Philosophy For Beginners Paperback – Illustrated, August 21, 2007

I have had an interest in philosophy most of my life. Even though I had taken several college courses and read numerous books on philosophy, this illustrated documentary comic book (Philosophy for beginners by Richard Osborne and Illustrated by Ralph Edney) sounded interesting. I purchased this book at a reasonable price on Amazon. I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of information this 186 page volume contained on the history of philosophy. It is true they do not get into great detail on the specifics of each topic; nevertheless, they provide an excellent overview for further study of the subjects.This fully illustrated volume is organized into twenty-two areas of study. It begins with a brief explanation of philosophy. It moves to the most famous philosophers of Greece, such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and others. The Roman philosophers are covered next such as Marcus Aurelius. Early Christianity is explained, medieval religious philosophy, the renaissance, reformation and counter-reformation, the enlightenment and the rise of capitalism, idealism, American philosophers, and other influential social movements such as Marxism is also covered in this text.In conclusion, even if you have read books or taken philosophy courses, this little volume is great for a brief overview of important philosophical ideas that have occurred the last 2,500 years. The fantastic illustrations make the story of philosophy come alive.Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Never Trust a Politician: A critical review of politics and politicians.

Terrific item. Buy now and enjoy amazing coffee!

I purchased 10 books on philosophy, but this book was by far the best source for those wanting a broad exposure to philosophy. Reading it was a pleasure!

Im not far into it but I am enjoying what I have read so far. Just started being interested in philosophy and this has been a nice appetizer. My only grief with the book is that for some reason ( I have to assume the printing agencies fault ) my book was printed not only upside down but backwards as well. This isnt actually an issue for me the backwards bit reads like a manga but I do feel foolish reading a book on philosophy upside down while ppl walk past me at work lol

Information was geat and delivered on time!!!

Richard Osborne used numerous historical inaccuracies to comprise his own narrative. For example, almost everything on page 34 is completely incorrect or out of context. He did not even reference the contemporary secular history correctly. It's seems he thinks the Great Schism happened 700 years before! This is just one example, but also claimed the conversation of the Arabs to Islam was peaceful (let alone the borders of the Eastern Roman Empire).Sure, this book has some basic introductory concepts on philosophy, but it is clear Richard Osborne is peddling his own world views. In these polarizing times, I would advise to stay away from Philosophy 101. Search for a more comprehensive book that won't age so badly. Different perspectives can be valuable but only if it is confirmed by objective facts.To be more blunt, this is "woke" indoctrination.

Here there is a a simple, clear, understandable introduction to all of the main ideas in Western philosophy.Very good introduction to the complicated ideas and a fun way to think about them.Actually introduces people to philosophy in a way that opens up new worlds, sometimes odd sometimes funny but appealing in making ideas interesting.

There are two schools of thought concerning the 'For Beginners' series of texts. The subject matter that they attempt to address is tastelessly watered-down to the point of absurdity, placing serious topics such as philosophy and political thought into a superficial pop culture context. The subjects are so scandoulsly generalized that the reader comes away from the text more confused than before the reading. On the other hand, there is the view that this series presents precise introductions to otherwise dense material, paving the way for further study. My opinion tends towards the latter, because these texts are in fact precise, honing down the ideas in a language that can be understood by intelligent people with a desire to understand the subject under discussion. In ~Philosophy~ a vast amount of material is touched on from the pre-Socratics to Derrida's post structuralism. A ambitious project, but Richard Osbourne along with Ralph Edney as illustrator has managed to pull it off with accuracy, humour and elegance.This publication is not presenting itself as anything else other than what it is - an overview of western philosophy from the early Greeks to present time. Having some background in philosophy, personally the sections on the Dark Ages, Holy Roman Empire, and the rise of Scholasticism in the first millennia was informative, reminding me of the huge influence St Thomas Aquinas had at the time - his famous 'Summa contra Gentiles', which set out to prove to non Christians, through natural reason, the importance of Chrisianity and the existence of God. Interestingly, the author's at the end of the Aquinas section comment that the explanation concerning the philosopher's thought was a bit "sketchy, but it's only a Beginner's Guide." This was a subtle cue from the author's that this text is in fact only an introduction and not to expect much more.This book is an appropriate beginning to a vast and complex subject. If this text sparks some interest, the bibliography at the back is divided into Introductory, Advanced and General references, including a few excellent books to read if one plans to pursue the subject further. Osborne et al, have done a terrific job of tackling such a notoriously difficult subject and making it interesting and accessible.

Good summary of how philosophy progressed and why.

I had this book back in the 90's . Not too sure but think this may be an updated version. Still a good read bought for the kids. Was a whole series. Kant, Freud, Psychology, ect...

Reading is so impressive and absorbing that one gets the experience of reading lines and reading beyond linesDr Rathan KumarHyderabad 9866451354

this book changed my life.

Philosophy For Beginners by Richard Osborne is a very fine book for those who want to be acquainted with the main currents in the history of philosophy.