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A Little History of Philosophy summary
Nigel Warburton
Discover the thinking that shaped the history of philosophy
21 mins
Brief summary
A Little History of Philosophy by Nigel Warburton offers an accessible introduction to Western philosophy, exploring the big ideas of Aristotle, Descartes, Kant, and more.
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A Little History of Philosophy
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Socrates and Plato asked profound questions that set philosophy in motion.
Around 2,500 years ago, in the Greek city of Athens, an unclean and somewhat ugly man was regularly seen stopping strangers on the street. His name was Socrates, and he possessed one of the most brilliant minds in all of Ancient Greece.
Now, Socrates wasn’t asking people for money; he was questioning Athenians about morality and the nature of truth. And he often found their answers to be one-dimensional and full of assumptions.
Unfortunately, Socrates never wrote his ideas down, though one of his students, Plato, did. Most of the Socratic dialogues, for examples, were in fact written by Plato. But Plato was more than a mere transmitter of his teacher’s thought. He was also a formidable philosopher in his own right.
The key message here is: Socrates and Plato asked profound questions that set philosophy in motion.
Plato is perhaps most famous for the Allegory of the Cave. In this parable, people unschooled in philosophic thought are likened to captives held in a cave. Facing the cave’s wall, they mistake the shadows they see for real life. The philosopher, on the other hand, is different. He can escape the cave and observe the world as it really is.
This parable ties in with Plato’s theory of Forms. According to this theory, every physical object has an underlying and ideal Form. The physical objects themselves, however, are mere approximations of this Form, just as shadows on a cave wall are approximations of the objects casting them.
Most people are distracted by the physical things they encounter in the world just as the captives are distracted by the shadows. But to really perceive reality, to truly exit the cave, we must use thought rather than just relying on our senses.
For example, we know the characteristics of what makes a table – a flat top, one or more legs – but we can’t always grasp the true Form of a table, that abstract quality of “tableness” that transcends the physical world.
Similarly, we might describe actions as “good,” but rarely do we have a clear idea of what the abstract ideal, or Form, of goodness is. The ability to think in terms of Forms, Plato proposed, was a skill exclusive to philosophers.
He even recommended that philosophers should run society because of their unique wisdom. But some Athenians didn’t agree. They thought that philosophers were disrupting the city’s traditions — encouraging youth to disobey authority and neglect the gods.
In fact, many Athenians made these same accusations against Plato's mentor, Socrates. In the end, Socrates was found guilty of “corrupting the young.” As punishment, he was sentenced to drinking a lethal poison. But his questioning spirit has inspired philosophers ever since.
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What is A Little History of Philosophy about?
A Little History of Philosophy (2011) takes readers on a whistle-stop tour of the thinkers who shaped philosophy over two and a half millennia. From Ancient Greece to twentieth-century Germany, this book makes philosophy’s age-old questions feel as relevant today as when they were first posed.
A Little History of Philosophy Review
A Little History of Philosophy (2011) is an engaging exploration of the big ideas and thinkers that have shaped our world. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It offers a clear and accessible introduction to complex philosophical concepts, making it enjoyable for both newcomers and experienced readers.
- With its concise summaries and engaging storytelling, it presents the key ideas and arguments of major philosophers in a way that is easy to understand and retain.
- By tracing the development of philosophical thought across different cultures and time periods, it reveals the continuity and relevance of philosophical ideas to our lives today.
Best quote from A Little History of Philosophy
Have a very simple lifestyle, be kind to those around you, and surround yourself with friends.
—Nigel Warburton
Who should read A Little History of Philosophy?
- History buffs interested in the development of philosophy
- Ponderers drawn to questions about the meaning of life
- Anyone daunted by typical philosophical jargon
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A Little History of Philosophy FAQs
What is the main message of A Little History of Philosophy?
A Little History of Philosophy provides a concise overview of the major ideas and thinkers in philosophy.
How long does it take to read A Little History of Philosophy?
The reading time for A Little History of Philosophy varies, but you can read the Blinkist summary in just a few minutes.
Is A Little History of Philosophy a good book? Is it worth reading?
A Little History of Philosophy is a fascinating exploration of philosophical concepts. It's definitely worth a read!
Who is the author of A Little History of Philosophy?
A Little History of Philosophy is written by Nigel Warburton.
What to read after A Little History of Philosophy?
If you're wondering what to read next after A Little History of Philosophy, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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