Ordering of Time: Meditations on the History of Philosophy

The history of philosophy is a diverse and complex field that explores the work of many influential figures throughout history. George Lucas' book offers a fresh perspective on these questions, challenging traditional methodological and cultural boundaries. It invites a re-consideration of the work of scholars such as Alasdair MacIntyre, Leo Strauss, Jacques Derrida, Michel Foucault, Richard Rorty, Hans-Georg Gadamer, Bertrand Russell, Arthur Danto, Martha Nussbaum, Paul Ricoeur, Charles Taylor, Keith Lehrer, and Jerome Schneewind. Lucas seeks original and probing answers to these profound and perennial issues.

Format: Hardback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2020
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

The history of philosophy is a complex and multifaceted subject that has been studied for centuries. It encompasses a wide range of philosophical ideas, theories, and practices from ancient times to the present day. The history of philosophy can be understood in various ways, depending on the perspective of the scholar. Some scholars view philosophy as a continuous and evolving process, while others see it as a series of distinct periods or schools of thought.

One of the key questions in the history of philosophy is what philosophy is. Philosophers have offered a wide range of definitions, but there is a general consensus that philosophy is concerned with the study of fundamental questions about the nature of reality, knowledge, and morality. Philosophers have explored a wide range of topics, including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, politics, and aesthetics.

The history of philosophy can be divided into several periods or schools of thought. The ancient period, which includes the works of Plato, Aristotle, and Confucius, is often considered the foundation of Western philosophy. The medieval period, which includes the works of St. Thomas Aquinas and Dante, is characterized by a focus on religious and theological issues. The modern period, which includes the works of Descartes, Kant, and Hegel, is characterized by a focus on rationalism and empiricism. The contemporary period, which includes the works of Foucault, Derrida, and Rorty, is characterized by a focus on social and political issues.

One of the challenges in studying the history of philosophy is the fact that philosophical ideas and theories can be difficult to understand. Philosophers often use complex language and abstract concepts, which can make it difficult for non-philosophers to grasp their ideas. This has led to a variety of approaches to studying the history of philosophy, including historical analysis, philosophical analysis, and critical analysis.

Historical analysis involves studying the historical context in which philosophical ideas and theories were developed. This can include studying the political, social, and cultural conditions of the time, as well as the philosophical traditions that were prevalent at the time. Philosophical analysis involves studying the logical and philosophical structure of philosophical ideas and theories. This can include studying the arguments and evidence that philosophers use to support their claims. Critical analysis involves evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of philosophical ideas and theories. This can include examining the assumptions that philosophers make, as well as the implications of their ideas for society.

One of the key insights that can be gained from studying the history of philosophy is that philosophy is a dynamic and evolving field. Philosophers have continually challenged each other's ideas and theories, and this has led to the development of new and innovative ideas. This has also led to the development of new philosophical schools of thought, such as existentialism, pragmatism, and postmodernism.

However, the history of philosophy has also been marked by controversy and debate. Some philosophers have argued that philosophy is a useless or irrelevant field, while others have argued that philosophy is essential for understanding the world. This has led to a variety of philosophical debates, including the debate between rationalism and empiricism, the debate between idealism and realism, and the debate between relativism and absolutism.

In conclusion, the history of philosophy is a complex and multifaceted subject that has been studied for centuries. It encompasses a wide range of philosophical ideas, theories, and practices from ancient times to the present day. The history of philosophy can be understood in various ways, depending on the perspective of the scholar. While philosophy can be a challenging field to study, it is essential for understanding the world. By studying the history of philosophy, we can gain insights into the nature of reality, knowledge, and morality, and we can develop new and innovative ideas that can help to improve our lives.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 163 x 240 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474478557