Synopses & Reviews
German Philosophers contains studies of four of the most important German theorists: Kant, arguably the most influential modern philosopher; Hegel, whose philosophy inspired a vision of a communist society that for more than one hundred years enlivened revolutionary movements around the world; Schopenhauer, renowned for his pessimistic view that for human individual non-existence would be preferable; and Nietzsche, who has been appropriated as an icon by an astonishingly diverse spectrum of people.
Written by leading scholars in the field, German Philosophers is the only work to bring together texts on the four philosophers who represent a central school of German philosophy. With a Foreword by Sir Keith Thomas and extensive notes for further reading, this handy volume serves as an easy-to-use introduction for the beginning philosophy student and a quick and comprehensive reference for scholars.
About the Author
Roger Scruton is Professor of Philosophy at Birkbeck College, London. His books include
Spinoza, also in the Past Masters series,
Sexual Desire, and
Modern Philosophy, along with several works of fiction.
Peter Singer is DeCamp Professor of Bioethics in the University Center for Human Values at Princeton University. He is well known for his text
Animal Liberation. His other books include
Democracy and Disobedience,
Practical Ethics, and the Past Master on
Marx. His recent book,
Rethinking Life and Death, won the National Book Council of Australia's Bajo Award for the best non-fiction book of 1994.
Christopher Janaway is Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at Birkbeck College, London, and author of
Self and World in Schopenhauer's Philosophy (1989).
Michael Tanner is a Fellow of Corpus Christi College and a University Lecturer in Philosophy at Cambridge. His publications include Critical History of Opera and
Wagner.
Table of Contents
Foreword,
Keith ThomasKant Roger Scruton
1. Life, works and character
2. The background of Kant's thought
3. The transcendental deduction
4. The logic of illusion
5. The categorical imperative
6. Beauty and design
7. Transcendental philosophy
Further reading
Hegel Peter Singer
Preface
1. Hegel's times and life
2. History with a purpose
3. Freedom and community
4. The odyssey of mind
5. Logic and dialectics
6. Aftermath
Note of sources
Further reading
Schopenhauer Christopher Janaway
1. Schopenhauer's life and works
2. Within and beyond appearance
3. The world as will and representation
4. Will, body, and the self
5. Character, sex, and the unconscious
6. Art and Ideas
7. Ethics: seeing the world aright
8. Existence and pessimism
9. Schopenhauer's influence
Further reading
Nietzsche Michael Tanner
1. The image of Nietzsche
2. Tragedy: birth, death, rebirth
3. Disillusionment and withdrawal
4. Morality and its discontents
5. The one thing needful
6. Prophecy
7. Occupying the high ground
8. Masters and slaves
9. Philosophizing with a hammer
References
Further reading