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This work is based on a BBC television series also entitled "The Great Philosophers" and aims to provide an accessible introduction to the concepts of Western philosophy and to some of its greatest thinkers from Plato to the present day. The conversational format is intended to keep the discussion lively and clear, even when it concerns difficult ideas. Starting with the death of Socrates in 399 BC and the subsequent writings of Plato, it continues with Aristotle and the medieval philosophers, the writings of (among others) Descartes, Locke and Kant, and then on to the 20th century and the ideas of recent figures, such as Heidegger, Bertrand Russell and Wittgenstein.
"Under Magee's sensitive guidance a remarkably coherent interpretation of this period emerges."--Marshall Cohen, Listener. "The whole book has a marvellous air of casualness and clarity that makes it a delight to read."--Colin Wilson. Contemporary British philosophy is experiencing
unprecedented openness to influences from abroad. New growth is evident in many areas of traditional philosophy which had been neglected by the logical positivists and the linguistic analysts. This sense of freedom permeates Magee's volume of conversations with leading British philosophers. Under
Magee's direction, the philosophers discuss other influential thinkers, such as Wittgenstein, Russell, Moore, and Austin, as well as ideas of universal interest, such as morality, art, religion, and social theory. As an introduction to contemporary British philosophy, a unique collection of candid
commentaries by important thinkers, and study of fresh ideas, Modern British Philosophy is consistently lively and authoritative.
unprecedented openness to influences from abroad. New growth is evident in many areas of traditional philosophy which had been neglected by the logical positivists and the linguistic analysts. This sense of freedom permeates Magee's volume of conversations with leading British philosophers. Under
Magee's direction, the philosophers discuss other influential thinkers, such as Wittgenstein, Russell, Moore, and Austin, as well as ideas of universal interest, such as morality, art, religion, and social theory. As an introduction to contemporary British philosophy, a unique collection of candid
commentaries by important thinkers, and study of fresh ideas, Modern British Philosophy is consistently lively and authoritative.