58 pages • 1 hour read
Will DurantThe Story of Philosophy: The Lives and Opinions of the Greater Philosophers
Nonfiction | Reference/Text Book | Adult | Published in 1926A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Story of Philosophy by Will Durant endeavors to make Western philosophy accessible by tracing its development from Ancient Greece to the early 20th century. Durant begins with Socrates and his quest for knowledge beyond discredited authorities, continues through Plato, Aristotle, and the Roman and Medieval periods, and culminates in the Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, and the contemporary thoughts of Bertrand Russell and John Dewey. The text contains androcentric language, exclusive Western perspectives, and derogatory remarks about other cultures.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Will Durant's The Story of Philosophy is praised for its engaging and accessible writing, making complex philosophical ideas comprehensible to a broad audience. Readers appreciate its historical context and concise overviews of key philosophers. Criticisms include occasional oversimplification and lack of depth in certain areas. Overall, it is a valuable introductory resource.
Who Should Read The Story of Philosophy?
Readers who would enjoy The Story of Philosophy by Will Durant are intellectually curious individuals fascinated by the history of human thought. They appreciate accessible yet comprehensive explorations of philosophical ideas. Similar readers might enjoy Bertrand Russell's A History of Western Philosophy or Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time.