Philosophy

The first of his famous BBC Reith lectures in which Russell examines Ancient Greek philosophy, the French Revolution and the modern welfare state with characteristic clarity and deep understanding. This is Russell at his intellectual best. more...

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Roland Barthes' experience of Japan, a morass of signs where appearance and reality intermingle, led him to move from linguistic semiology to a much broader critical enquiry into the field of mass media and popular culture. Do we inhabit today an 'empire of signs'? more...

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From Botticelli to birdsong, Mozart, and the Turner Prize, Roger Scruton explores what it means for something to be beautiful. This thought-provoking introduction to the philosophy of beauty draws conclusions that some may find controversial, but, as Scruton shows, help us to find greater sense of meaning in the beautiful objects around us. - ;Beauty can be consoling, disturbing, sacred, profane; it can be exhilarating, appealing, inspiring, chilling. It can affect us in an unlimited variety of ways. Yet it is never viewed with indifference. Here, the renowned philosopher Roger Scruton explores the concept of beauty, asking what makes an object - either in art, in nature, or the human form - beautiful, and examining how we can compare differing judgements of beauty when it is evident all around us that our tastes vary so widely. Is there a right judgement to be made about beauty? Is it right to say there is more beauty in a classical temple than a concrete office block, more in a Rembrandt than in last year's Turner Prize winner? Forthright and thought-provoking, and as accessible as it is intellectually rigorous, this introduction to the philosophy of beauty draws conclusions that some may find controversial, but, as Scruton shows, help us to find greater sense of meaning in the beautiful objects that fill our lives. - ;Roger Scruton has moments of great insight and clarity in this attractively slim volume. - Sebastian Smee, The Observer;A fascinating book, which I heartily recommend. - Bryan Wilson, Readers Digest;Short, fast paced, and wide ranging. - Michael Tanner, Literary Review more...

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The Blackwell Dictionary of Western Philosophy is a concise reference to the whole history of Western philosophy, from ancient Greece to the present day. The Dictionary's entries are written in a clear and direct style, which makes it easy for readers to engage with the central questions of philosophy, from epistemology to ethics, and from metaphysics to the philosophy of mathematics. The authors pay particular attention to terms that are crucial to contemporary debate. A unique feature of the Dictionary is its use of a quotation to conclude each entry on philosophical terms. These quotations not only illustrate the philosophical issues involved, but also serve as signposts for further study. Queries and objections are included in many of the entries to encourage readers to be active and critical in their response. more...

Price: $50.00

Bushido , often translated as Way of the Warrior , came from the Samurai way of life and moral code. It emphasized loyalty, skill, moderation and honor, and became a widespread influence throughout Japan. In Shogakukan Kokugo Daijiten , the Japanese dictionary, "Bushido is defined as a unique philosophy ( ronri ) that spread through the warrior class from the Muromachi ( chusei ) period." Nitobe Inazo, in his book Bushido: The Soul of Japan ... more...

Price: $5.99