C. D. Broad: Key Unpublished Writings: Key Unpublished Writings

C. D. Broad was a British philosopher who made significant contributions to the mind-body problem, perception, memory, introspection, the unconscious, the nature of space, time, and causation. This volume presents his unpublished writings, divided into five clear sections: autobiography, Hegel and the nature of philosophy, Francis Bacon, Hume's philosophy of the self and belief, F. H. Bradley, the historical development of scientific thought, causation, change and continuity, quantitative methods, poltergeists, and paranormal phenomena. It will be of great value to those studying and researching the history of twentieth-century philosophy, metaphysics, and the recent history and philosophy of science, as well as anyone interested in Broad's philosophical thought and his place in the history of philosophy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 09 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

C. D. Broad, a renowned British philosopher, graced the halls of Trinity College, Cambridge, for an extensive teaching tenure spanning several decades. With an encyclopedic range of interests, Broad left an indelible mark on various philosophical domains, including the mind-body problem, perception, memory, introspection, the unconscious, the nature of space, time, and causation. His intellectual prowess extended to the philosophy of science, ethics, the history of philosophy, and the philosophy of religion, where he delved with unwavering curiosity and meticulous scrutiny. Additionally, Broad harbored a deep fascination with "psychical research," a subject he approached with the same dispassionate curiosity and rigorous analysis that characterized his philosophical endeavors.

While Broad's contributions may have been overshadowed by prominent figures of his era, such as Russell, Moore, and Wittgenstein, it is widely acknowledged that he foresaw significant advancements in several fields. His insights into the philosophy of science, sense perception, and the emerging block theory of time in metaphysics were particularly noteworthy. Despite the numerous books he published during his lifetime, this particular volume stands out as a unique compilation of his most intriguing unpublished writings.

Organized into five distinct sections, the following figures and topics are explored:

Autobiography: In this section, Broad shares personal anecdotes and reflections, providing insights into his life and philosophical journey.

Hegel and the Nature of Philosophy: Broad delves into the works of Hegel, exploring his philosophical ideas and their impact on the development of philosophy.

Francis Bacon: Broad examines the philosophical ideas of Francis Bacon, highlighting his contributions to the field and his influence on subsequent thinkers.

Hume's Philosophy of the Self and Belief: Broad explores Hume's philosophy of the self and belief, examining his theories on consciousness, reason, and the nature of knowledge.

F. H. Bradley: Broad examines the philosophical ideas of F. H. Bradley, focusing on his metaphysical theories and their implications for the understanding of reality.

The Historical Development of Scientific Thought from Pythagoras to Newton: Broad traces the historical development of scientific thought, highlighting key figures and their contributions to the field.

Causation: Broad explores the concept of causation, examining its nature, mechanisms, and its role in understanding the world.

Change and Continuity: Broad examines the philosophical implications of change and continuity, exploring the nature of time, identity, and the universe.

Quantitative Methods: Broad discusses the use of quantitative methods in philosophical inquiry, examining their strengths and limitations.

Poltergeists and Paranormal Phenomena: Broad explores the phenomenon of poltergeists and paranormal phenomena, examining their nature, causes, and philosophical implications.

Each section is introduced and contextualized by the editor, Joel Walmsley, who provides valuable insights into Broad's philosophical thought and its historical significance. Additionally, the volume features an engaging and informative foreword by Simon Blackburn, further enhancing its value for scholars and enthusiasts studying twentieth-century philosophy, metaphysics, the recent history and philosophy of science, as well as Broad's philosophical corpus.

Weight: 586g
Dimension: 154 x 234 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367532543