Titoli in Filosofia

Explore the profound teachings of the Tao Teh Ching, a timeless classic on the Way and High Virtue attributed to the sage Lao Tzu, who is believed to have lived around the same time as Confucius. Although the exact origins of this revered text remain a topic of debate, it is beautifully structured into two parts the Upper Part, comprising chapters 1-37, each beginning with Tao, representing the Way, and the Lower Part, consisting of chapters 38-81, which starts with Shang Teh, meaning High Virtue. This insightful 1919 edition intriguingly refers to the Lower Part as the Wu Wei, often ...

Phänomenologie des Geistes (1807) stands as Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegels seminal philosophical work, sparking extensive discussion and debate. As Hegels inaugural book, it intricately explores the three-stage dialectical journey of Spirit. The title can be interpreted as either The Phenomenology of Spirit or The Phenomenology of Mind, reflecting the dual meaning of the German word Geist. This foundational text laid the groundwork for Hegels later philosophies and represented a pivotal shift in German idealism post-Kant. Delving into metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, history, religion, ...

This thought-provoking book presents a series of independent demonstrations that culminate in a powerful conclusion Christianity is the only religion capable of fulfilling the spiritual needs of humanity. Through a thorough examination of the various arts and processes of revealed religion, the author explores how they elevate, purify, and inspire the human soul toward benevolent action. The practical effectiveness of this system is substantiated by undeniable experiences, revealing that, like the mathematical relationships between numbers, the capacities of the human soul align perfectly with...

The Novum Organum, penned by Francis Bacon in 1620, represents a groundbreaking philosophical work that translates to new instrument. This title nods to Aristotles Organon, his foundational text on logic and syllogism. In Novum Organum, Bacon introduces a revolutionary system of logic, asserting its superiority over traditional syllogistic methods. He posits that uncovering the essence of a thing is a straightforward process of reduction and inductive reasoning. This work played a pivotal role in shaping the scientific method as we know it today. (Summary by Wikipedia)

In The Concept of Nature, Alfred North Whitehead explores the intricate connections between time, space, and human perception. He delves into the notion of objects as occasions of experience and presents compelling arguments against the traditional body-mind duality. This thought-provoking discussion also navigates the quest for a comprehensive philosophy of nature, drawing insightful comparisons between contemporary thinkers like Einstein—whose theory of relativity he critiques—and ancient philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle. Join us as we unravel these profound ideas. (Summary by mb...

In this insightful tripartite essay, which appears under various titles such as “On the Popular Judgment” (translated by J. Richardson), “On the Old Saw” (E.B. Ashton), or “On the Common Saying” (by M.J. Gregor and H.B. Nisbet), Kant explores the intricate relationship between theory and practice from three distinct angles. He addresses Christian Garve’s critique of his moral philosophy, differentiates his views from those of Thomas Hobbes, and engages with the ideas of Moses Mendelssohn. Together, these sections encapsulate the depth of Kant’s moral and political thought, ...

Dive into Charles Johnstons insightful translation and commentary on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. This engaging interpretation highlights the profound journey from the psychical to the spiritual, revealing the essence of what it means to be a spiritual being in a complex world. - Summary by Maggie Russell

Dive into the wisdom of Epictetus, a prominent Greek Stoic philosopher who lived from around 55 to 135 AD. Known for his insightful teachings, Epictetus spent his early years as a slave in Rome, where he seized every opportunity to study Stoic philosophy under the esteemed Musonius Rufus. After gaining his freedom, he faced a challenging life marked by ill health, yet his profound ideas continued to resonate. Remarkably, Epictetus himself left no written works; instead, his teachings were immortalized by his devoted pupil, Arrian. Among these, the Enchiridion, or Handbook, stands out as a ...

M. (Maxamilian) Schele de Vere, born in Sweden in 1820, was a renowned professor of modern language at the University of Virginia, where he taught for over half a century. Although he authored numerous works mainly focused on language, one of his final publications, Modern Magic, takes a captivating turn toward the realm of the occult. In the preface, he reflects on the purpose of our earthly existence, emphasizing not only our duty to seek salvation but also our quest to master the tangible world around us. He invites readers to explore the hidden laws and phenomena that influence our lives, ...

After years of laboring on a treatise that laid the groundwork for his mechanistic philosophy and physics, Descartes found himself compelled to set the project aside when his contemporary, Galileo, faced charges of heresy. This unfinished work, titled The World, was ultimately published only after Descartes’ passing. It appears that this turbulent context influenced Descartes as he penned his more renowned philosophical writings. This influence is particularly evident in the Meditations, where not only the subservience of the Letter of Dedication is apparent, but also in the distinctive ...

This treatise emerges from a fascinating dialogue, likely sparked by a public or semi-public exchange with an unnamed individual. Here, St. Bernard passionately advocates for the transformative power of grace, yet he finds himself at risk of downplaying the essential role of free will. The text radiates the essence of mystical theology—not the secretive kind, but rather that which resonates with the everyday Christian navigating lifes complexities. It’s remarkable how this ascetic, a recluse by choice, engages with a topic that profoundly echoes the heartbeats of ordinary humanity.

Dive into Oscar Wildes captivating exploration of individuality and artistic freedom in Soul of Man. Originally published as The Soul of Man Under Socialism, this work transcends conventional political analysis, presenting a vibrant manifesto advocating for the Individual. Wilde argues that socialism, by harnessing technology, liberates humanity from the shackles of soul-crushing labor, allowing the State to fade away and paving the way for a joyful, anarchic hedonism. He provocatively asks, Is this Utopian? and asserts that a world map without Utopia is incomplete, as it neglects the one ...

Discover the profound insights of the She-rab Dong-bu, or Tree of Wisdom, a metrical translation in Tibetan of the ancient Sanskrit ethical treatise, Prajnya Danda, authored by the esteemed philosopher Nagarjuna during the fourth century of the Buddhist era (circa 100 B.C.). Although the Tibetan rendition likely emerged around the 11th century, its exact origins remain uncertain. This significant work is part of the Ten-gyur, ངོ་ section, volume གོ་, starting on leaf 165. While the Tibetan translator refers to it as the second volume, it remains unclear if the rest of the original ...

Dive into the fascinating life and groundbreaking ideas of Thomas Hobbes, the renowned English philosopher of the seventeenth century. This exploration highlights his pivotal work, Leviathan, and delves into his influential concepts such as the social contract, naturalism, sovereignty, and the intricate relationship between church and state. Discover Hobbes views on absolutism, political obligation, and the natural laws that continue to shape political thought today.

In Proposed Roads to Freedom, Bertrand Russell, the eminent British philosopher and Nobel laureate, delves into the political ideologies of the early 20th century. Written in 1918, this insightful work critiques three major currents within the political left Marxian socialism, anarchism, and syndicalism. Russell, a pivotal figure in analytic philosophy who challenged the status quo of idealism, offers a thought-provoking analysis that remains relevant today. Join us as we explore his reflections on freedom and the pathways to achieving it. (Summary by Wikipedia/Carl Manchester)

In Reflections on the Revolution in France, published in 1790, Edmund Burke delivers a powerful critique of the emerging French Revolution. This seminal work is renowned for its incisive analysis and has profoundly influenced conservative and classical liberal thinkers throughout the twentieth century, who have adapted Burkes Whig arguments to challenge Communism and socialist revolutionary ideologies. (Summary by Wikipedia)

Dive into the profound thoughts of Arthur Schopenhauer, a pioneering 19th-century philosopher whose insights into metaphysics, ethics, and aesthetics continue to resonate today. His influential ideas also shaped theories of evolution and psychology, notably through his concept of the will to power—a notion that would later be famously expanded by Nietzsche. Despite his brilliance, Schopenhauer often found himself overshadowed by his contemporary Hegel. In this work, he interweaves his social and psychological perspectives, deeply rooted in his metaphysical beliefs and inspired by Eastern ...

Written by the influential Dutch philosopher Baruch Spinoza, the Tractatus Theologico-Politicus stands as one of the most provocative texts of the early modern era. This treatise serves as a preemptive defense of his later work, Ethics, which was published posthumously in 1677 and anticipated intense scrutiny. In this foundational work, Spinoza delivers his most thorough critique of Judaism and organized religion as a whole. He asserts that theology and philosophy must be distinctly separated, especially when interpreting sacred texts. While theology seeks obedience, philosophy is driven by ...

The Monadology (La Monadologie, 1714) is one of Gottfried Leibniz’s most celebrated works, encapsulating his later philosophical ideas. In this concise text, composed of around 90 paragraphs, Leibniz presents a fascinating metaphysics of simple substances, or monads. He proposes a unique modification of occasionalism, as developed by later Cartesians, suggesting that there are countless substances, each programmed to function in a specific manner, all harmoniously coordinated with one another. This concept of pre-established harmony offers a solution to the mind-body problem, albeit at the ...

James Allens powerful and thought-provoking writings have inspired countless individuals. In The Mastery of Destiny, he guides readers on a transformative journey toward developing essential skills like self-control, willpower, concentration, and motivation. By embracing discipline and mindfulness, we can forge a life filled with lasting happiness, prosperity, and, above all, the mastery of ourselves. (Summary by Andrea Fiore)