language today is reflected by his prestigious reception into the Académie Française, along with the many statues, pictures and depictions of Fontaine on coins, medals and stamps.

It’s no secret that writers often used their books, poems, and plays to impart observations, thoughts, and reflections.This was also the case for the literature of the 17th century which followed France’s pioneering status in politics and culture.‘500 Quotations from the Great French Writers of the 17th Century’ offers a fascinating snapshot of that changing society, seen through the eyes of some of the best writers of the era.A superb book for dipping in and out of, this makes a great gift for anyone with an interest in French literature.One of the most popular French poets of the 17th century, Jean de la Fontaine (1621 – 1695) was a pioneer of the fabulist form of literature. Imbuing animals with human characteristics, he paved the way for other fabulists to follow. Recognised as one of the three most important playwrights of the era, Pierre Corneille (1606 – 1684) is best remembered for his tragedies. He wrote 37 plays, including ‘El Cid.’The next of the three French greats, Jean Racine (1639 – 1699) was also a tragedian known for his use of brutal yet eloquent speech. Completing the trio is Moliere (1622 – 1673). While his peers wrote tragedies, Moliere focused on comedies and his plays have been translated into almost every language on the planet. Jean de La Bruyère (1645 – 1696) was a philosopher and satirist whose works satirised many of his contemporaries.

Uncover the wisdom from the master of short-form himself, Guy de Maupassant, in this collection of carefully selected quotes. French author and representative of the literary movement ‘Naturalism’, Maupassant’s short stories weave expert observation and reflection with deep social insight.Typically set during the Franco-Prussian war of 1870, he focused on human lives and their fateful destinies. His first published story, ‘Boule de Suif’, remains his most celebrated work today.With this impressive collection of Maupassant quotes, readers are invited to peak behind the scenes at his musings and thoughts. This weaves a must-read collection for those looking to discover one of France’s most influential writers to date.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French author and representative of the literary movement ‘Naturalism’. His impressive short story collection spans 'Boule de Suife', Une Vie', 'Bel-Ami', 'La Moustache' and 'A Woman's Life'.Maupassant remains today a wide influence on culture, with numerous plays and adaptations continuously in the work - especially for the much loved moral tale 'Boule de Suife'.

‘300 Quotations from the Great Artists of the 20th Century’ is a collection of wit and wisdom from some of the 20th century’s greatest minds.The cherry-picked selection of quotes includes musings from martial arts expert and actor Bruce Lee, actor and comedian Groucho Marx, and Irish Playwright, George Bernard Shaw.This highly recommended collection is an inspiring, educational, and humorous listen, and will delight those who need some extra motivation or just a quick laugh.George Bernard Shaw (1856 – 1950) was an Irish playwright, critic, and political activist, best known for his works ‘Man and Superman’, ‘Pygmalion’ and ‘Saint Joan’. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925.Julius Henry ‘Groucho’ Marx (1890 – 1977) was an American comedian, actor, and writer, regarded as one of America's greatest comedians and a master of the one-liner. He is most famous for his Marx Brothers films, including ‘A Night at the Opera’ and ‘Duck Soup’.Bruce Lee (1940 –1973) was a Hong Kong born American martial arts expert, actor and director, best remembered for his martial arts films, including ‘Fist of Fury’.

‘300 Quotes to Learn Strategy with Sun Tzu, Machiavelli, Napoleon’ is a collection of insightful quotes from three of the world’s greatest-ever leaders, generals and thinkers.From Niccolò Machiavelli, the father of modern political philosophy, and Sun Tzu, an ancient Chinese general and military strategist, to Napoleon Bonaparte, the famous French Emperor of France, this brilliant collection will teach you everything there is to know about strategy.Napoleon Bonaparte (1769 - 1821) was a French military and political leader who was also Emperor of France. He remains one of the most celebrated and controversial leaders in world history and his legacy still resonates today.Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli (1469 –1527) was an Italian historian, author, and diplomat often referred to as the Father of modern political philosophy and political science.Sun Tzu was an ancient Chinese general, military strategist, writer, and philosopher, best known for his book ‘The Art of War’, which continues to inspire military thinking to this day.

‘300 Quotes from Inspiring Women’ is a collection of inspirational, humorous, and insightful quotes from women who have left an indelible mark on history with their bravery, wisdom, and selflessness.This uplifting compilation includes memorable thoughts and words from Anne Frank, Jane Eyre, and Mother Teresa.‘300 Quotes from Inspiring Women’ is ideal for those needing some extra motivation from three inspirational female figures.Jane Austen (1775 –1817) was an English novelist, best-known for her novels ´Sense and Sensibility’ (1811), ‘Pride and Prejudice’ (1813), ‘Mansfield Park’ (1814), and ‘Emma’ (1816). Her work has been adapted for TV and film on many occasions, including the TV series ‘Sanditon’.Anne Frank (1929 – 1945) was a German-Dutch jew who famously wrote a diary that detailed life in Holland under Nazi occupation, called ‘The Diary of a Young Girl’.Mother Teresa (1910 –1997) was born in North Macedonia and became a Roman Catholic nun and missionary. She spent most of her life in India helping the poor and the sick and won the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize.

‘300 Quotes from English Writers’ is a carefully crafted collection of quotes from some of England’s greatest-ever writers, including Jane Austen and William Shakespeare.Between them, they are responsible for many of the world's most famous literary works, such as ‘Hamlet’, ‘Macbeth’, ‘Sense and Sensibility’, and ‘Pride and Prejudice’. This compilation contains many famous quotes and is guaranteed to inspire, educate, and amuse.‘300 Quotes from English Writers’ will delight fans of some of the greatest English authors.Jane Austen (1775 –1817) was an English novelist, best known for her novels ‘Sense and Sensibility’ (1811), ‘Pride and Prejudice’ (1813), and ‘Emma’ (1816). Her work has been adapted for TV and film on many occasions, including the TV series ‘Sanditon’.William Shakespeare (1564 – 1616) was an English playwright and poet, considered the greatest writer in the English language and the world's greatest-ever dramatist. His works have been adapted for film, radio, theatre, and TV all around the world, and his writing continues to inspire and delight audiences to this day.Georg Christoph Lichtenberg (1742 – 1799) was a German-born English physicist and satirist.

‘300 Quotes from Russian Writers’ is a carefully crafted collection of inspiration, wit, and wisdom from some of the greatest ever Russian writers, including Fyodor Dostoievsky, Léo Tolstoy and Anton Chekov.These giants of literature are considered among the greatest writers to have ever lived and are responsible for some of the world’s most influential and highly acclaimed works.A carefully crafted collection, ‘300 Quotes from Russian Writers’ is ideal for anyone with an inquiring mind about the musings of some of Russia's greatest authors.Anton Pavlovich Chekhov (1860 –1904) was a Russian playwright and short-story writer who is considered to be one of the greatest writers in the world. He is best known for his works ‘The Seagull’ and ‘Uncle Vanya’.Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky (1821 – 1881) was a Russian novelist and short story writer. His most celebrated novels include ‘Crime and Punishment’ (1866), ‘The Idiot’ (1869), and ‘The Brothers Karamazov’ (1880).Leo Tolstoy (1828 –1910) was a Russian writer who is regarded as one of the greatest writers of all time. Best known for his great novels ‘War and Peace’ (1869) and ‘Anna Karenina’ (1878).

‘300 Quotations from the Stoic Philosophers’ is a collection of insightful, educational, and inspiring quotes from some of the greatest ever Stoic philosophers, such as Epictetus, Seneca the Younger, and Marcus Aurelius.Founded in Athens in the 3rd century BC, Stoicism is a school of philosophy which centres around the belief that the practice of virtue is both necessary and sufficient to achieve happiness.Stoicism remains an important and influential school of thought, thus making this collection highly relevant for people who need some extra philosophical guidance.Marcus Aurelius (121–180) was a Roman philosopher and the last emperor of the Pax Romana, the golden age of Roman peace and imperialism.Epictetus (50-135 AD), was an Ancient Greek philosopher born into slavery.Seneca the Younger (4 BC – 65 AD) was a Roman philosopher, statesman, and dramatist. As a writer, he is best known for plays such as ‘Medea’, ‘Thyestes’, and ‘Phaedra’.

‘300 Quotations from Renaissance Philosophy’ is a collection of insightful, educational, and inspiring quotes from some of the greatest ever renaissance philosophers, including French philosopher Michel de Montaigne and Italian philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli.It also includes the words of English philosopher Francis Bacon whose famous quotes include, ‘It is impossible to love and to be wise’ and ‘Knowledge is power’.‘300 Quotations from Renaissance Philosophy’ is the perfect collection for those needing an extra dose of philosophical insight.Michel de Montaigne (1533 – 1592) was one of the most important philosophers of the French Renaissance and is best known for popularising the essay as a literary genre.Niccolò Machiavelli (1469 –1527) was an Italian diplomat, author, and philosopher best known for his political treatise, ‘The Prince’ (Il Principe). Machiavelli has often been called the father of modern political philosophy and political science.Francis Bacon (1561 – 1626) was an English philosopher and statesman, often called the father of empiricism. His works are considered to have contributed to the scientific method.

‘300 Quotations for Being Master of One's Destiny with the Existentialist Philosophers’ is a fantastic collection of quotes from some of the world’s greatest thinkers, including Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Fyodor Dostoevsky.These existential philosophers and writers explore the problem of human existence and the subjective experience of thinking, feeling, and acting. Learn how to master your own destiny with the help of the world’s greatest minds.Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855) was a Danish theologian, philosopher and poet, widely considered to be the first existentialist philosopher. Much of his work deals with the issues of how one lives as an individual and the importance of personal choice and commitment.Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821–1881) was a Russian novelist, short story writer and essayist, widely regarded as one of the greatest novelists in the world. His works include ‘Crime and Punishment’ (1866), ‘The Idiot’ (1869), ‘Demons’ (1872), ‘The Brothers Karamazov’ (1880) and the novella ‘Notes from Underground’ (1864).Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) was a German philosopher whose work exerted a profound influence on modern intellectual history.

‘100 Quotes by Gaston Bachelard’ is a collection of thoughts from the French philosopher whose work influenced many other philosophers including; Michel Foucault, Louis Althusser, Dominique Lecourt and Jacques Derrida.The quotes featured open a door into his monumental work with a selection of his most significant thoughts and ideas from witticisms to deeper reflections.‘100 Quotes by Gaston Bachelard’ will delight those interested in Western philosophy.Gaston Bachelard (1884-1962) was a French philosopher who made contributions to the fields of poetics – a theory of literary discourse – and also to the philosophy of science, introducing the concepts of epistemological obstacle and epistemological break.

Dive into the world of joy, positivity, and bliss with "100 Quotes About Happiness", and immerse yourself in an abundance of radiant words and phrases.Whether you're seeking motivation, a dose of positivity, or a fresh perspective on life, "100 Quotes About Happiness" is your beacon of light.This uplifting collection gathers the most inspiring and heartwarming quotes from thinkers, artists, and visionaries who have captured the essence of true happiness.

Fuel your entrepreneurial spirit, unleash your full potential, and step into the world of ambition with this collection of carefully selected quotes.Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, each quote will serve as a powerful catalyst, igniting your inner drive, resilience, and creativity and spark your entrepreneurial spirit.This dynamic collection brings together inspiring words from visionary leaders, innovators, and trailblazers, empowering you to embark on your own business journey.

Livsfilosoffen Per Betzonich-Wilken har i denne bog samlet en lang række filosofiske perler, der har til formål at inspirere læseren til at se tilværelsen på nye måder. Uden unødig omsvøb præsenteres her omkring 100 korte og indsigtsfulde udsagn, der giver os anledning til at tænke anderledes over stort og småt i livet, dagligdagen og eksistensen. Lærdommene omhandler en lang række emner, der er så forskellige som kærlighed, lykke, ensomhed, krig, skæbne og penge. I bogens løb stifter vi samtidigt bekendtskab med en række af de største tænkere: fra Aristoteles til Arendt, fra Camus til Kant, og fra Kierkegaard til Løgstrup.Per Betzonich-Wilken er født i 1957 på Frederiksberg og er uddannet Dr.phil i dialogfilosofi fra Københavns Universitet og Ruhr-Universität Bochum.Betzonich-Wilken er forfatter til både fagbøger og romaner og har udgivet en række bøger under betegnelsen "livsfilosofi", hvor filosofi kædes sammen med det jordbundne livs forskellige udfordringer. Han arbejder desuden inden for social- og sundhedssektoren og er bl.a. censor ved lægeuddannelsen.

Das Streben nach Glück bestimmt jede Faser unseres Seins. Noch nie standen die Chancen auf materiellen Gewinn so gut wie heute. Aber was macht wirklich Glücklich? Geld? Karriere? Kinder? Der Traumpartner? Selbstverwirklichung? Wolf Schneider nimmt derartige Pauschalrezepte unter die Lupe und zieht überraschende Schlüsse. Seine Lesung regt dazu an, die eigene Glücksformel zu suchen und zu einem zufriedenen Leben zu finden.Wolf Schneider (geb. 1925) war bis 1995 Leiter der Journalistenschule in Hamburg. Als Korrespondent der Süddeutschen Zeitung und Chefredakteur der WELT, sowie als Chef vom Dienst beim STERN festigte er seine Karriere. Zudem moderierte er die NDR-Talkshow. Der Autor vieler erfolgreicher Sachbücher lebt am Starnberger See.

Un voyageur entend une voix. Il ne sait pas d'ou elle vient. Quand il se rend compte de son origine, il n'arrive pas a y croire car c'est en fait son ombre qui lui parle. L'ombre de ses pensees, la petite voix interne du voyageur. Elle lui demande d'exprimer son opinion. Ainsi, le voyageur enonce une serie de maximes philosophiques sur la vie. Le voyageur explore des themes tels que la Mesure de la valeur et de la verite le Principe de l'equilibre ou encore L'imperfection terrestre et sa cause principale. -

Obiektywne, analityczne podejście do kontrowersyjnych spraw. Każdy rozdział to opis innego zjawiska paranormalnego (np. wychodzenie poza własne ciało, nawiedzeni ludzie, nawiedzone miejsca), po którym następuje komentarz specjalistów z różnym podejściem do tematu - od entuzjazmu do sceptycyzmu. Spośród argumentów przytaczanych przez okultystów, teologów, psychologów, naukowców każdy może wybrać wersję, która najbardziej go przekonuje. Krzysztof Boruń (1923-2000) – polski autor literatury science-fiction, popularyzator nauki. Pracował jako dziennikarz, współpracował m.in. z „Ilustrowanym Kurierem Polskim", „Tygodnikiem Demokratycznym". W latach 1982-1984 był redaktorem naczelnym dwumiesięcznika „Astronautyka i Postępy astronautyki". W swoich tekstach podejmował tematy związane z psychologią, parapsychologią, astronomią oraz cybernetyką i futurologią.

Voici l'A uvre magistrale de Friedrich Nietzsche, et l'un des textes les plus importants de la philosophie contemporaine. Il a influence et remis en question toute une partie de l'occident.Un homme s'est retire dix ans dans la montagne. Il revient parmi les hommes en poete-prophete. Ainsi nait la figure de Zarathoustra, porte-parole des vertus que Nietzsche entend exalter. Ainsi apparait pour la premiere fois des themes chers a un philosophe souvent compris a contresens : la volonte de puissance, le surhomme, l'eternel retour...-

В своём труде «Поэтика» Аристотель размышляет о сущности поэзии и её видах, даёт определение трагедии и комедии. По его мнению, сущность поэзии заключается в её способности преодолевать детали повседневной жизни и видеть красоту и правду жизни, а не только описывать то, что произошло или может произойти. Аристотель утверждал, что «поэзия более философична и важнее истории». Чем отличаются историк и поэт? Что такое фабула? В чём секрет успеха поэтического произведения? Существуют ли общие правила написания стихотворных произведений? Обо всём этом узнаете из данного труда.Аристотель (348 г. до н.э. – 322 г. до н.э.) – древнегреческий философ, ученик Платона, воспитатель Александра Македонского. Аристотель создал целостную систему философии, охватывающую все сферы человеческого развития: политику, социологию, логику, физику, философию. Он разделил науки на теоретические и практические. К теоретическим наукам относятся физика, математика и теологическая философия (метафизика). К практическим – этика и политика. Наиболее известные труды Аристотеля: «Риторика», «Поэтика», «Метафизика», «Политика».

When a tortoise challenges a great Greek hero to use his logic in order to decipher a simple philosophical argument, slight chaos ensues. ‘What the Tortoise Said to Achilles’ is an endless cycle of suppositions and deductions. A refined piece of philosophical writing, Caroll’s discussion was one of the first steps towards paradoxically explaining logical truth. His clever prose makes this novel an essential read for budding philosophers and logic aficionados.Lewis Caroll (1832-1898) was a British author. He was famed for his novel ‘Alice in Wonderland' and its sequel ‘Through the Looking-Glass’. Both of which have been successfully adapted to film and stage. Aside from this, he was also a mathematician, professional photographer, and clergyman. His colorful plotlines, powerful imagery, and endless imagination earned him the title of one of the most notable authors of the nineteenth century. Among his other notable works are the poetic collection "Phantasmagoria and Other Poems", the poem "The Hunting of the Snark", and the fairy novel "Sylvie and Bruno".

Med udgangspunkt i Søren Kierkegaards forfatterskab viser Pia Søltoft, at teologi og filosofi ikke er fortænkte og forældede discipliner, men levende overvejelser, der har at gøre med måden, hvorpå du og jeg tænker og agerer i verden af i dag.I "Kierkegaards kabinet" kan du blandt andet blive klogere på, hvad Kierkegaard tænkte om mennesket og om angst, Gud, samvittighed, fortvivlelse, tro, håb og kærlighed – og samtidig blive klogere på dig selv.Pia Søltoft (f. 1963) er ph.d., forfatter og ejer af konsulentfirmaet Coaching-Kierkegaard. Fra 2017 har hun tillige været ansat som sognepræst ved Christians Kirke i København, og fra 2019 også som sognepræst ved Esajas Kirke på Østerbro.Før da var Pia Søltoft fra 2000 til 2016 lektor i etik og religionsfilosofi med særligt henblik på Søren Kierkegaard ved Københavns Universitet. Fra 2010 til 2013 var hun leder af Søren Kierkegaard Forskningscenteret og en af nøglepersonerne i markeringen af 200-året for Søren Kierkegaards fødsel. Hun er desuden forfatter og medforfatter til en lang række bøger om Søren Kierkegaard.

I et samfund, hvor vi har flere muligheder end nogensinde, er der også mange flere valg at træffe. Den angst, det medfører, gør også Søren Kierkegaards tanker mere relevante end nogensinde før.Filosof og etnolog Lise Søelund fortolker og formidler elegant den store filosof, så det er til at genkende for enhver med Facebook Blues.Selvom Kierkegaard er fra 1800-tallet, og det kunne anføres, at han er utidssvarende set med et moderne menneskes øjne, må man erkende, at han er mere tidssvarende end nogensinde før. Han kan som en anden psykolog redegøre for, hvad der er karakteristisk for den menneskelige eksistens, og ikke mindst hvad der kan forhindre os i at gøre alvor af de ønsker og drømme, som vi alle undfanger. Han sætter fingeren på de ømme steder. Det drejer sig om en femkant eller pentagon – om en håndfuld eksistentielle vilkår. De presser sig på, efterhånden som vi modnes og ønsker at tage ansvar i vores liv.Lise Søelund er filosof og etnolog og har gennem mange år specialiseret sig i Søren Kierkegaards tænkning. Hendes omfattende forfatterskab tæller blandt andet også "Kunsten at være menneske" og "At være sig selv – en introduktion til Kierkegaards tænkning".

- Este audiolibro está narrado en Español neutral.Zaratustra se presenta como el profeta supremo fuente de sabiduría, un ermitaño que vive recluido en la montaña, donde a lo largo de su retiro reflexiona sobre la vida y la naturaleza del hombre. Cuando siente que es el momento adecuado, decide regresar al mundo para comunicar el fruto de su conocimiento. Así, esta obra narra los discursos que Zaratustra pronuncia entre los hombres para anunciar su nueva doctrina.Escrita en forma de fábula, y haciendo referencia a la Biblia y a la tradición cristiana, Zaratustra es un mesías que lleva al hombre la noticia de su salvación, proclamando el advenimiento del Übermensch o Superhombre.Toda la obra posee un carácter poético y se encuentra llena de símbolos y metáforas, expresadas en un brillante estilo, mezclando elementos narrativos, conceptuales y líricos. Es una obra peculiar que fusiona filosofía, literatura y poesía, y tuvo una profunda influencia en el ámbito cultural europeo del siglo XX. Así, la visión imaginaria del profeta, inspirado en Zoroastro, sirve como portavoz y como símbolo de las principales ideas de Nietzsche, como la muerte de Dios, la voluntad del poder y el eterno retorno de la vida. Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (1844-1900) fue un filósofo, poeta, músico y filólogo alemán. Es considerado uno de los pensadores más relevantes del siglo XIX debido a la profunda influencia que su obra ha ejercido en la historia y la cultura occidental. Escribió sobre diversos temas como el arte, la historia, la religión, la ciencia y la filología, criticando a la cultura, la religión y la filosofía occidental mediante el análisis de conceptos y actitudes morales. Su célebre frase "Dios ha muerto" ha influenciado la agenda de muchos intelectuales, tales como Michel Foucault, Gilles Deleuze o Martin Heidegger. Al introducir una nueva cosmovisión que ha reorganizado el pensamiento del siglo XX, Nietzsche recibió un amplio reconocimiento como una figura significativa en la filosofía contemporánea. . Su influencia fue particularmente notoria en los filósofos existencialistas, críticos, fenomenológicos, postestructuralistas y posmodernos, y en la sociología contemporánea. Además, es considerado uno de los tres «maestros de la sospecha» (según la expresión de Paul Ricoeur), junto a Karl Marx y Sigmund Freud.

These works articulate the most fundamental principles of Kant’s ethical and political world-view. "What is Enlightenment?" (1784) and "Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysics of Morals" (1785) challenge all free people to think about the requirements for self-determination both in our individual lives and in our public and private institutions. Kant’s "Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysics of Morals" is dedicated to the proposition that all people can know what they need to know to be honest, good, wise, and virtuous. The purpose of Kant’s moral philosophy is to help us become aware of the principles that are already contained within us. Innocence and dependence must be replaced with wisdom and good will if we are to avoid being vulnerable and misguided. According to Kant, freedom of thought leads naturally to freedom of action. When that happens, governments begin to treat human beings, not as machines, but as persons with dignity. Immanuel Kant begins "Toward Lasting Peace" by contrasting the realism of practical politicians with the high-minded theories of philosophers who "dream their sweet dreams." His opening line provides a grim reminder that the only alternative to finding a way to avoid the war of each against all is the lasting peace of the graveyard. The advent of total war and the development of nuclear weapons in the twentieth century give Kant’s reflections an urgency he could not have anticipated. Kant published this work in 1795, during the aftermath of the American Revolution and the French Revolution. The high hopes of the European Enlightenment had been dampened by the Reign of Terror in which tens of thousands of people died, and the perpetual cycle of war and temporary armistice seemed to be inescapable. Kant’s essay is best known as an early articulation of the idea of a league of nations that could bring "an end to all hostilities." Today The United Nations continues to pursue that dream, but lasting peace still seems to be wishful thinking.No modern philosopher is more important than Immanuel Kant. His works extend from epistemology and metaphysics to aesthetics, ethics, and political philosophy. His "Critical Philosophy" is developed in three major works: "The Critique of Pure Reason," "The Critique of Practical Reason," and "The Critique of Judgment." A German speaker, he was born in Prussia, an area that is now part of Poland. He never travelled more than 50 miles from his home in Königsberg, but his influence has since pervaded every aspect of Western culture.

The basic principles that Bergson articulates, especially his way of thinking about reality as a dynamic process and his view of human beings as creative and evolving, should be helpful to anyone who seeks to go beyond simply dealing with the practical demands of daily life and consider the nature of things. Of special importance is Bergson’s claim that it is both possible and necessary to know from the inside rather than confining our attention to external perspectives and points of view. Intuition is able to get beyond what is relative and place us inside reality. This essay is, as the title says, an introduction. But if we think there is more to a human being — and even to nature itself — than material structures alone, perhaps the time has come to take a fresh look at Bergson’s essay. In "An Introduction to Metaphysics," Bergson traces the demise of metaphysics to the failure of both scientific materialism and dogmatism and to the immense success of a kind of pragmatism that promised liberation from the fruitless battles among various schools of philosophy. He also rejects relativism and criticizes the vacuum that is created when philosophers refuse to inquire about the nature of reality. To avoid metaphysics easily leads to a worldview shaped by unexamined ideas and hidden presuppositions. Henri Bergson was born in the year that Darwin published the Origin of the Species. He could not have imagined the philosophical impact of evolutionary theory, which is now so great that Bergson’s philosophy, which emphasizes "creative evolution," is experiencing a significant revival. The basic principles that Bergson articulates, especially his way of thinking about reality as a dynamic process and his view of human beings as creative and evolving, should be helpful to anyone who seeks to go beyond simply dealing with the practical demands of daily life and consider the nature of things.

René Descartes is often described as the first modern philosopher, but much of the content of his "Meditations on First Philosophy" can be found in the medieval period that had already existed for more than a thousand years. Does God exist? If so, what is his nature? Is the human soul immortal? How does it differ from the body? What role do sense experience and pure reason play in knowing? Descartes stands out from his predecessors because of the method he developed to treat these and other fundamental questions. Drawing on his study of mathematics, he searches for a way to establish absolutely certain conclusions based on indubitable premises. His importance in modern philosophy lies in the challenge he offers to every subsequent thinker in philosophy and science.The French philosopher Descartes is often called the "Father" of modern philosophy in the West. His Discourse on Method presents the reason why: his method of inquiry. He was the quintessential "rationalist," subjecting all sense experience as doubtful and untrustworthy. Rather than relying on external authority (whether from other people or from God), Descartes demands nothing less than absolute certainty that begins with the self and proceeds step by step with the rigor of logical and mathematical precision. Even though he claims that he has proved the existence of God and explained God’s nature, even that core tenet must be established through rigorous logical argument. No subsequent philosopher is able to ignore this bold and challenging foundation for all thinking. Those who become his disciples as well as those who reject his way of thinking are all under his spell. Many think they have broken that spell only to find that he has shaped them in ways that are not easy to escape.

After Socrates is sentenced to death by the Athenian court, his friend Crito comes to the prison to help him escape and go to another country. Socrates responds by saying that he would accept Crito’s offer only if he can be convinced that it is right and just to do so. This dialogue is not only about Socrates’ particular choice but also about the very essence of law and community.Plato lived in Athens, Greece. He wrote approximately two-dozen dialogues that explore core topics that are essential to all human beings. Although the historical Socrates was a strong influence on Plato, the character by that name that appears in many of his dialogues is a product of Plato’s fertile imagination. All of Plato’s dialogues are written in a poetic form that his student Aristotle called "Socratic dialogue." In the twentieth century, the British philosopher and logician Alfred North Whitehead characterized the entire European philosophical tradition as "a series of footnotes to Plato." Philosophy for Plato was not a set of doctrines but a goal — not the possession of wisdom but the love of wisdom. Agora Publications offers these performances based on the assumption that Plato wrote these works to be performed by actors in order to stimulate additional dialogue among those who listen to them.

Whitehead presented these three lectures at Princeton University in 1929. Although 85 years have passed, his central thesis and his analysis remain remarkably current. The scientific materialism that Whitehead opposed with such vigor continues to dominate in academic circles, and even now those who question that worldview are often accused of being anti-scientific. This is especially true in discussions of the nature of the human mind and its relation to the body (particularly the brain). It is hard to find a contemporary thinker with a better perspective on the nature and role of natural science than Whitehead who, with Bertrand Russell, published the "Principia Mathematica" in 1910; who taught logic and mathematics at Trinity College of Cambridge University; who taught philosophy of science at University College London; and who was professor of philosophy at Harvard University beginning in 1924. Whitehead’s cosmology is far from anti-scientific, but he does explain why scientific method and technological practice alone are not able to provide a comprehensive understanding of the full range of human thought and experience. This work explains what we must do to achieve such a comprehensive understanding.Whitehead, with Bertrand Russell, published the "Principia Mathematica" in 1910; he taught logic and mathematics at Trinity College of Cambridge University; he taught philosophy of science at University College London — with special emphasis on the conceptual impact of contemporary physics; and he was professor of philosophy at Harvard University, beginning in 1924, where he taught metaphysics. Whitehead’s cosmology is far from anti-scientific, but he does explain why scientific method and technological practice alone are not able to provide a comprehensive understanding of the full range of human thought and experience.