Looking at Philosophy: The Unbearable Heaviness of Philosophy Made Lighter

by Donald D. Palmer

Book Overview

Distilled from Donald Palmer's more than thirty years of teaching experience, this text exemplifies his very successful approach to teaching introductory philosophy. Through the use of humor and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0072828951
• ISBN13: 9780072828955
• Release Date: June 2005
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Langua
• Length: 446 Pages
• Weight: 1.33 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.5" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

It didn’t arrive

It didn’t arrive so I really can’t say anything other than I was hoping to read it.

Philosophy made easy...

I bought this book for my Philosophy 101 class. I tried to sell it back but the bookstore wouldn't let me. Although I hated the idea that I wouldn't be getting my 30 bucks back, little did I know that this book would serve as an important tool for my Literary/Criticism class (which I am currently taking). It definitely clarifies complicated theories with a touch of humor added to the descriptions. There are also sketches in the book that are also humorous, yet provide the reader with a mental image on the topic at hand.

A wonderful book!

This is perhaps, the best introductory book on philosophy that exists. Palmer, as usual, presents philosophy in this book in a manner that both explains the underlying assumptions and meanings of philosophy and answers the question, why should we care about philosophy. Any work by Palmer is worth reading.

Thoughtful dead guys brought to life!

My personal interest in the history of Rome and Ancient Greece led to a desire to learn more about philosophy. I was looking for a good overview of the history and development of philosophy, something simple to understand, yet thoughtful, comprehensive, and engaging. Happily, I discovered Palmer's book and have studied Philosophy regularly ever since.This book provides just the right mix of serious appreciation and humorous perspective on the study of Western philosophy. It examines the major schools and philosophers with enough depth to understand the development of the science, but not enough to overwhelm or, worse yet, bore. Palmer's approach is to make Philosophy not an unreachable, unfathomable science better left to the professional academic, but an engaging and challenging field of study.If you have any interest in Philosophy, this is the book to start with.

A HEAVY LOAD MADE LIGHTER

Philosophy like its sister disciplines of science and mathematics is not considered a popular subject. Rarely will you see philosophy sections in a book store sold out. Very seldom will a philosophy book make the New York Times Best Seller list. Philosophy is the bedrock of our civilization but is considered boring. What can be done to spark the public's interest in such a fascinating subject? Donald Palmer resolves this question by writing a book which lightens the load of understanding western philosophical thought from Thales to Paul Sartre. Philosophy, was thought to be the domain of academicians, nerds, eccentrics and geeks has been unshackled from its chains. Palmer provides us with a text that is understandable, reader friendly, enjoyable and takes the subject seriously but not "gravely". His work is not an insult to the intelligence of those who take the subject seriously nor is it a watering down of the major fields of philosophical thought. I enjoyed reading this text which serves as a refresher course in western philosphy. Its illustrations and graphs are excellent tools in explaining the subject to the uninitiated. Reading about philosophy with such a format elicits pure joy. Watch out for the type face which is not the 12 point Times Roman. Oh, the author takes up the question of the absence of women in the tomes of philosophy. His thesis in dealing with this question is quite interesting. Enjoy this fresh approach in appreciating western philosophy.

Great Book for all

This book is one of the best books I have seen to help break down the burdens of the history of philosophy...It is a book that all would enjoy, from beginners to advanced philosophers. It is straight to the point and in layman's terms, even a child could understand it.