A History of Western Philosophy: The Classical Mind, Volume I (History of Western Philosophy)

Book Description

A HISTORY OF WESTERN PHILOSOPHY examines the nature of philosophical enterprise and philosophy's role in Western culture. Jones and Fogelin weave key passages from classic philosophy works into their comments and criticisms, giving A HISTORY OF WESTERN PHILOSOPHY the combined advantages of a source book and textbook. The text concentrates on major figures in each historical period, combining exposition with direct quotations from the philosophers themselves. The text places philosophers in appropriate cultural context and shows how their theories reflect the concerns of their times.

Customer Reviews:

Classical Mind.......2007-10-13

This item was in very good shape and came to me in no time. It was shipped the same day of the purchase and i got it 2 days later.

A History of Western Philosophy: The Classical Mind, Volume I.......2005-09-30

This book offers an excellent summery of the basic teachings, understandings, and doctrines from Thales of the pre-socratics to the late Classical period in Rome (Epicurus, Cicero, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, ect). The History of Western Philosphy Series is an excellent addition to the mind and bookshelf of all scholars who maintain interest in the evolution of the human mind. This specific book goes well hand in hand with F. M. Cornfield's "From Religion to Philosophy (A Study in the Origins of Western Speculation)."

In the beginning..........2003-12-30

This book, 'The Classical Mind', is the first volume of a five-volume series on the history of Western Philosophy by W.T. Jones, professor of philosophy in California. This series is a very strong, thorough introduction to the course of Western Philosophy, beginning at the dawn of the philosophical enterprise with the pre-Socratics in ancient Greece to the modern thinkers such as Wittgenstein and Sartre. It has grown, over the three decades or so of its publication, from one to four then to five volumes. It has remained a popular text, and could serve as the basis of a one-year survey of philosophy for undergraduates or a one-semester survey for graduate students. Even advanced students in philosophy will find this valuable, all major topics and most minor topics in the course of philosophy are covered in these volumes.

Jones states that there are two possible ways for a writer to organise a history of philosophy -- either by addressing everyone who ever participated in philosophy (which could become rather cumbersome if one accepts the premise that anyone could be a philosopher), or to address the major topics and currents of thought, drawing in the key figures who address them, but leaving out the lesser thinkers for students to pursue on their own. Jones has chosen the latter tactic, making sure to provide bibliographic information for this task.

This volume, 'The Classical mind', starts and ends in ancient Greece. Plato and Aristotle are well featured, to be sure, but the pre-Socratics and the post-Aristotilean thinkers are also discussed in great detail. The first chapter deals with a number of thinkers whose names are well-known to those who study the history of science as well as to philosophers -- Thales, Anaximander, Pythagoras -- showing the interconnection of disciplines that recurs again and again throughout history, but never again so closely as in these opening days of Western thought.

Jones gives a general history lesson along with the history of the development of thought so that the reader will understand the social and historical context in which ideas developed. Plato and Aristotle both came out a context in which Greece was a fairly violent place much of the time, with warring factions and city-states variously dependent upon and warring against each other.

The discussion of Plato largely deals with his theories of knowledge and metaphysics, with an additional chapter on subsequent topics such as ethics, politics, religion and art. Similiarly, Aristotle is dealt with in two chapters, with the major topics of metaphysics, logic, ethics, politics, aesthetics, and other issues addressed. At the end of each of these sections, Jones gives a general critique of the philosopher's main ideas, and in the final chapter of the book, sets the stage for further developments, particularly in terms of the decline of the Golden Age in Greece. In some regards, all subsequent Western philosophy vacilates between Plato and Aristotle, so a thorough grounding is important.

Each volume ends with a glossary of terms, and a worthwhile index. The glossary warns against short, dictionary-style definitions and answers to broad terms and questions, and thus indicates the pages index-style to the discussion within the text for further context. The one wish I would have would be a comprehesive glossary and index that covers the several volumes; as it is, each volume has only its own referents.

An Excellent Textbook.......2002-12-01

W. T. Jones' first volume, The Classical Mind, is a fantastic introduction for studying ancient philosophy. His work is fairly clear and not very difficult in terms of being able to understand his explication of various philosophers and theories. That is, Jones does not write to other philosophers; he is writing to would-be philosophers or students. Jones considers important aspects such as the timing and events surrounding the philosophical theories in order to demonstrate that these ideas do not develop ex nihilo. They arise because of important questions or issues developed in the relevant cultures.

This work covers quite a few people. Of course, it is not exhaustive on every thinker; nor is such even possible since many of the writings of people like the pre-socratics do not exist beyond a few manuscripts. In any case, Jones starts with them (specificaly Homer and Hesiod), through Thales, to Plato, to Aristotle, and up to the skeptics (e.g., Carneades and Sextus). From time to time, Jones will comment upon some of the positive and negative (or implausible) aspects of each of the theories provided. Sometimes his objections are good; other times, they can be answered. For instance, Jones treats Plato's argument for the Forms as a transcendental argument and he applies Stephan Korner's uniquness argument against Plato (c.f. Korner, "The Impossibility of Transcendental Deductions"). Jones doesn't refer to Korner, but it is the same point. I think Plato could *in principle* answer Jones.

There are a couple areas where I think that Jones has misinterpreted some of the early thinkers. For instance, Jones treats Aristotle as only holding to the intellectual virtues as being eudaimonia (for an alternative view, see Cooper, John M. "Reason and Human Good in Aristotle"). Also, Jones gives a traditional analysis of Parmenides. Patricia Curd offers an alternative analysis in "The Legacy of Parmenides." Both of these thinkers challenge the traditional views that Jones sides with. In any case, that's a head's up for readers who have not done exhaustive reading on these philosophers; just something to keep in mind when reading Jones.

Finally, I think that Jones often uses far too long of quotes from other people. At one point, he quoted Plato for an entire three pages (8 size font!). Jones could have summarized the point and added a footnote. Nevertheless, this is a great textbook for studying ancient philosophy and it deserves five stars despite my harsh disapproval of some of his analyses and writing style :)

For the Truly Inquiring Mind.......2001-12-16

The history of ideas should be of interest to every person, but that is an ideal impossible to realize. But for the person who is reasonably interested in becoming acquainted with that history from someone who has told it in a comprehensive, critical, and clear manner, Dr. Jones is the best teller of that story I know of. Volume II of the first hardbound edition was an assigned text for a class I was taking at the University of California, Riverside. I immediately purchased the first volume because I found Dr. Jone's writing informative and clear. He uses original sources liberally, and his organization and elucidation of the topic at hand are superb.

I once had the privilege of meeting the author when my daughter was in his class at CAL-TECH (He was at Pomona College when I first became acquainted with his work.) He expressed an interest in talking with me further, and I was delighted with the idea of going back and purusing that conversation, but I let the opportunity slip away. At the time I had completed a master's in psychology and was pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology while serving as a clergyman in a parish and teaching two classes in psychology in a community college. I regret not being able to squeeze out the time to folow up on his invitation.

I have seen no other discussion of the history of Western Philosophy so worthwhile owning and reading.

Imperium: A Novel of Ancient Rome
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"I do not propose to die leaving one ounce of talent unspent, or one mile of energy left in my legs"

ANCIENT ROME'S CLARENCE DARROW.

Cicero's Rise to Power

Excellent, and very different from McCullough

Cicero Rising

Imperium: A Novel of Ancient Rome
Robert Harris
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster Audio
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Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: 0743555155
Release Date: 2006-09-19

Book Description

From the bestselling author of Pompeii comes the most provocative and brilliant novel of Rome and its power struggles since I, Claudius.

Of all the great figures of the Roman world, none was more fascinating or charismatic than Marcus Cicero, the greatest orator of all time, who at the age of twenty-seven was determined to attain imperium -- supreme power in the state. At his side was the everpresent Tiro, the confidential secretary and slave, whose celebrated biography of his master was lost in the Dark Ages. Imperium is the re-creation of Tiro's vanished masterpiece, recounting in vivid detail the story of Cicero's extraordinary quest for glory.

Tiro's cautionary tale begins on a cold November morning, when he opens the door to a terrified stranger, a victim of Sicily's corrupt Roman governor, Verres. The stranger's arrival sets in motion a chain of events that will eventually propel Tiro's master into one of the most suspenseful courtroom dramas in history, pitting Cicero against some of the most powerful and intimidating figures of his -- or any other -- age: Pompey, Caesar, Crassus, and the many other powerful Romans who changed history.

Robert Harris, the world's master of innovative historical fiction, lures us into a violent, treacherous world of Roman politics at once exotically different from and yet startlingly similar to our own -- a world of Senate intrigue and electoral corruption, special prosecutors and political adventurism -- to describe how one clever, compassionate, devious, vulnerable man fought to reach the top.

Customer Reviews:

"I do not propose to die leaving one ounce of talent unspent, or one mile of energy left in my legs".......2007-10-12

When most people think about the history of Rome and fiction works based on it, a few names quickly come to mind, including Caesar, Pompey and Caligula. In terms of his influence in today's world though, there is another man that should be considered as a serious challenger to those important figures in history: Marcus Tullius Cicero. Not only he is almost unanimously considered as the top orator and politician in ancient Rome, but his speeches and ideas on government have been studied, imitated and utilized by leaders throughout history. His influence is such that even the US Constitution is based in part on Cicero's ideas on how government should be organized.

Robert Harris brings this intriguing, and sometimes contradictory, character to life by taking historic information as the skeleton of his novel and adding fictionalized dialogues and events to fill in the meat. Thus, we get a novel that is not only instructive regarding the importance of Cicero in a time when the end of the Republic was visible in the horizon, but also one that entertains the reader until its conclusion.

Harris had a great idea when he decided to use Tiro, Cicero's slave, secretary and friend, as the narrator of this story. This provides a broader view than what the author would have been able to deliver by a first person narrator, but more of an inside look than we would get from an omniscient narrator. From the start of Cicero's public life as a lawyer and politician, until his running for Consul, Tiro takes us, with his steady voice, through the events that had a crucial role in the destiny of one of the greatest civilizations in history.

This is a great novel, and those that are interested in the history of Rome will definitely have a great time reading it. And don't worry; Pompey and Caesar are part of this work, since they also had a key role in the events that unfolded at this time. I would have liked the novel to continue until the end of Cicero's life, but maybe we will get that in the next one. This is the second book Harris writes on Rome, and at this point I am convinced that with his accurate research and great ability for adding fiction without changing the facts, Harris has established himself as part of the elite in this niche.

ANCIENT ROME'S CLARENCE DARROW........2007-10-10

IMPERIUM is a fascinating book that permits the reader a view of the Rome of Cicero, the legendary Roman orator. Indeed, Cicero is the focus of this novel, but this book is more than about Cicero, since it is told through the eyes of Cicero's loyal slave-secretary Tiro.

The novel examines two period's of Cicero's life, and thereby, two periods of Roman history. Cicero's climb to fame and fortune is the first offering of this work. The well researched history affords the reader a look at the brilliance and legal artistry of Cicero. One can easily understand how this great man rose to such prominence in his world. In the process, the reader meets a variety of political characters and military leaders, and in so doing, better understands the workings of the Roman Republic and the aspirations of some of its "giants".

The second phase of the novel explores Cicero's rise to the Consulship of Rome. The inner workings of the political animal that was Roman democracy is exposed, and while this so-called democracy was flawed, it did contribute to the evolution of modern democracy. Interestingly, some of the flaws and failings of the ancient democracy are still with us today, in our allegedly enlightened and modern democracy. Some things in politics are constants, like scheming, lying, and of course, the old reliable standby, corruption. And some of the political "slogans" remain the same too.

This book is a very quick and rewarding read. Its historical backdrop is accurately depicted, the characters drawn from fact, and the story intriguing. I unhesitatingly recommend it.

Cicero's Rise to Power.......2007-10-09

I am in awe of the fictional writers of the Roman Empire: Graves, McCullough, Saylor, Harris and many others. Steeped in the history, they can envision the time and bring it alive. Each of the novels I have read by these authors has brought me more in touch with some element of the complex culture of the time.

Here, through a speculative treatment on how Cicero became a "new man", Harris shows us how elections took place and how corruption, for which this society was known, infected them. Harris also deals with issues of class and the entrenched attitudes about status. Through Cicero's rise we learn and these affected politics after Sula and the Civil War.

We also get a plausible portrait of Cicero, how he thought and what motivated him.

I highly recommend this for anyone who has interest in this historical period.

Excellent, and very different from McCullough.......2007-10-08

I love Colleen McCullough's sprawling Roman series, which is an extraordinary panorama of one of the most turbulent, fascinating and influential eras of western history, the six-decade-long Fall of the Roman Republic. She's not as polished a writer as Robert Harris, though...her books are wonderfully prolix, almost too much so, and she has certain repetitive mannerisms which can annoy. But the series certainly is a monumental achievement.

While McCullough focuses around the towering life and impact of Julius Caesar, Harris's choice of Cicero is perhaps even more revealing of the true nature of Late Republican politics. Cicero was a major player for most of this period, whose complex relationships with the various factions had immense influence on the course of events, and yet -- unlike Caesar, born to the highest aristocracy -- he was also an outsider who depended entirely on his wits to struggle and survive. Harris deftly depicts his qualities of pragmatism, idealism and political cunning as he negotiates the viper's nest of public service in ancient Rome.

Cicero hasn't aged well in most modern historical recreations. I believe most of our contemporaries accept the greatness and inevitability of Caesar, or someone very like him. Because Cicero opposed Caesar and his faction, and eventually lost his life for it, he comes across most often as a stuffy, self-serving, conniving, all-too-outspoken conservative out of step with the times. The fabulous if inaccurate TV series Rome is just the most recent example.

In fact, Cicero may have been the only sincere defender of the Roman Republic remaining by the time he was killed...and for all its flaws, it was certainly a nobler form of government than its imperial successor.

This excellent book helps to redress the character of Cicero. I can't wait for the sequel.

Cicero Rising.......2007-09-15

Although Robert Harris writes historical fiction, he is not particularly attached to any one time or place. His first novel was actually an alternate history - a what-if-the-Nazis-won-WWII tale called Fatherland. He has, in his last two novels, however, gone back to ancient Rome, first with Pompeii (which I have not read) and now with Imperium, a fictional biography of Cicero.

Narrated by Cicero's slave Tiro (who serves more as an observer than a true character), Imperium tells of the rise of Cicero to the highest position in the Roman Republic, the consulship. The first half is actually more of a courtroom thriller, with Cicero prosecuting a corrupt Sicilian governor. Actually, most of the legal system is open to bribery, making Cicero's job all the harder. At stake is Cicero's whole career: if he can somehow pull off a victory, he can start his climb in power; if he fails, he will never be more than a lowly senator. Of course, since Cicero is well-known in history and the governor, Verres, is almost forgotten, most readers know who will win, but Harris is still able to make the prosecution suspenseful.

The second half of the book deals with Cicero's political rise and the intrigues that both help him and make him enemies. His principal ally - although not always reliable - is Pompey, the great general who is at the peak of his power. On the other side is the plutocrat Crassus, whose hatred of Pompey will create an enmity with Pompey. There is the vicious Catalina who has Crassus's backing and intends on opposing Cicero for the consulship. Finally, there is the ambitious up-and-comer, Julius Caesar.

Harris has written a good novel, but there are imperfections. For all his attempts at being historically accurate, he also has anachronisms, such as referring to the months of July and August (which would not be named until decades later after Julius and Augustus Caesar had risen to the peaks of their power). The story also ends rather abruptly, leading me to think that Harris has a sequel intended. Harris does succeed at the heart of the book, however, bringing Cicero - often thought of as the greatest orator ever - to life. Fans of historical novels - particularly Roman historical novels - should enjoy Imperium.

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Great for beginning and experienced osteopaths.
The osteopathic manipulative therapy bible!

Foundations for Osteopathic Medicine
Robert C Ward , Raymond J Hruby , John A Jerome , John M Jones , and Robert E Kappler
Manufacturer: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
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RESPeRATE Blood Pressure Lowering Device
Airborne Effervescent Health Formula, Original Orange, 10 Tablets (Pack of 3)

ASIN: 0781734975

Book Description

Thoroughly revised for its Second Edition, Foundations for Osteopathic Medicine is the only comprehensive, current osteopathic text. It provides broad, multidisciplinary coverage of osteopathic considerations in the basic sciences, behavioral sciences, family practice and primary care, and the clinical specialties and demonstrates a wide variety of osteopathic manipulative methods. This edition includes new chapters on biomechanics, microbiology and infectious diseases, health promotion and maintenance, osteopathic psychiatry, emergency medicine, neuromusculoskeletal medicine, rehabilitation, sports medicine, progressive inhibition of neuromuscular structures, visceral manipulation, A.T. Still osteopathic methods, treatment of acutely ill hospital patients, somatic dysfunction, clinical research and trials, outcomes research, and biobehavioral interactions with disease and health.

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Great for beginning and experienced osteopaths........1999-10-09

This is the long awaited basic textbook for osteopathic medicine. It is surprisingly complete, covering philosophy, history, research, and manipulative techniques. The beginning osteopathic student may find it most useful for its practical discussion on the techniques--high velocity, myofascial release, etc. I believe it is also helpful in standardizing our terminology, which will make it easier when taking board exams or talking with colleagues from other osteopathic schools. It includes contributors well known within the osteopathic community, including Michael and William Kuchera, Melicien Tettambel, Eileen DiGiovanna, and many others. As a family practice resident I frequently turn to this textbook first when I want to know more about how to treat a patient or when preparing lectures for students and housestaff.

The osteopathic manipulative therapy bible!.......1998-12-30

This text is actually required reading for most if not all osteopathic medical students. It is a 'textbook', however, and hence completely (sometimes exhaustively!) comprehensive. But it is easy to read so that anyone with an interest in OMT will get a methodic how-to for myriad techniques, also a thorough history of osteopathic medicine to boot! One of my OMT professors at the University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine wrote or co-wrote a few of the chapters so of course, I think those are the best! If you are looking for an educational approach to learning manipulation and the reasons behind it, this is a valuable resouce.

A History of Western Philosophy: The Medieval Mind, Volume II (A History of Western Philosophy)

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Thought and faith interwined or intangled...
A Clue Into How We Got Into This Mess

A History of Western Philosophy: The Medieval Mind, Volume II (A History of Western Philosophy)
W. T. Jones , and Robert J. Fogelin
Manufacturer: Wadsworth Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0155383132

Book Description

Customer Reviews:

Thought and faith interwined or intangled..........2003-12-30

This book, 'The Medieval Mind', is the second volume of a five-volume series on the history of Western Philosophy by W.T. Jones, professor of philosophy in California. This series is a very strong, thorough introduction to the course of Western Philosophy, beginning at the dawn of the philosophical enterprise with the pre-Socratics in ancient Greece to the modern thinkers such as Wittgenstein and Sartre. It has grown, over the three decades or so of its publication, from one to four then to five volumes. It has remained a popular text, and could serve as the basis of a one-year survey of philosophy for undergraduates or a one-semester survey for graduate students. Even advanced students in philosophy will find this valuable, all major topics and most minor topics in the course of philosophy are covered in these volumes.

This volume, 'The Medieval Mind', starts where the last volume leaves off, as the classical world, in the form of the Greek and then Roman Empire, the organising principles for the Western world for nearly a thousand years, were beginning to crumble. Into the strenth of the Roman Empire the originating events of the Christian faith came about, but it wasn't for a few centuries that Roman rule was waning and the rise of Christendom, politically and intellectually, was taking its place.

Much of medieval philosophy is directly the result of people in the church (at that time adminstratively and ideally an undivided church, despite the fact that the already-sown-seeds of the East/West split and the many heretical factions argue against that interpretation). If the two primary figures in classical philosophical thought were Plato and Aristotle, the two primary figures in medieval philosophy parallel them in Augustine and Aquinas, and in an interesting historical progression, Augustine grew largely out of Plato, and Aquinas developed his thought through the reintroduction of Aristotle into Western thought centuries later.

Between these two major figures, philosophy and intellectual development was not dead, but there was a seeming hibernation in what tends to be termed the Dark Ages. However, it was during this period that the beginnings of the university as a scholarly place took place, and such intellects as John Scotus Erigena appeared occasionally.

This was a world in which the division between philosophy and theology was unthinkable. Our more modern sense of division of academic disciplines did not apply, so there is a great deal of theological thought here, which is many ways sets up conflicts and paradoxes that carry down to the current church and the current academic philosophical enterprise.

A Clue Into How We Got Into This Mess.......2000-04-16

Recent knotty questions regarding knowledge and certainty prompted me to dust off my copy of Jones' book and revisit pages not looked at since university days in Hawaii. It was a pleasure to find again the important issues and questions seriously considered: is there a God? Does evil exist? What are the limits of free will? What is "salvation?" Who is supreme, the individual or the state? What constitutes a valid ethical system and from what authority might it be derived? What is the proper balance between faith and reason? What is the preferred political system? What is the nature and future of man?

Once again I was amazed at the Professor's ability to sift through a sea of historical and technical detail, identify core concepts, follow them as they thread their way through the interval under consideration and relate them to the present time. His objectivity is consistent and his writing is not intrusive--it's as if the reader is engaged in direct personal research. His language is concise and not pedantic--this layman had no difficulty following his presentation of the various controversies characterizing medieval philosophical discourse.

The book ranges from the first century A.D. through the end of the period sometime in the 14th century. It addresses, among other things, the interplay of Jewish tradition and classical thought during the formative years of Christianity. An overview of the development of society, culture and a coherent worldview prepares the reader for a bracing survey of Thomism, including his metaphysics, psychology, ethics and politics. In closing the book, Jones details the subsequent critiques of Thomism developed by Bacon, Duns Scotus, William of Occam, et al.

For those desiring greater detail the author presents numerous footnotes to each chapter and a wide-ranging "Suggestions for Further Reading" section. Not a professional philosopher? No problem: an excellent glossary is also included. In short, anyone interested in more than a superficial, pop-culture view of the ideas that underly our "post-modern" age must consider this book. It fits neatly in the bookshelf of the academic as well as the layman--an excellent book, most excellent.

A History of Western Philosophy: Kant and the Nineteenth Century, Revised, Volume IV (History of Western Philosophy)
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Approaching the modern age...

A History of Western Philosophy: Kant and the Nineteenth Century, Revised, Volume IV (History of Western Philosophy)
W. T. Jones , and Robert J. Fogelin
Manufacturer: Wadsworth Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0155383167

Customer Reviews:

Approaching the modern age..........2003-12-30

This book, 'Kant and the Nineteenth Century', is the fourth volume of a five-volume series on the history of Western Philosophy by W.T. Jones, professor of philosophy in California. This series is a very strong, thorough introduction to the course of Western Philosophy, beginning at the dawn of the philosophical enterprise with the pre-Socratics in ancient Greece to the modern thinkers such as Wittgenstein and Sartre. It has grown, over the three decades or so of its publication, from one to four then to five volumes. It has remained a popular text, and could serve as the basis of a one-year survey of philosophy for undergraduates or a one-semester survey for graduate students. Even advanced students in philosophy will find this valuable, all major topics and most minor topics in the course of philosophy are covered in these volumes.

This volume, 'Kant and Nineteenth Century', starts where the last volume leaves off, as philosophy is coming of age as a discipline removed from the direct control and overarching influence of the church and, to a lesser extent, the politics of those in governmental authority. The world of the Renaissance and Reformation gave way to a world of continuing renovation and revolution, in America most notably as a start, and then throughout the rest of the Western Hemisphere and through Europe in many places.

The period of the Enlightenment, the few centuries following the Renaissance and Reformation, is often called the Age of Reason. To a large extent, the historical presence of the church was withdrawing, and the dominance in intellectual and social circles of a humanist, empirical and rationalist mode was now firmly established. By the time of the nineteenth century, however, the confidence in the rationalist model was beginning to wane, with nothing clearly taking its place (this has continued into the twentieth century). Onto this stage, the first major thinker to emerge was Immanuel Kant, a wide-ranging thinker whose greatest contributions were probably in the field of knowledge, reason, ethics and metaphysics.

Kant became the standard by which other philosophers would be measured. Hegel and Schopenhauer both dealt with responses to and reactions against Kantian ideas. Hegel's though became a standard by which history itself would be measured as a discipline. Following quickly was the rise of the Utilitarianists, Comte and Marx (whose ideas would not see their fullest political expression until the twentieth century). In Europe, the century culminates in Kierkegaard and Nietzsche (whose philosophy also influenced twentieth century politics, having been co-opted by the National-Socialists of Germany). Meanwhile America was beginning to produce philosophers, such as C.S. Pierce and William James. Jones also includes a relatively unknown philosopher, F.H. Bradley, who is little known outside of philosophical circles, but was important continuing the Hegelian legacy into the twentieth century.

This is minor criticism in a generally exceptional series. It is not easy text, but it is not needlessly difficult. The print size on the direct quotes, which are sometimes lengthy, can be a strain at times, but the reading is worthwhile.

Essentials of Christian Theology
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Great for intro and depth at the same time!

Horrible View of Theology

An excellent introduction to theological studies

A Place for Evangelicals and Liberals to Meet

Excellent overview of contemporary theology

Essentials of Christian Theology
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Manufacturer: Westminster
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Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0664223958

Book Description

Presenting two dialoguing essays on nine foremost theological questions, William Placher— the recipient of the American Academy of Religion's 2002 Award for Excellence in Teaching—has provided an unparalleled introductory reader in theology. Himself giving an excellent discussion of the history and current state of each doctrinal issue, he allows the essays to explore and raise questions about their key elements—and the contemporary issues confronting them.

Customer Reviews:

Great for intro and depth at the same time!.......2006-11-10

Placher's volume is helpful to the first-time reader of Christian theology, but it is also engaging to a more seasoned audience. His introduction ("Why Bother with Theology?") not only stands as a useful argument on its own--it also sets an appropriate tone for the rest of the book.

Each chapter focuses on a specific issue of Christian doctrine (e.g. trinity, atonement, church). Placher begins every chapter with a brief but cogent summary of the history of the topic, including some of the historical theological perspectives that have shaped how we think about the topic today.

The chapters continue with brief essays from prominent contemporary theologians--two per chapter--presenting their perspectives. They represent the diversity in contemporary theological scholarship, ranging from the liberal to the conservative, the systematic to the scriptural, and including liberation and feminist theologies.

It is a great first-time read, and it is also something that should then be kept on the shelf for future reference. It may be rather expensive, but it is worth every penny.

Horrible View of Theology.......2005-10-22

I was very skeptical when I read the authors brief summary in the beginning of this book. He states the views are from people from every walk, ethnic and "sexual orientation." That automatically threw a red flag for me. The view on homosexuals is jaded and far from Divine viewpoint. One reviewer was absolutely correct when he stated "it is a place for liberals and Christians to meet." Saints don't compromise leave this book on the discounted shelf.

An excellent introduction to theological studies.......2005-08-27

If you are beginning a journey in Christian theology, this book is for you. Dr. Placher has put together a collection of essays by 18 distinguished scholars. Nine important issues are discussed. Each section begins with a helpful introduction by Dr. Placher which serves to frame the discussion. Then two authors with different perspectives present their thoughts on the topic. At the end of each chapter are questions for discussion and a list of additional resources.

This book could serve as an excellent launching pad for further research in any of these areas. The great thing about the book is that it is not set up in an "us" versus "them" way. The authors don't set themselves up on the opposite sides of issues. Rather, each presents his or her own views in a non-confrontational way. By reading two perspectives on an issue, more of the nuance of the topic shows through. This is a wonderful resource.

A Place for Evangelicals and Liberals to Meet.......2005-06-04

I teach at a conservative evangelical seminary and used this as a supplementary text to the mainstay (Millard Erickson). I must say that Placher has done a fantastic job of choosing a stellar lineup of essayists from a broad spectrum of opinion. Moreover, unlike some counterpoint books that leave the reader bewildered, each section here is unified by Placher's excellent introductions. The opinions expressed range from progressive evangelical to mainline liberal, and while there are definitely some places where my students were irritated (e.g. a defense of homosexual practice) or simply mystified (Cobb's process theology), their overall impression was positive. They recognized how much their horizons had been broadened, and that is the mark of an excellent introduction.

Excellent overview of contemporary theology.......2004-08-15

As a seminary student who read this book over the summer, not for a class, but just to keep up my theological "chops," I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone wanting to explore different facets of theology from a multitude of viewpoints. The best use of this book is to read the introductions and the essays, and note the authors and issues of interest for future exploration. Because of the diversity of viewpoints, nobody will be in agreement with every theologian in this book. But all of them will make you think. Most of the authors (not all) operate from the traditional trinitarian framework at least as a launching pad, so much of this material at least speaks the same language as the knowledgable reader.

In my opinion, the most interesting theologians represented were John Cobb, the process theologian, whose writings I might investigate further, and Serene Jones, who does theology that makes sense to the averate person in the pew (actually, there are several who do that). My least favorites were Clark Williamson, a stereotypical liberal on a soapbox, and Sallie McFague, who gets too close to pantheism for my comfort (actually, she would be known as a "panentheist"). It was encouraging to me to read some very thoughtful evangelicals as well, including Stanley Grenz and Richard Mouw.

Bottom line: if you want to get past Calvin, Luther, and that ilk and see where the action is in theology TODAY, this is a great place to start.

Average customer rating:

Road Ecology: Science And Solutions
Richard T.T. Forman , Daniel Sperling , John A. Bissonette , Anthony P. Clevenger , Carol D. Cutshall , Virginia H. Dale , Lenore Fahrig , Robert L. France , Charles R. Goldman , Kevin Heanue , Julia Jones , Frederick Swanson , Thomas Turrentine , and Thomas C. Winter
Manufacturer: Island Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Wildlife and Roads
Corridor Ecology: The Science and Practice of Linking Landscapes for Biodiversity Conservation
Land Mosaics: The Ecology of Landscapes and Regions
Learning Landscape Ecology
Green Infrastructure: Linking Landscapes and Communities

ASIN: 1559639334

Book Description

A central goal of transportation is the delivery of safe and efficient services with minimal environmental impact. In practice, though, human mobility has flourished while nature has suffered. Awareness of the environmental impacts of roads is increasing, yet information remains scarce for those interested in studying, understanding, or minimizing the ecological effects of roads and vehicles.

Road Ecology addresses that shortcoming by elevating previously localized and fragmented knowledge into a broad and inclusive framework for understanding and developing solutions. The book brings together fourteen leading ecologists and transportation experts to articulate state-of-the-science road ecology principles, and presents specific examples that demonstrate the application of those principles. Diverse theories, concepts, and models in the new field of road ecology are integrated to establish a coherent framework for transportation policy, planning, and projects. Topics examined include:

foundations of road ecology
roads, vehicles, and transportation planning
vegetation and roadsides
wildlife populations and mitigation
water, sediment, and chemical flows
aquatic ecosystems
wind, noise, and atmospheric effects
road networks and landscape fragmentation

Road Ecology links ecological theories and concepts with transportation planning, engineering, and travel behavior. With more than 100 illustrations and examples from around the world, it is an indispensable and pioneering work for anyone involved with transportation, including practitioners and planners in state and province transportation departments, federal agencies, and nongovernmental organizations. The book also opens up an important new research frontier for ecologists.

The Children of Pride: Selected letters of the family of the Rev. Dr. Charles Colcock Jones from the years 1860-1868

Average customer rating:

A lifelong favorite
History First-Hand
Unabridged is worth every minute of your time.
Excellent Historical Account
Not your bland and sanitized version of American history.

The Children of Pride: Selected letters of the family of the Rev. Dr. Charles Colcock Jones from the years 1860-1868
Robert Manson Myers
Manufacturer: Yale University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Dwelling Place: A Plantation Epic
Mary Chesnut's Civil War

ASIN: 0300040539

Customer Reviews:

A lifelong favorite.......2007-10-14

Today a friend asked me what had been the best Civil War book I had ever read - not a straight history book - and after the briefest thought I said "Children of Pride." I've spent many years thinking about the War, trying to understand the motivations of Americans at that time, and then how they survived such a horrendously wrenching time. "Children of Pride" does it better than anything I have ever read.
I think it is understood that primary sources are the best way to truly understand times as these; this book provides the thoughts of the entire family, all literate and well-spoken people, over the entire period from the 1850s, just living their ante-bellum experience, to the idea of the war on the horizon, entering into it and living it day by day. This is all seen through ordinary every-day experiences, family anecdotes, and discussions of what is occurring. I can't recommend it highly enough for a true understanding of Southern life and views through all these years and well into Reconstruction.
As readers said earlier, the abridged versions absolutely do not do any justice to what the book truly is. The whole work is the only way to experience "Children of Pride."
It has lived with me since I first read it in the 1970s; I would never let my copy out of my hands, and as said above today I realized it was the single best book about the Civil War that I have ever read.

History First-Hand.......2007-01-15

A significant collection of the letters of an influential low country family, from before the Civil War and right after. These letters show the attitudes, morals, mindsets, goals, worries, and daily lives of their writers, and seem at once both modern and dated, universal and unique. What one reads here also shows how, arguably, the English language reached its height during this era. The beauty of the wording of so many of these letters, even short chatty ones from one family member to another, have much to teach us, and should dispel any residue of belief that those who lived in eras before our own were unlearned and intellectually inferior to us. It is particularly interesting to read along from the position of hindsight and see how men and women who lived through momentous times regarded them as they were about to happen, as they were happening, and in the days that came after the events. These letters are not only educational, they are also, as a bonus, very interesting.

Unabridged is worth every minute of your time........2006-04-11

Like being able to eavesdrop on history, the letters give a vivid account of life before, during and after the civil war. I became fascinated with this format and time period and have also read Mary Chestnutt, Sarah Morgan, and many others, but am now reading The Children Of Pride for the second time. Someone offered to buy my copy, but there is no way I'll ever part with it. It's worth every penny, and every minute spent finding the complete version!

Excellent Historical Account.......2004-01-19

Factual account of day to day life in easy to read wording. Historically accurate.

Not your bland and sanitized version of American history........2003-12-02

Winners of the wars get to write the history books...so you have to look a little further to get truer impressions. I use a lengthy excerpt from this book in advanced US History classes to give the kids a clue why the South was so bitter about Reconstruction. They come away very thoughtful. But the unabridged version is the only real deal.

A History of Western Philosophy: Hobbes to Hume, Volume III (History of Western Philosophy)

Average customer rating:

Philosophy comes of age...
This is the standard
This series sets the standard for philosophical surveys

A History of Western Philosophy: Hobbes to Hume, Volume III (History of Western Philosophy)
W. T. Jones , and Robert J. Fogelin
Manufacturer: Wadsworth Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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A History of Western Philosophy: Kant and the Nineteenth Century, Revised, Volume IV (History of Western Philosophy)
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ASIN: 0155383140

Book Description

Customer Reviews:

Philosophy comes of age..........2003-12-30

This book, 'Hobbes to Hume', is the third volume of a five-volume series on the history of Western Philosophy by W.T. Jones, professor of philosophy in California. This series is a very strong, thorough introduction to the course of Western Philosophy, beginning at the dawn of the philosophical enterprise with the pre-Socratics in ancient Greece to the modern thinkers such as Wittgenstein and Sartre. It has grown, over the three decades or so of its publication, from one to four then to five volumes. It has remained a popular text, and could serve as the basis of a one-year survey of philosophy for undergraduates or a one-semester survey for graduate students. Even advanced students in philosophy will find this valuable, all major topics and most minor topics in the course of philosophy are covered in these volumes.

This volume, 'Hobbes to Hume', starts where the last volume leaves off, as the medieval world is beginning to change in social, cultural, and political terms as well as intellectually. The world of feudalism, over-arching church authority and local absolute monarchies was giving way to feelings of nationalism, shared government, and, perhaps most crucially, an end to absolute dominance of a church that had become problematic in many ways.

The Renaissance began in Italy in force, drawing intellectual force from thinkers and artists who espoused a more humanistic outlook on life. Shortly thereafter (historically speaking) the Reformation began, first in Germany and then spreading across various parts of the West. Both the Renaissance and the Reformation attacked the medieval mindset, but from different directions. But perhaps one of the key ideas upon which both agreed was that the individual is largely more important than the institutions to which he or she belonged. This continues to be a tension to this day politically and philosophically, as ethnic, national, communal and religious ties still call for common emphasis.

Part of the rapid development of intellectual fields included science -- Leonardo da Vinci, Copernicus, Bacon, Galileo, Kepler and others made great strides in advancing science and technology, and worked in many ways to separate the new discipline from philosophy and theology, which was more of a joint enterprise even at this stage.

It was perhaps Descartes and Hobbes who were the first to develop philosophy as something mostly distinct from theology in this period. However, even they (and Spinoza, who came along shortly thereafter) could not escape the theological influences of the community entirely. As philosophical development continued through Leibniz, Locke, Berkeley and Hume, the ideas of epistemology, ethics, politics and metaphysics were becoming firmly established as ideas apart from the dogmatic reign of the church.

This is the standard.......2001-07-11

This is true of "Hobbes to Hume" just as it is of all the other books of the series. I appreciate the fact that Dr. Jones presents these incredible thinkers work in a manner that is not derogatory to the educated reader but is not beyond the comprehension of the beginner (there is a superb glossary). The investment in this book (and the rest of those in the series) are well worth it for anyone who wants to understand why we think the way we do.

This series sets the standard for philosophical surveys.......2000-06-09

W.T. Jones' "History of Western Philosophy" series is the cream of the crop when it comes to philosophical surveys. Dr. Jones covers all the main thinkers of a given time and attempts to present their thoughts from the original author's perspective. He does this by non-judgementally discussing each thinker and by allow the reader to read long excerpts of the original author's work. You get a very good flavor of the thoughts of the time period and of the struggles that went on in between each thinker. This is true of "Hobbes to Hume" just as it is of all the other books of the series. I appreciate the fact that Dr. Jones presents these incredible thinkers work in a manner that is not derogatory to the educated reader but is not beyond the comprehension of the beginner (there is a superb glossary). The investment in this book (and the rest of those in the series) are well worth it for anyone who wants to understand why we think the way we do.

George Washington: Ordinary Man, Extraordinary Leader

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Disappointing bio of America's first great leader
A compelling look at both the legend and the man

George Washington: Ordinary Man, Extraordinary Leader
Robert Jones
Manufacturer: Fordham University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0823221865
Release Date: 2002-01-01

Book Description

George Washington: Ordinary Man, Extraordinary Leader is a revised edition of the author's George Washington, published in 1979. Totally updated to include the author's extensive research conducted in the intervening two decades, the book is a concise but complete biography of Washington as gentleman planter, colonial rebel, American general, and U.S. president. The book provides a full and even-handed portrait of the first president, with special emphasis on how he took his rather commonplace talents and transformed them with self-discipline into extraordinary leadership in a time of turmoil. The book pays special attention to Washington's struggles during the Revolution and his tenure as president and deals with his gradual conversion from advocate of nonpartisan politics to a strict Federalist. This book synthesizes the current research in a readable style that affords the general reader an understanding of Washington's special character and his vital role in the making of the United States.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing bio of America's first great leader.......2003-08-09

I found this bio to be quite disappointing. It is relatively brief, and many important events in Washington's life and career are only given a few sentences or paragraphs. Most of the author's observations regarding Washington's character are not presented until the end, and then they are disjointed and seem to be mere afterthoughts. The author also tends to group many subjects into a single paragraph, perhaps to hide the lack of detail. Compared to other historical bios (like McCullough's John Adams or Blumenson's Patton) this book is poorly written, difficult to read, and lacking in detail and information. I do not recommend this book at all.

A compelling look at both the legend and the man.......2002-08-08

Fleshed out with an additional twenty years of meticulous, exhaustive research and newly revised by Robert E. Jones (Professor of History, Fordham University), George Washington: Ordinary Man, Extraordinary Leader is an informative biography of America's first President. Focusing especially on Washington's trials during the Revolution and his service as President, George Washington: Ordinary Man, Extraordinary Leader is a compelling look at both the legend and the man, his foibles as well as his virtues, and his legacy and contribution to both American and world history. George Washington: Ordinary Man, Extraordinary Leader is very highly recommended for academic and community library American History and Biographical Studies collections.

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