Unearthing the Unknown Whitehead

Unearthing the Unknown Whitehead contends that Alfred North Whitehead's Harvard lectures provide a more accurate account of his philosophy's development than his published works, revealing false starts and dead ends. Joseph Petek's critical evaluation of the student accounts and previously unknown essays sheds light on previously unknown aspects of Whitehead's philosophy and the transition from mathematics to philosophy. Additionally, neglected early letters between Whitehead and Bertrand Russell reveal a significant point in his career transition. Two previously undiscovered essays, "Religious Psychology of the Western Peoples" and "Freedom and Order," address relevant political concerns and expand our understanding of Whitehead's philosophy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Uncovering the Unknown

Alfred North Whitehead's recently published Harvard lectures hold the key to understanding the evolution of his philosophy, including the false starts and dead ends that his published works obscure. This development, previously only inferred from the gaps between books, demands a comprehensive reevaluation of Whitehead's entire corpus. Joseph Petek takes on the task of critically evaluating the accuracy and reliability of the student accounts of these lectures and delves into previously unknown essays to uncover previously unknown aspects of Whitehead's philosophy and the development of his thought.

In addition to this exploration, neglected early letters between Whitehead and Bertrand Russell shed light on the precise moment when Whitehead transitioned from his long career in mathematics to a new career in philosophy. Two previously undiscovered essays, "Religious Psychology of the Western Peoples" and "Freedom and Order," offer insightful perspectives on Whitehead's concerns about creeping hyper-nationalism, which remain relevant in today's political climate. These essays also introduce terminological experiments that challenge our understanding of Whitehead's philosophy in fresh and exciting ways.

Through his meticulous research and insightful analysis, Joseph Petek has provided a valuable contribution to the study of Alfred North Whitehead's philosophy. His work uncovers new insights and perspectives, challenging our understanding of one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in philosophy, mathematics, and the evolution of thought.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666920116