Zeigt Titel in Philosophie

Written by the influential Dutch philosopher Baruch Spinoza, the Tractatus Theologico-Politicus stands as one of the most provocative texts of the early modern era. This treatise serves as a preemptive defense of his later work, Ethics, which was published posthumously in 1677 and anticipated intense scrutiny. In this foundational work, Spinoza delivers his most thorough critique of Judaism and organized religion as a whole. He asserts that theology and philosophy must be distinctly separated, especially when interpreting sacred texts. While theology seeks obedience, philosophy is driven by ...

In Books 3 and 4 of Leviathan, Thomas Hobbes delves deeper into his revolutionary political philosophy, focusing on the concept of a Christian commonwealth. Book 3 opens with a rich exploration of biblical scholarship aimed at affirming the authority of Scripture while challenging modern claims of supernatural revelation that threaten civil law. Hobbes argues that the certainty of divine revelation is elusive, positioning religious authority as subordinate to civil power. Meanwhile, Book 4, titled “Of the Kingdom of Darkness,” critiques the churchs misinterpretation of Scripture, ...

In this insightful tripartite essay, which appears under various titles such as “On the Popular Judgment” (translated by J. Richardson), “On the Old Saw” (E.B. Ashton), or “On the Common Saying” (by M.J. Gregor and H.B. Nisbet), Kant explores the intricate relationship between theory and practice from three distinct angles. He addresses Christian Garve’s critique of his moral philosophy, differentiates his views from those of Thomas Hobbes, and engages with the ideas of Moses Mendelssohn. Together, these sections encapsulate the depth of Kant’s moral and political thought, ...

Dive into the profound wisdom of James Allen as he presents another remarkable work that will resonate with students and enthusiasts alike. In Shining Gateway, Allen, the Prophet of Meditation, offers one of his most insightful and clear explorations of fundamental principles that govern human experience. He doesnt shy away from the complexities of life; instead, he approaches each detail with tender reverence, reflecting on his own journey and the universal challenges that we all face. Its as if he stands at the Shining Gateway, inviting us to join him on the path to enlightenment. With each ...

The Monadology (La Monadologie, 1714) is one of Gottfried Leibniz’s most celebrated works, encapsulating his later philosophical ideas. In this concise text, composed of around 90 paragraphs, Leibniz presents a fascinating metaphysics of simple substances, or monads. He proposes a unique modification of occasionalism, as developed by later Cartesians, suggesting that there are countless substances, each programmed to function in a specific manner, all harmoniously coordinated with one another. This concept of pre-established harmony offers a solution to the mind-body problem, albeit at the ...

This compelling anthology brings together a variety of intriguing perspectives from Bertrand Russell. In Mathematics and the Metaphysicians, Russell reflects on the transformative impact of the 1900 World Congress of Philosophers and his aspiration that innovative mathematical approaches could unravel age-old philosophical dilemmas. The ensuing essays trace the evolution of this vision as Russell delves into the foundations of mathematics, exploring how new methodologies could reconstruct our understanding of physical objects through sense-data and redefine concepts like matter and causation. ...

In this thought-provoking work, Freud delves into three pivotal aspects of human sexuality. First, he explores sexual perversions or aberrations, asserting that the tendency towards perversions is an inherent and universal part of the human sexual instinct, with roots traceable to childhood. Next, he addresses The Infantile Sexuality, presenting the idea that children experience sexual urges, which gradually evolve into adult sexuality through psychosexual development. Freud identifies various manifestations of infantile sexual emotions, such as thumb-sucking, autoeroticism, and sibling ...

Originally published in Latin in 1644 and later translated into French in 1647, The Principles of Philosophy by René Descartes unveils the foundational principles of nature and the Laws of Physics through his unique lens. This groundbreaking work offers a systematic exploration of natural philosophy and metaphysics, presenting the first truly comprehensive, mechanistic view of the universe. Selections from the Principles of Philosophy includes the entirety of the first part, Of the Principles of Human Knowledge, along with selected passages from the second part, Of the Principles of Material ...

Dive into the world of Theophrastus (c. 371 – c. 287 BC), the ancient Greek philosopher who succeeded Aristotle in the Peripatetic School. Renowned for his contributions across various fields—biology, geology, physics, metaphysics, psychology, ethics, and logic—he crafted a remarkable collection titled Characters. This work presents thirty vivid and incisive sketches of moral archetypes, offering a fascinating glimpse into the life of his era and the essence of human nature. These character portrayals, the earliest systematic attempts at character writing, resonate with modern readers, ...

Discover the intriguing world of Rosicrucianism with this engaging introduction to its fundamental philosophy, beliefs, and hidden secrets. Perfect for anyone curious about this mystic tradition, this primer offers insights into the captivating teachings of the Rosicrucians. (Summary by Kirk Ziegler)

This treatise emerges from a fascinating dialogue, likely sparked by a public or semi-public exchange with an unnamed individual. Here, St. Bernard passionately advocates for the transformative power of grace, yet he finds himself at risk of downplaying the essential role of free will. The text radiates the essence of mystical theology—not the secretive kind, but rather that which resonates with the everyday Christian navigating lifes complexities. It’s remarkable how this ascetic, a recluse by choice, engages with a topic that profoundly echoes the heartbeats of ordinary humanity.

De Cive, or On the Citizen, stands as one of Thomas Hobbess most significant works. Originally published in Latin in Paris in 1642, it saw two additional editions in Latin from Amsterdam in 1647, followed by its first English translation in 1651 under the title Philosophicall rudiments concerning government and society. This foundational text not only sets the stage for the themes explored in Hobbess more famous work, Leviathan, but it also introduces the iconic phrase bellum omnium contra omnes, or war of all against all. Join us as we delve into Hobbess insights that continue to resonate in ...

In Thinking as a Science, Henry Hazlitt presents a timeless exploration of the art of thinking, written in an engaging style that resonates with both young learners and seasoned professionals. Across eleven insightful chapters, culminating in a detailed annotated bibliography, Hazlitt meticulously guides readers through the essential steps of incorporating logic and context into their thought processes. The in-depth chapter on Reading and Thinking sheds light on the critical distinction between simply acquiring knowledge and using reading as a tool to spark genuine thought. For anyone who has ...

This thought-provoking book presents a series of independent demonstrations that culminate in a powerful conclusion Christianity is the only religion capable of fulfilling the spiritual needs of humanity. Through a thorough examination of the various arts and processes of revealed religion, the author explores how they elevate, purify, and inspire the human soul toward benevolent action. The practical effectiveness of this system is substantiated by undeniable experiences, revealing that, like the mathematical relationships between numbers, the capacities of the human soul align perfectly with...

In the years 1920-21, Bertrand Russell found himself in Peking (Beijing), where he immersed himself in the vibrant intellectual climate of the time, later publishing this thought-provoking book upon his return to England. Fresh from a visit to Bolshevik Russia, where he was less than impressed by Lenins regime, Russell discovered a different narrative in China. Like many travelers, he projected his ideals onto the nation, spotting glimmers of hope amidst the shadows of the past. Welcomed by enthusiastic young intellectuals who viewed him as a beacon of modern and scientific thought, he faced a...

In Destination of Man, Johanne Fichte presents a profound exploration of the human experience, first published in 1799. This thought-provoking work was translated into English in 1846 by Jane Sinnett and again in 1848 by William Smith. Fichte aims to elevate the reader from the tangible, sensory world to a higher realm of understanding. He echoes Francis Bacons insight from The Advancement of Learning, emphasizing that the journey of contemplation can be challenging yet rewarding. Similarly, René Descartes reminds us that to seek truth, one must embrace doubt. Fichtes exploration navigates ...

Dive into the intriguing world of Idealism, a philosophy revitalized in eighteenth-century Europe by George Berkeley, which boldly challenges materialism by asserting that Reality is a construct of the Mind. Once thriving under the guidance of thinkers like Hegel, Fichte, Schopenhauer, and Schelling, Idealism waned in influence as the nineteenth century drew to a close. Yet, the remarkable May Sinclair—an author known for her thought-provoking novels and service in the World War I ambulance corps—emerged as an unexpected champion of this philosophical tradition, seeking to reinvigorate it ...

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the ideas of John McTaggart, a British metaphysician renowned for his philosophical idealism. We explore his seminal article in the periodical Mind, where he presents the intriguing concepts of the A, B, and C series—a framework that has significantly shaped our understanding of the nature of time.

In Against Celsus, a seminal apologetic work, Origen of Alexandria passionately defends Christianity against the sharp critiques of Celsus, a prominent pagan philosopher. Written around 248 AD and preserved in its entirety in Greek, this text addresses Celsuss scathing attacks on Christian beliefs, which he labeled as irrational and the followers as misguided and unpatriotic. Celsus accused Jesus of using black magic for his miracles and claimed that his teachings were mere echoes of Platos philosophy. He warned that the rise of Christianity posed a threat to traditional values and the very ...

In this thought-provoking episode, Bennett invites us to view our brains as the most extraordinary machine we possess—one that we have the unique power to control. As he eloquently expresses, I am simply bent on calling your attention to a fact which has perhaps wholly or partially escaped you -- namely, that you are the most fascinating bit of machinery that ever was. With his signature honeyed prose and inspired insights, Bennetts timeless advice resonates just as profoundly today as it did when first penned.