European Philosophy: A Historical Introduction - Softcover

Van Riel, Gerd; Claessens, Guy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 9462703965 ISBN 13: 9789462703964

Publisher: Leuven University Press, 2024

Synopsis

Analysis of the main thinkers who shaped European philosophy, in their historical context

Philosophy is essentially historical. The element of wonder that drives philosophical inquiry, as well as the timeless nature of questions about humanity and the world, are both intertwined with their specific contexts of origin. The answers to these questions are historically situated interpretations of reality.

Moreover, historicity itself is part of philosophical reflection. Any engagement with history (including this book) is inherently situated within a historical framework. A comprehensive understanding of the history of philosophy is, therefore, indispensable if one wishes to function as a philosopher.

This historical introduction to European philosophy addresses the historicity of philosophy in its twofold sense. The first part provides insight into the vicissitudes of philosophical rationality from antiquity to the present day, with an emphasis on the relation between philosophical reflection and other domains of European intellectual history, such as science, politics, art, and literature. The second part deals with philosophy as a “historical-hermeneutical” discipline.

The book functions both as a handbook for introductory philosophy courses and as a monograph on European philosophy and intellectual history for a non-specialist audience.

About this title

About the Authors

Gerd Van Riel is professor of ancient philosophy at the KU Leuven Institute of Philosophy.

Gerd Van Riel is als gewoon hoogleraar antieke filosofie verbonden aan het Hoger Instituut voor Wijsbegeerte (De Wulf-Mansioncentrum) van de KU Leuven. Zijn specialisatiedomein is de filosofie van Plato en de Platoonse traditie.

Guy Claessens is postdoctoral researcher at the KU Leuven Institute of Philosophy.

Guy Claessens is als gastdocent verbonden aan het Hoger Instituut voor Wijsbegeerte (De Wulf-Mansioncentrum) van de KU Leuven. Hij is gespecialiseerd in de receptie van de antieke wijsbegeerte en in de theorie van de geschiedschrijving.

From the Back Cover

Philosophy is essentially historical. The element of wonder that drives philosophical inquiry, as well as the timeless nature of questions about humanity and the world, are both intertwined with their specific contexts of origin. The answers to these questions are historically situated interpretations of reality.

Moreover, historicity itself is part of philosophical reflection. Any engagement with history (including this book) is inherently situated within a historical framework. A comprehensive understanding of the history of philosophy is, therefore, indispensable if one wishes to function as a philosopher.

This historical introduction to European philosophy addresses the historicity of philosophy in its twofold sense. The first part provides insight into the vicissitudes of philosophical rationality from antiquity to the present day, with an emphasis on the relation between philosophical reflection and other domains of European intellectual history, such as science, politics, art, and literature. The second part deals with philosophy as a “historical-hermeneutical” discipline.

The book functions both as a handbook for introductory philosophy courses and as a monograph on European philosophy and intellectual history for a non-specialist audience.

Gerd Van Riel is professor of ancient philosophy at the KU Leuven Institute of Philosophy.
Guy Claessens is postdoctoral researcher at the KU Leuven Institute of Philosophy.

Edition details

• Publisher: Leuven University Press
• Publication date: 2024
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 9462703965
• ISBN 13: 9789462703964
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 276