logo

64 pages 2 hours read

Bertrand Russell

A History of Western Philosophy

Bertrand RussellNonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1945

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Bertrand Russell

A History of Western Philosophy

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1945
Book Details
Pages

906

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Publication Year

1945

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

A History of Western Philosophy, published in 1945 by Bertrand Russell, is a comprehensive overview of Western philosophy through three main periods: Ancient, Catholic, and Modern. The book covers major philosophers and movements, from Pre-Socratic thinkers, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, through the Christian Scholastics like St. Thomas Aquinas, to Modern philosophers such as Descartes, Hume, Kant, Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche, and the early 20th-century pragmatists and logical positivists. The book contains discussions of challenging periods in European history, including the Dark Ages and religious turmoil, which may be sensitive to some readers.

Informative

Contemplative

Challenging

Mysterious

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Bertrand Russell's A History of Western Philosophy is acclaimed for its comprehensive scope and captivating prose, making complex ideas accessible. Critics appreciate its insightful analysis and wit, though some note its bias and occasional inaccuracies. Despite these flaws, it remains a seminal work for both philosophy enthusiasts and newcomers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A History of Western Philosophy?

Readers who relish A History of Western Philosophy by Bertrand Russell are typically interested in a comprehensive, accessible exploration of Western thought. If you appreciated Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder or The Story of Philosophy by Will Durant, this intellectual journey through philosophy's evolution will captivate you.

Book Details
Pages

906

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Publication Year

1945

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.