History of Philosophy: Vols 1-11: Eleven-volume Set Paperback – 12 Jun. 2003

This collection is exceptional! Coming in 11 volumes that take you from the first philosophers of Greece and Rome up to about the mid 20th century with the likes of Sartre and Russel. Not only is the guide comprehensive. Unlike most other histories of philosophy Copelston takes the time to seriously explore the philosophies of individuals of opposing view points in an honest and clear way.Laying out the philosophical ideas of Christian thinkers who are often ignored by modern atheists. While showing how their philosophical ideas can be understood independent of their theological claims allowing atheists to also benefit from their thought and show their influence on later thinkers.He also honestly explores the thoughts of atheist, deist and agnostic philosophers drawing out what is original in their thought as well as what is derivative. He helps to show how these philosophers may in fact utilise philosophical ideas from their supposed "opponents" in their arguments even when their arguments lead to them coming to different conclusions.In conclusion therefore while the series may be long with each book being around 400 pages on average. This series is most certainly worth the time. Whether as a helpful reference guide to a thinker or in helping one to come to participate and appreciate the beautiful and great western tradition of philosophical thought which has formed the world we now live in. I therefore most certainly recommend embarking on this journey with the great direction of Frederick Copleston as your guide into the wonderful world of Western Thought!

Frederick Copleston's eleven volume history of philosophy is highly respected and rightly so. Unlike many philosophers Copleston does not use his writing as a way of imposing his own views on the reader but of faithfully expressing the views of the philsophers of whom he writes.Copleston started life as an Anglican, converted to Catholicism and, aged 23, became a Jesuit. Concerned about the poor quality of philosophical works in seminaries he wrote his own history of philosophy. It had an impact way beyond the seminary and went into mainstream philosophy as a classic.Copleston is also remembered for his debate on the BBC with Bertrand Russell, a debate which showed up Russell's intellectual vacuity when he argued that words such as universe were unintelligible and scientists should not be expected to look for cause but simply accept things were there.When Copleston asked,"your general point then, Lord Russell, is that it's illegitimate even to ask the question of the cause of the world?" Russell replied "Yes, that's my position." Notwithstanding the logical positivists' attempt to remove metaphysics from philosophy Russell's response was fatuous in the extreme.What is pleasing about this volume is its clear intellectual insight into basic philosophical concepts and Copleston's ability to express those concepts in a readable manner. Philosophy itself is not an easy subject to master but Copleston makes the hard work interesting.An excellent series which is worth purchasing, something I have just done.

Well packed, in perfect condition, these books make a welcome addition to my growing library of Philosophy and Psychology literature. Frederick Copleston has a writing style that engages you from the start, acknowledges difference in opinion and endeavours to organise and make sense of what might otherwise be a jumble of incoherent opinions (Copleston, 1946, preface)

Great quality, very fast delivery

The books are great.

Father Coplestone had the capability to explain even the most difficult concepts clearly and without confusion. His explanation of the philosophy of Kant and Hegel is probably the best there is.