LITMIR.BIZ

Boethius's «Consolation of Philosophy» is considered one of the most important and influential works of medieval times. Written during Boethius's year-long imprisonment for treason which would ultimately lead to his torturous execution, «Consolation of Philosophy» is a classical exposition of human nature as Boethius reflects on the treacherous betrayal by his friends that led to his fall from favor with his lord. Presented here in this volume is H. F. Stewart's translation of «Consolation of Philosophy» and «The Theological Tractates».

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"As a Man Thinketh" has long since been regarded as a classic. This short accessible work elucidates the power of positive thinking. As James Allen writes, «As a man thinketh in his heart so is he.» This idea is central to the work and asserts the fact that the impetus to all good things in one's life begins and ends with the belief that good things can and will happen. Millions of people have discovered the powerful but simple wisdom of James Allen and have used it to change their outlook on life. Also contained within this volume are two other classic works by James Allen, «Above Life's Turmoil» and «Byways of Blessedness.» Begin your journey of self-improvement by putting to work the philosophies within this volume. The power of positive thinking has the potential to truly change one's life. Before one can make the changes in one's life that will lead to the happiness that one deserves there must exist the belief that those changes can and will happen. This is the power of the philosophy of James Allen. Experience it for yourself with this volume of James Allen's classic works.

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Although he was alive around 300 BCE, Chinese philosopher Mencius helped pave the way for future generations of Chinese thinkers and theologians. He is best known for his work with Confucianism, and his interpretations of Confucius' sayings shaped the way that the religion is now practiced. He also was one of the scholars at the Jixia Academy, a prestigious school for philosophers. His status allowed him to be one of China's most respected officials. Mencius maintained a high regard for education, but he was very specific on how he thought people should learn. He denounced memorization and other elementary forms of learning. Instead, he wanted people to awaken their cognizance and realize how powerful their minds could be. Mencius also believed that mankind was essentially good; however, society was a negative influence on peoples' behavior. He hoped that his influence would steer his culture in the right direction in order to help people grasp their full potential for goodness. This swayed his opinions on politics, as he believed that politicians should only stay in power as long as they were working on behalf of the public's best interest. These ideas and more are explored in the extensive collection of «The Life and Works of Mencius.»

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First written in 1912, this work of Bertrand Russell was an attempt by the author to create a guide that succinctly and comprehensibly outlined the difficulties he saw in the body of philosophical thought up to his time. In trying to do so, he concentrated on knowledge instead of metaphysics, hoping to spark discussion that was both productive and beneficial. This work also explains Russell's famous distinction between 'knowledge by acquaintance and knowledge by description', which he first posited in 1910. Finally, «The Problems of Philosophy» draws upon the important theories of famous philosophers from Plato to Hegel in order to create a foundation for philosophical inquiry, not only for scholars but for the general public as well. While Russell does not necessarily solve the problems he sets forth, his work is still quite relevant in its scope and object for philosophers today.

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"Studies in Pessimism, On Human Nature, and Religion: a Dialogue, etc." is a collection of essays by famed German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer. In this work you will find three collections of essays which include the following: On The Sufferings Of The World, On The Vanity Of Existence, On Suicide, Immortality: A Dialogue, Psychological Observations, On Education, Of Women, On Noise, A Few Parables, Human Nature, Government, Free-Will And Fatalism, Character, Moral Instinct, Ethical Reflections, Religion: A Dialogue, A Few Words On Pantheism, On Books And Reading, On Physiognomy, Psychological Observations, and The Christian System.

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One of the most famous works from classical antiquity is Plato's «Symposium». The symposium of this work is more literally translated to mean a dinner-party. At this dinner-party several notable figures from classical antiquity, including Phaedrus, Pausanias, Eryximachus, Aristophanes, Agathon, and Socrates in turn give speeches in praise of the god of love. An intriguing dialogue, «Symposium», is a must read for any student of classical antiquity. This edition includes the classic introduction and translation of Benjamin Jowett.

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"The Basic Writings of Nietzsche" collects some of the most famous and representative works of German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. In this anthology you will find complete editions of «The Birth of Tragedy,» a work of dramatic theory written early in the philosopher's career, «Beyond Good and Evil,» a polemic critique of past philosophers in regards to their considerations of morality, «On the Genealogy of Morals,» which would expound upon the ideas in «Beyond Good and Evil» as is considered by many as Nietzsche's masterpiece, «The Case of Wagner,» a critique of composer Richard Wagner, and «Ecce Homo,» an autobiographical account of how the author saw his influence on the philosophical world, which was written near the end of his life. Also included is a collection of 75 aphorisms selected from various other works by the author. This anthology shows the progression of Nietzsche philosophy while introducing the reader unfamiliar to him with some of his most important ideas.

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First written in 1757, this treatise on aesthetics provides a distinct transition from Neoclassicism to Romanticism. This is apparent in Burke's ultimate preference for the Sublime over the Beautiful, for he defined the latter as that which is well-formed and aesthetically pleasing and the former as that which has the power to compel or destroy mankind. Within this text, Burke also posits that the origin of these ideas comes by way of their causal structures, utilizing Aristotelian concepts to fully explore his ideas. He is original in conceiving of beauty outside of its traditional bases and in seeing the sublime as having an entirely separate causal structure, which he outlines in depth. In putting the beautiful and the sublime in their own rational categories, Burke's treatise displays the expansive thinking unique to the turbulent times in which he lived.

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Philosopher David Hume was considered to one of the most important figures in the age of Scottish enlightenment. In «An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding» Hume discusses the weakness that humans have in their abilities to comprehend the world around them, what is referred to in the title as human understanding. This work, now commonly required reading in philosophy classes, exposed a broad audience to philosophy when it was first published. A great introduction to the philosophy of David Hume, «An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding» and the ideas within it are as intriguing today as when they were first written.

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The «Protagoras», like several of the Dialogues of Plato, is put into the mouth of Socrates, who describes a conversation which had taken place between himself and the great Sophist at the house of Callias-'the man who had spent more upon the Sophists than all the rest of the world'-and in which the learned Hippias and the grammarian Prodicus had also shared, as well as Alcibiades and Critias, both of whom said a few words-in the presence of a distinguished company consisting of disciples of Protagoras and of leading Athenians belonging to the Socratic circle. The dialogue commences with a request on the part of Hippocrates that Socrates would introduce him to the celebrated teacher. He has come before the dawn had risen-so fervid is his zeal. Socrates moderates his excitement and advises him to find out 'what Protagoras will make of him,' before he becomes his pupil. Presented here is the classic introduction and translation of Benjamin Jowett.

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