Search

The book review in the journal "Religious Studies" discusses the work "Existential Inertia and Classical Theistic Proofs" by Joseph C. Schmid and Daniel J. Linford. The authors present a template for classical theistic persistence proofs and provide examples from Aristotle, Aquinas, Feser, and others. They critique the strength of conclusions in these proofs and introduce the concept of existential inertia as an alternative premise. The review praises the book for its contribution to understanding existential inertia and its role in responding to classical theistic persistence proofs. [Extracted from the article]

The book review discusses Haig Patapan's "Modern Philosopher Kings," which delves into the concept of philosopher kings in politics. The review highlights the paradox of uniting philosophy and politics, wisdom and power, and the challenges in resolving this paradox. It explores various modern attempts to actualize the philosopher king, such as the public intellectual, artist, scientist, and the people, ultimately questioning the traditional conception of justice. The review praises the book for its erudition and original analyses but notes a tension in the overarching argument regarding the resolution of the paradox and the idea of justice. [Extracted from the article]

The book "Language, Mind and Value" by Schroeder compiles fifteen papers on various topics in philosophy, particularly focusing on Wittgenstein's philosophy. Schroeder engages with Wittgensteinian ideas and discusses issues such as the Liar's Paradox and aspect-perception. The book presents a nuanced view of Wittgenstein's philosophy, exploring concepts like nonsense and hinge propositions. Schroeder's work offers a detailed analysis of philosophical concepts and their implications, providing valuable insights for readers interested in Wittgenstein's philosophy. [Extracted from the article]

Francesco Omar Zamboni's book "At the Roots of Causality" explores the doctrines related to Avicenna's writings on existence, contingency, and causality, examining their reception by various Islamic philosophers from the eleventh to thirteenth centuries. The book categorizes these philosophers as Avicennians, anti-Avicennians, and innovators, shedding light on their diverse perspectives and arguments. While the main theme is causality, the book also delves into Avicenna's metaphysical doctrines, providing a comprehensive analysis of the interplay between ontology and aetiology in Islamic philosophy. [Extracted from the article]

The document is a book review of Dimitar Mihalchev's unpublished lecture notes on metaphysics, discovered and transcribed by Angel S. Stefanov. The notes provide insights into Mihalchev's views on metaphysics, focusing on the foundation and essence of the world, with discussions on Plato's theory of Ideas, Christian metaphysics, substance, and Kant's metaphysics. The review highlights the significance of these lecture notes in filling a gap in Mihalchev scholarship and suggests that their publication will have a notable impact on the field. [Extracted from the article]

Lucretius innovates upon prior Epicurean philosophers by making the discussion of atomic movement in his didactic epic not just a complement to his exegesis of Epicurean philosophy, but in developing new scientific explanations for Epicurean doctrine through the principles of atomic motion. I claim that Lucretian tranquility is a kinetic phenomenon, an approach which provides new insight on the psychological and the ethical elements of his philosophy, and allows his On the Nature of Things to be brought into a fuller conversation with current scholarship on Epicurean psychology and ethics. I examine how atomic movement is emulated on the individual/psychological and societal/ethical level through metaphor and allegory. The leaky vessel and the honeyed cup refer to the link between atomic turbulence and the psychological realm: representing emotional imbalance and its opposite. Meanwhile, allegories of Venus and Mars represent the unifying and disruptive effects of atomic movement in interpersonal relationships and society. Finally, I propose that Lucretius' plague account enshrines mutual aid and self-sacrifice without violating the principles of Epicurean egoism, establishing ethical behavior as an essential component of tranquility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marx with Spinoza: Production, Alienation, History, by Franck Fischbach, elegantly illustrates the many Marxists deeply interested in seventeenth-century philosopher Baruch de Spinoza, who can be seen as revealing Marx's philosophy. Rather than a book on Marx and Spinoza, Fischbach insists his book focuses on Marx read through the lens of Spinoza. Fischbach explores several key themes regarding the ways that Spinoza reveals Marx's philosophy: situating human beings as irreducibly "part of nature," grasping the "identity" between nature and history, (re)conceptualizing contradiction, discerning the secondary nature of self-consciousness, linking subjectivity and alienation, and distinguishing between "pure" and "impure" forms of activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fr. Robert Slesinski's book on Lev Karsavin sheds light on the Russian philosopher's life and philosophy, emphasizing his contributions to the field. The monograph explores Karsavin's views on catholicity, patrology, and all-unity, showcasing his unique perspective within Russian philosophy. Despite some minor errors, the book offers a valuable insight into Karsavin's work, making it a significant contribution to the study of Russian philosophy. [Extracted from the article]

The book review discusses "Athéisme et dissimulation au XVIIe siècle: Guy Patin et le Theophrastus redivivus" by Gianluca Mori, which explores a unique philosophical manuscript from the 17th century that presents explicit atheistic arguments. The work, attributed to Guy Patin, challenges traditional views on religion and philosophy, drawing on ancient and Renaissance philosophers rather than contemporary thinkers like Descartes or Hobbes. Through meticulous research, Mori proposes that the manuscript was a collaborative effort between Patin and his friends Naudé and Gassendi, shedding new light on early modern radical free thought. [Extracted from the article]

The book review discusses "Leo Strauss' Published but Uncollected English Writings," edited by Steven J. Lenzner and Svetozar Y. Minkov, which compiles 32 English-language reviews, essays, and lectures by Strauss published between 1937 and 1972. The volume aims to reintroduce Strauss's work to new generations of scholars and highlights his philosophical investigations on the crisis of modernity. The collection sheds light on Strauss's evolution over five decades and his critical approach to scholarship, offering a comprehensive understanding of his philosophical contributions. [Extracted from the article]

"How Plato Writes: Perspectives and Problems" by Malcom Schofield is a collection of writings that focuses on Plato's dialogues, specifically the Parmenides, Cratylus, Republic, Gorgias, and Laws. The book explores passages and themes that have been misunderstood or under-appreciated due to a lack of understanding of Plato's writing style. The author argues for a synthesis between philosophical and literary approaches to the dialogues, emphasizing the importance of reading them as dramatic representations of conversations rather than assuming they reflect Plato's own views. The book offers new perspectives on various dialogues and highlights the intertextual connections within Plato's works. [Extracted from the article]

Stewart Duncan's book, "Materialism from Hobbes to Locke," provides a clear and organized exploration of seventeenth-century British philosophy. The book focuses on the question of whether human beings are purely material creatures or if there is an immaterial part to them. Duncan examines the views of philosophers such as Hobbes, Locke, Cavendish, Cudworth, and More, who held differing opinions on materialism and dualism. The book highlights the connections and conversations between these thinkers and offers a comprehensive narrative on the topic. Scholars and students of early modern philosophy, particularly those interested in metaphysics, philosophy of mind, or philosophy of religion, will find this book valuable. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Arbitrium is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This book review examines "Soleil et connaissance. Empédocle avant Platon" by Rossella Saetta Cottone, which delves into the physics of Empedocles, an ancient Greek philosopher. The book explores various topics, including cosmogony, zoology, and the connection between physics and daimonology. The review highlights the ongoing debate between the single cosmogony and two cosmogonies theories, with the latter gaining more support in recent years. It also discusses the significance of the Sun in Empedocles' philosophy and its opposition to the Sphairos. The text analyzes different fragments of Empedocles' writings and their interpretations, including the distinction between the Sun and the Sphairos and the placement of a fragment about Apollo within the Physical Poem. The author also considers the ethical implications of Empedocles' teachings and the influence of his ideas on figures such as Aristophanes, Euripides, and Agathon. The text concludes with a discussion of the interpretation of Aristophanes' speech in Plato's Symposium. [Extracted from the article]

The book review discusses Stavros Ioannidis and Stathis Psillos's book "Mechanisms in Science: Method or Metaphysics?" The reviewer praises the book for its clear philosophical arguments, scientific case studies, and historical context. The central theses of the book are that contemporary mechanistic philosophy of science often includes unnecessary metaphysical commitments and that an account of mechanism as a causal pathway without these commitments is sufficient. The reviewer agrees with these theses but raises some points of disagreement regarding the concept of constitutive relevance. Overall, the reviewer recommends the book to philosophers of science interested in the topic of mechanism. [Extracted from the article]

Keith Moser's book, "Contemporary French Environmental Thought in the Post-COVID-19 Era," explores the field of biosemiotics in French thinkers and their emphasis on non-human communication. The book focuses on the works of Michel Serres, Edgar Morin, Jacques Derrida, Michel Onfray, and Dominique Lestel. Moser argues that the study of sign systems should not be limited to humans and advocates for biosemiotics as a way to bridge the gap between sciences and humanities. While the book lacks references to René Descartes, it offers valuable insights into biosemiotics and its relevance in understanding the challenges of the modern world, such as infectious diseases, fake news, and climate change. [Extracted from the article]

Thomas Nemeth's book on the 'later' Solov'ëv explores the philosopher's life and work after 1883, focusing on his engagement with academic philosophy in Imperial Russia. The text delves into Solov'ëv's philosophical acumen, his debates with other thinkers, and his contributions to the field. While the book emphasizes Solov'ëv's professional philosophy, it also touches on his mystical and utopian concepts, providing a comprehensive overview of his intellectual legacy. [Extracted from the article]

The book review discusses Inessa Medzhibovskaya's edited volume "Tolstoy as Philosopher," which compiles over 70 of Leo Tolstoy's short writings, including letters, reflections, talks, and fictions. The anthology traces Tolstoy's philosophical evolution from his youth to his later years, revealing his unique blend of literary and philosophical ideas. The book offers a structured exploration of Tolstoy's philosophical thoughts and may be of interest to readers familiar with Tolstoy's works. [Extracted from the article]

David Ebrey's book "Plato's Phaedo: Forms, Death, and the Philosophical Life" is praised for its insightful analysis of Socrates' arguments in Plato's influential text. Ebrey defends Socrates' arguments as genuine and radical, urging modern readers to take them seriously. The book also contextualizes Socrates' quest for forms as causes within historical frameworks, shedding light on his unique argumentation style. Ebrey's meticulous analysis of Plato's Greek and historical context offers new interpretive possibilities for understanding the text, making his work a valuable addition to scholarly literature on the subject. [Extracted from the article]

"Black Enlightenment" by Surya Parekh, published by Duke University Press, explores the concept of Enlightenment from the perspective of Black subjects, challenging traditional narratives and highlighting the presence of Black voices in Enlightenment discourse. The book delves into the historical context of Enlightenment racial discourse, offering close readings of texts by both canonical Enlightenment philosophers and lesser-known Black writers. Parekh's work encourages readers to engage with texts in new ways, emphasizing the importance of reading tensions and contradictions to gain a deeper understanding of Enlightenment and race. The book is praised for its clarity, historical perspective, and intellectual daring, making it a valuable contribution to the study of Enlightenment and a model for innovative reading practices. [Extracted from the article]

Dick Russell's three-volume biography The Life and Times of James Hillman is the definitive work on the proponent of imaginal psychology. It explores Hillman's personal and intellectual development, providing valuable context to a career marked by stunning insights and discoveries. Russell pays particular attention to Hillman's childhood in Atlantic City, his early years in Dublin, and his tenure as director of studies at the Jung Institute in Zürich. He also describes Hillman's three marriages, interviewing two wives and several of his children, and considers his wide-ranging friendships with poets, actors, artists, and philosophers as well as with his fellow analysts Thomas Moore, Rafael López-Pedraza, Adolf Guggenbühl-Craig, and Wolfgang Giegerich. This comprehensive work ends with Hillman's contributions to psychology, his popularity in Italy and Japan, his bestseller The Soul's Code, and his work on animals and the soul of the world. The capstone is Hillman's surprise that Jung himself had a direct confrontation with the ancestors and the gods in The Red Book, anticipating Hillman's revisioning of psychology as an encounter with archetypal energies that live in and through us. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Adam Smith's America: How a Scottish Philosopher Became an Icon of American Capitalism" by Glory M. Liu explores the reception history of Adam Smith's ideas in America from the late 18th century to the present. The book focuses on key moments in the process of canonization rather than providing a comprehensive account of every engagement with Smith. It examines how figures like Alexander Hamilton and John Adams interpreted Smith's ideas, the development of political economy in the 19th century, the Chicago School's interpretation of Smith, and revisionist strands of Smith scholarship in the 1970s and 80s. Liu's research is extensive and provides valuable insights into the complexities of Smith's thought and its political implications. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Kölner Zeitschrift für Soziologie und Sozialpsychologie ( KZfSS) is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

"A Spirit of Trust: A Reading of Hegel's Phenomenology" by Robert B. Brandom is a comprehensive interpretation of G. F. W. Hegel's "Phenomenology of Spirit," spanning 757 pages and developed over 40 years. Brandom's analysis integrates epistemology, ethics, and philosophy of mind, engaging with Hegel's work in a unique way that may challenge traditional interpretations. Brandom critiques contemporary philosophical trends, particularly scientific naturalism, and argues that Hegel's philosophy offers a corrective to the alienation caused by such naturalistic perspectives. While some may find Brandom's emphasis on Hegel's idealism over naturalism limiting, his work contributes to ongoing discussions within the field of philosophy." [Extracted from the article]

The aim of my paper will be to provide a commentary on the introduction to the French edition of Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy (1985) by Bernard Williams (1929–2003) and to show the Nietzschean legacy that is made explicit there. In this introduction, called "L'éthique, question de style?" and published in 1990, Williams reflects on some of the problems of style that his book poses to French readers, to whom he feels his work is less familiar. Furthermore, Williams recalls some moments of the Royaumont colloquium (which he attended in 1958) and dwells on some peculiarities that distinguish him from analytic philosophy, "French" philosophy, Wittgenstein and Heidegger. Finally, the text closes with a description of the image of the philosopher to whom Williams feels closest—that of Nietzsche—and illustrates the reasons that distance him from other models of philosophical writing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The book review discusses Dustin Peone's "Making Philosophy Laugh: Humor, Irony, and Folly in Philosophical Thought," which explores the role of humor in philosophical perspectives. Peone argues that humor challenges conventional interpretations of reality and reveals hidden contradictions. The essay examines how humor has been used by various authors throughout history for social, political, and educational purposes, highlighting the relationships between humor, rhetorical strategies, and speculative thinking in philosophical works. Peone's analysis delves into the connections between humor and philosophy, emphasizing the speculative value of perspective reversals in both comedy and philosophical writings. [Extracted from the article]

This article is a review of Franziska van Buren's book "Aristotle and the Ontology of St. Bonaventure." The book aims to present St. Bonaventure's theory of forms, challenge the scholarly definition of "Aristotelianism" in the Middle Ages, and showcase Bonaventure's own use of Aristotle as a different way of interpreting the Greek thinker. The author argues that Bonaventure was fundamentally an Aristotelian and provides evidence of how Bonaventure incorporates Aristotle's thought into his own. However, the reviewer questions the necessity of this argument, as it is widely accepted that Bonaventure was influenced by Aristotle. The reviewer also critiques the book's style and typographical errors. Overall, the book provides a solid exposition of Bonaventure's theory of forms but may not offer significant new insights into Bonaventure's use of Aristotle. [Extracted from the article]