Descartes' Secret Notebook - A True Tale of Mathematics, Mysticism and the Quest to Understand the Universe
What Aczel did for mathematician Fermat (Fermat's Last Theorem) he now does for Descartes in this splendid study about the French philosopher and mathematician (1596–1650) most famous for his paradigm-smashing declaration, "I think; therefore, I am." Part historical sketch, part biography and part detective story, Aczel's chronicle of Descartes's hidden work hinges on his lost secret notebook. Of 16 pages of coded manuscript, one and a half were copied in 1676 by fellow philosopher and mathematician Leibniz.
This brief text assists students in understanding Spinoza's philosophy and thinking so that they can more fully engage in useful, intelligent class dialogue and improve their understanding of course content. Part of the "Wadsworth Philosophers Series," (which will eventually consist of approximately 100 titles, each focusing on a single "thinker" from ancient times to the present), ON SPINOZA is written by a philosopher deeply versed in the philosophy of this key thinker. Like other books in the series, this concise book offers sufficient insight into the thinking of a notable philosopher better enabling students to engage in the reading and to discuss the material in class and on paper.
Alain L. Locke (1886-1954), narrates the untold story of his profound impact on twentieth-century America’s cultural and intellectual life. The heart of their narrative illuminates Locke’s heady years in 1920s New York City and his forty-year career at Howard University, where he helped spearhead the adult education movement of the 1930s and wrote on topics ranging from the philosophy of value to the theory of democracy.
The 60-Second Philosopher: Expand Your Mind on a Minute or So a Day
Philosophy means love of wisdom in Greek. Unfortunately, as much as we all love wisdom, we don't all have the time to spend acquiring it! This fabulous little book provides the perfect antidote. Split into 60 one-minute chapters, Andrew Pessin offers you a snippet of philosophical wisdom everyday, giving you something to think about on your coffee break. Guaranteed to sharpen your mental faculties, as well as entertaining you with its witty humor, "The Sixty-Second Philosopher" will delight aspiring thinkers everywhere!
The Philosopher's Toolkit: A Compendium of Philosophical Concepts and MethodsThe second edition of this popular compendium provides the necessary intellectual equipment to engage with and participate in effective philosophical argument, reading, and reflection
* Features significantly revised, updated and expanded entries, and an entirely new section drawn from methods in the history of philosophy * This edition has a broad, pluralistic approach--appealing to readers in both continental philosophy and the history of philosophy, as well as analytic philosophy