Categories: A Study of a Concept in Western Philosophy and Political Thought

The problem of categories has been central to Western thought, with different answers proposed by Plato, Aristotle, Kant, and Hegel. OSullivan identifies three key schools of thought that have developed since Hegel, including a desire for a single dominant perspective, a belief in irretrievable fragmentation, and an effort to find a middle ground.

Format: Hardback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2024
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

The problem of the nature of categories has been a central concern in Western thought throughout history, intertwining with debates about the nature of selfhood, knowledge organization, power distribution, and historical understanding. Ancient Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle approached categories differently, with Plato viewing Forms as timeless entities and Aristotle considering categories as inherent in things. Kant introduced a priori logical structures of consciousness, while Hegel emphasized dynamic, dialectical inter-related ideas. OSullivan's book, Categories, explores how these answers have evolved into the contemporary era and identifies three key schools of thought that have emerged since Hegel. He highlights a tension between a desire for a single dominant perspective, the belief in irretrievable fragmentation, and the pursuit of a middle ground. This tension reflects the ongoing quest for a comprehensive understanding of the world and our place in it.

Weight: 664g
Dimension: 241 x 163 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399524155