Voyage of Discovery: A Historical Introduction to Philosophy

by William F. Lawhead

Book Overview

This text gives students a solid framework for understanding the major philosophical trends and concepts in Western Civilization, from the pre-Socratic era to the 20th century. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0534520227
• ISBN13: 9780534520229
• Release Date: August 2001
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing Company
• Length: 592 Pages
• Weight: 2.50 lbs.

Customer Reviews

The Voyage of Discovery

Excellent explanations of what a philosopher believes as told in language more easily understood by the avocational philosopher.

Voyage of Discovery

An excellent overview of the people who are considered movers and shakers. We are assigned this book for our MTh Class. A keeper, not a throw back.

Excellent Text Book and Survey of Philosophy

This is one of the best survey texts or "history of philosophy" texts I have read that has been written in recent years. William F. Lawhead covers every major period in the history of philosophy that any student of philosophy would need to research. He covers the Ancient Period in Part 1, the Middle Ages in part 2, The Modern period in part 3, and the Contemporary period in part 4. All of the major philosophers are covered. The book is formatted in such a way that it is very easy to use. The text includes some maps and photos scattered throughout. Moreover, there is a handy introduction that gives the beginning student an overview of what philosophy is, how philosophy is done, and a description/definition to areas of philosophical study (i.e. epistemology, metaphysics, etc.) It must be mentioned, however, that this text is not a "readings" book. In other words, it is a secondary work (or commentary - if you will) to the history of philosophy. It does not include parts or sections of the original works of the philosophers discussed. Therefore, if you are looking for a commentary to the history of philosophy then this is a great book. However, if you are wanting primary bits of work from philosophers through the history of philosophy, then this book is not what you are looking for. Lawhead explains what each philosopher was trying to communicate, and he does so in very simplistic terms in order for the beginner to gain a better understnading without getting bogged down in the sometimes difficult jargon. However, Lawhead also write in such a way that even the advanced student will benefit from this work (Lawhead is a professor of philosophy and thus he has a way of teaching that reaches a wide audience). For this reason, this is an excellent work.