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The Great Philosophers: The Lives and Ideas of History's Greatest Thinkers Paperback – International Edition, July 26, 2016

by Stephen Law (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 111 ratings
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Since the beginning of time mankind has struggled with the big questions surrounding our existence. Whilst most people have heard of Socrates, Machiavelli and Nietzsche, many are less clear on their theories and key concepts.

In The Great Philosophers, bestselling author Stephen Law condenses and deciphers their fundamental ideas. Avoiding the technical jargon and complex logic associated with most books on philosophy, Law brings the thoughts of these great thinkers, from Confucius and Buddha to Wittgenstein and Sartre, to life.

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  1. Print length
    220 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Quercus Publishing
  4. Publication date
    July 26, 2016
  5. Dimensions
    5 x 1 x 7.75 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    9781780877471
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1780877471
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

'Fifty of history's most profound thinkers are introduced in a way you have probably never previously imagined' Good Book Guide.―Good Book Guide

About the Author

Stephen Law is Professor of Philosophy at London University and the author of The Philosophy Gym, The Philosophy Files, published in twelve languages, and the equally successful The Outer Limits

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1780877471
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Quercus Publishing; Reprint edition (July 26, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 220 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781780877471
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1780877471
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 1 x 7.75 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 111 ratings

About the author

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Stephen Law

Stephen Law

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Stephen Law (Oxford, England) is a senior lecturer in philosophy at Heythrop College, University of London; provost for the Centre for Inquiry UK; and the editor of Think: Philosophy for Everyone (a journal of the Royal Institute of Philosophy). He is the author of numerous books for adults as well as children, including The Greatest Philosophers, Companion Guide to Philosophy, The War for Children’s Minds, and Really, Really Big Questions, among other works.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
111 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Richard B.
5.0 out of 5 stars Just an overview of famous philosophers
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2024
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Each philosopher’s work is summed up in a few pages. Many of these are often referred by writers. Now I understand those references.
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Ericbrad
5.0 out of 5 stars It exceeds my expectations!
Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2023
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See above ! Excellent!
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Irma Sheon
4.0 out of 5 stars A perfect intro for senior study
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2013
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It was strongly suggested by the prof of Philosophy at the continuing care community where I live and take classes through Prince George's County MD Community College. It is easily digested and serves as an intro in case I am interested in learning more about a particular philosopher. The book arrived speedily and in virtually perfect condition.
3 people found this helpful
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Mary Emerson
5.0 out of 5 stars A coffee table treasure!
Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2012
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I saw this book on display at a doctor's office and began to read it. That did it! That was enough to pique my interest further and so I ordered my own copy. It has been many years since I studied the philosophers in college at The College of William and Mary and therefore, I found this book was a perfect "refresher" for me. The biographies are short but to the point and quite interesting. The visual graphics are outstanding. I plan to purchase this book for my college-bound grandson. In the meantime, I enjoy picking up the book, making my personal selections, and enjoying every page with such delight. A priceless purchase!
5 people found this helpful
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neville sesrle
5.0 out of 5 stars Good overview from ancient to modern philosophers and philosophy for those wanting a taste of the subject.
Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2021
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Good overview from ancient to modern philosophers and philosophy for those wanting a taste of the subject. Easy read, short chapter per philosopher.
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Frankbel Njei
3.0 out of 5 stars Package delivered with open box
Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2023
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I package was already opened before it was delivered to my door steps. Never saw this before. Really bad
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Bama Fan
5.0 out of 5 stars Succinct and interesting
Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2024
I enjoy philosophy...but only in small chunks. Because of that, this book was PERFECT for me. The author summarizes the main point or two from a wide range of philosophers over time and provides some brief biographical information as well. I'm into Vervaeke and McGilchrist and they reference a lot of these philosophers so it was great to get a little more background on them and their ideas and this will be a good reference book in the future as well!
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ReadingGirl
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for 9th-10th graders
Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2015
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Great book for 9th-10th graders. Super easy to read...explains each philosopher very well without overdoing it or being too complicated. Simplifies each philosopher with only the basic points that you want to know.
3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Lysette Chaproniere
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent brief introduction to philosophy
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 21, 2018
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In a clear, lively and very readable style, Stephen Law explains one idea from each of 50 philosophers, begins to evaluate the idea and then gives a brief biography of the philosopher just discussed. Of course, using this format means that a great deal is missed out, but that is inevitable in an introductary book of this length on as broad a topic as philosophy, and Law manages to pack a surprising amount into this book, without becoming superficial.

Although he treats each individual philosopher in turn, he brings out the connections between them. For instance, in the chapter on the Buddha he points out that Hume had a similar view of the self, and in discussing how Socrates tried to find the one thing that all courageous acts have in common, he explains that Wittgenstein would object to this method because, for example, there is no one thing that all and only games have in common; there are only various similarities between the things we call games.

This would make a very good first book on philosophy, and also works as a quick reference to remind you of the main ideas of each philosopher.
9 people found this helpful
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Jennifer Burns
5.0 out of 5 stars Exactly as pictured
Reviewed in Australia on August 29, 2022
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A very handy book to have around if one wants to a ready reference to some of the more prominent philosophers through recent history - along with an outline of each of their philosophies.
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Jennifer Grose
3.0 out of 5 stars It was quite academic, so to be read in ...
Reviewed in Australia on August 6, 2015
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It was quite academic, so to be read in short sessions. I did learn a lot.
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Murasaki53
5.0 out of 5 stars Useful for 'A' Level students/General Reader
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 10, 2010
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I agree with the previous reviewer about the lack of depth in this textbook. But Stephen Law is a very clear writer and his accessible and imaginative style makes the book very useful for A/S and A2 students of Philosophy and the Philosophy of Religion. It is the kind of introductory work that will hopefully inspire students at this level (and the general reader) to go on to explore the ideas of the philosophers mentioned in more detail. It can also be enjoyed for its own sake. And so - all in all - I would certainly recommend it (though the full price of the hardback edition does make it an expensive acquisition and so I would opt for a cheaper used or new copy off this website).
11 people found this helpful
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Kwarbs M
4.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 12, 2015
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Very informative and great info to some fantastic minds we are lucky to study.
One person found this helpful
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