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Title: Why Is There Something Rather Than Nothing?: 23 Questions from Great Philosophers
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Manufacturer: Basic Books
List Price: $20.00
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| Why Is There Something Rather Than Nothing?: 23 Questions from Great Philosophers by Basic Books A great introduction/review of western philosophy | This is an excellent book that I just couldn't quite give five stars to. First, let me tell explain the two things I found problematic with it.
The "God of Christianity" is featured far too much here. It necessarily dominates the discussions of many of his selections for study (Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas, etc.), but he manages to drag Christianity into discussions where it seems completely unnecessary as well. Why is this needed (or even sound) in a book which is a sampling of philosophy? It almost, but not quite, gets to the point where it becomes a serious flaw with the book rather than just an annoyance.
In the introduction, the author states that he will concentrate on one idea in the thought of each philosopher, as trying to summarize each in a book such as this would be impossible. Given the natural space limitations of a book like this, that makes sense. But he nevertheless takes up space on a few of his selections by making controversial generalizations - not focusing on one idea - and then not having to defend these generalizations because of the space constraint. His treatment of Nietzsche was particularly glaring in this sense.
Nevertheless, this book is still a fine introduction to some of the problems which have been wrestled with during the history of western philosophy. And he does have a very nice way of fleshing out questions that are still interesting today. Take a look at his section on Plato for a good sample. Overall a fun and interesting read.
| | Why Is There Something Rather Than Nothing?: 23 Questions from Great Philosophers by Basic Books Windows into Philosophy | Most of us would probably pick up a book like this because we are looking for answers about the meaning of life, or something like that. But instead of answers, Professor Kolakowski offers more questions. He introduces us to one thought or concept from each of 23 philosophers and then, in Socratic style, gives the reader some questions to answer.
This little book is both challenging and enjoyable to read, a real thought-provoker. | | Why Is There Something Rather Than Nothing?: 23 Questions from Great Philosophers by Basic Books OK as a casual intro to philosophers | This book features essays about great philosophers titled by a question that Kolankowski presents as each thinker's cogent spur.
First, as the other reviewer mentioned, the title of this book must be from the Heidegger essay which is left out of this translation. Out of the 30 essays, Kolankowski says the publisher wanted to cut the number down so they cut 7 of them (Heidegger, Plotinus...). Why, what goofy madness, why on earth would a publisher or editor possibly condone or demand the cut of the one essay that is the title of the book? It makes no sense. My suggestion is that this book should be titled: This is Not a Pipe.
That said, the essays actually don't go into the nature of each question much. I have not read all of it - after quickly discovering that the title's bait-and-switch, I only jumped around and read about 5 of the essays - but they are intellectual biographies of each thinker and then the thinker's question is introduced as a kind of coda.
I think this might be of interest to someone who wanted to learn a little about each thinker, as a casual intro to philosophy and maybe to provoke further reading of their writings. But a general and more detailed introduction to Western Philosophy might do a better job. Still I admire Kolakowski for trying to summarize the lives and influences of these complex thinkers. | | Why Is There Something Rather Than Nothing?: 23 Questions from Great Philosophers by Basic Books questionable title | | CAVEAT EMPTOR. The title of this book, "Why Is There Something Rather Than Nothing?", is derived from the question posed by Heidegger in his lecture, "What is Metaphysics?" Consequently, I looked forward to Kolakowski's "take" on Heidegger. I bought the book; scanned the contents, and found no Heidegger. It turns out that the original Polish edition had thirty essays. This English version excised seven of them, including the one on Heidegger. | | Why Is There Something Rather Than Nothing?: 23 Questions from Great Philosophers by Basic Books Product Description | Can nature make us happy? How can we know anything? What is justice? Why is there evil in the world? What is the source of truth? Is it possible for God not to exist? Can we really believe what we see? There are questions that have intrigued the world's great thinkers over the ages, which still touch a chord in all of us today. They are questions that can teach us about the way we live, work, relate to each other and see the world. Here Leszek Kolakowski explores the essence of these ideas, introducing figures from Socrates to Thomas Aquinas, Descartes to Nietzsche, and concentrating on one single important philosophical question from each of them. Whether reflecting on good and evil, truth and beauty, faith and the soul, or free will and consciousness, Leszek Kolakowski shows that these timeless ideas remain at the very core of our existence. |
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