Starting with… – serie

This is a short introduction to the work, ideas and influence of one of the twentieth century's most important and widely-read thinkers. Merleau-Ponty was one of the most important European philosophers of the 20th century, whose work made enormous contributions to the development of phenomenology and the concept of the lived-body. Clearly and thematically structured, covering all Merleau-Ponty's key works and focussing particularly on the hugely important "The Phenomenology of Perception, Starting with Merleau-Ponty" leads the reader through a thorough overview of the development of his thought, resulting in a more thorough understanding of the roots of his philosophical concerns. Offering coverage of the full range of Merleau-Ponty's ideas, the book firmly sets his work in the context of the 20th century intellectual landscape and explores his contributions to phenomenology, existentialism, empiricism, objective thought and his vision of human reality.Crucially the book introduces the major thinkers and events that proved influential in the development of Merleau-Ponty's work, including Husserl, Sartre, Heidegger and those philosophers and psychologists whom he labelled 'intellectualists' and 'empiricists'. This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of this hugely important thinker for the first time. "Continuum's Starting with" ...series offers clear, concise and accessible introductions to the key thinkers in philosophy. The books explore and illuminate the roots of each philosopher's work and ideas, leading readers to a thorough understanding of the key influences and philosophical foundations from which his or her thought developed. Ideal for first-year students starting out in philosophy, the series will serve as the ideal companion to study of this fascinating subject.

This book offers a new introduction, guiding the student through the key concepts of Descartes' work by examining the overall development of his ideas. Rene Descartes was the founding father of modern Western philosophy and a pivotal thinker in the history of this fascinating subject. The history of philosophy since his time cannot be adequately understood without appreciating how Descartes changed our thinking on a huge range of philosophical issues. Covering all the key concepts of his work, "Starting with Descartes" provides an accessible introduction to the ideas of this enormously significant philosopher. Thematically structured, the book leads the reader through a thorough overview of the development of Descartes' thought, resulting in a more complete understanding of the roots of his philosophical concerns. Offering coverage of the full range of Descartes' ideas, the book explores his major work "The Meditations on First Philosophy" and his basic methodology of philosophical questioning.Crucially the book introduces the historical context in which Descartes wrote and the major thinkers whose work proved influential in the development of his thought, as well as those he influenced. This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of this pivotally important thinker for the first time. Continuum's "Starting with..." series offers clear, concise and accessible introductions to the key thinkers in philosophy. The books explore and illuminate the roots of each philosopher's work and ideas, leading readers to a thorough understanding of the key influences and philosophical foundations from which his or her thought developed. Ideal for first-year students starting out in philosophy, the series will serve as the ideal companion to study of this fascinating subject.

"Rene Descartes was the founding father of modern Western philosophy and a pivotal thinker in the history of this fascinating subject. Covering all the key concepts of his work, Starting with Descartes provides an accessible introduction to the ideas of this enormously significant philosopher. Thematically structured, the book leads the reader through a thorough overview of the development of Descartes' thought, resulting in a more complete understanding of the roots of his philosophical concerns. Offering coverage of the full range of Descartes' ideas, the book explores his major work The Meditations on First Philosophy and his basic methodology of philosophical questioning. Crucially, the book introduces the historical context in which Descartes wrote and the major thinkers whose work proved influential in the development of his thought, as well as those he influenced. "

How does one start with Derrida? In this exciting and accessible book, Sean Gaston presents a new kind of introduction to Jacques Derrida, arguably the most important and influential European thinker of the last century. Derrida claimed that 'However old I am, I am on the threshold of reading Plato and Aristotle ...we need to read them again and again and again.' In "Starting with Derrida", Gaston introduces all Derrida's major works and ideas by tracing Derrida's reading (and re-reading) of Plato, Aristotle and Hegel throughout his writings. "Starting with Derrida" argues for the importance of the relationship between philosophy, literature and history in Derrida's work and addresses all the key concepts in Derrida's thought, including his work on time and space, being and the soul, sensation and thought, history and literature, the concept and the name.The book encourages the reader to enter Derrida's varied and complex legacy through the moments in Derrida's work that are concerned with the question of origins and beginnings.By actively engaging with Derrida's ideas in this way, Gaston reveals a new and highly original reading of Derrida's work and provides a useful introduction to his entire corpus. This exciting new book is essential reading for students of philosophy and literary theory and, indeed, anyone interested in the work of this hugely important thinker.

How does one start with Derrida? In this exciting and accessible book, Sean Gaston presents a new kind of introduction to Jacques Derrida, arguably the most important and influential European thinker of the last century. Derrida claimed that 'However old I am, I am on the threshold of reading Plato and Aristotle ...we need to read them again and again and again.' In "Starting with Derrida", Gaston introduces all Derrida's major works and ideas by tracing Derrida's reading (and re-reading) of Plato, Aristotle and Hegel throughout his writings. "Starting with Derrida" argues for the importance of the relationship between philosophy, literature and history in Derrida's work and addresses all the key concepts in Derrida's thought, including his work on time and space, being and the soul, sensation and thought, history and literature, the concept and the name.The book encourages the reader to enter Derrida's varied and complex legacy through the moments in Derrida's work that are concerned with the question of origins and beginnings.By actively engaging with Derrida's ideas in this way, Gaston reveals a new and highly original reading of Derrida's work and provides a useful introduction to his entire corpus. This exciting new book is essential reading for students of philosophy and literary theory and, indeed, anyone interested in the work of this hugely important thinker.

This is a new introduction to Heidegger, guiding the student through the overall development of his ideas. Covering all the key concepts of Heidegger's work, "Starting with Heidegger" provides an accessible introduction to the ideas that are embodied in his magnum opus, "Being and Time". Thematically structured, the book encourages the reader to engage with Heidegger's thought, leading him or her to a more thorough understanding of the roots of his philosophical concerns. Drawing on a wide range of Heidegger's lectures and manuscripts, the book shows how Heidegger came to arrive at the existential analysis of "Being and Time" and how he continued to develop insights into the problems which motivated it. Crucially, contextual detail and intellectual influences, from Husserl to Nietzsche, are introduced with an eye to uncovering the basic motivations behind Heidegger's complex formulations, elucidating not only what Heidegger wrote, but how he thought philosophy should be practised. This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of this challenging thinker for the first time.

This is a new introduction to Heidegger, guiding the student through the overall development of his ideas. Covering all the key concepts of Heidegger's work, "Starting with Heidegger" provides an accessible introduction to the ideas that are embodied in his magnum opus, "Being and Time". Thematically structured, the book encourages the reader to engage with Heidegger's thought, leading him or her to a more thorough understanding of the roots of his philosophical concerns. Drawing on a wide range of Heidegger's lectures and manuscripts, the book shows how Heidegger came to arrive at the existential analysis of "Being and Time" and how he continued to develop insights into the problems which motivated it. Crucially, contextual detail and intellectual influences, from Husserl to Nietzsche, are introduced with an eye to uncovering the basic motivations behind Heidegger's complex formulations, elucidating not only what Heidegger wrote, but how he thought philosophy should be practised. This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of this challenging thinker for the first time.

Taking readers through key themes in Wittgenstein's thought, this is an essential introduction to one of the most important thinkers in 20th Century Philosophy. Ludwig Wittgenstein was arguably the most important and influential philosopher of the twentieth century. Covering all the key concepts of his work, "Starting with Wittgenstein" provides an accessible introduction to the ideas of this hugely significant thinker. Thematically structured, the book leads the reader through a thorough overview of the development of Wittgenstein's thought, resulting in a more comprehensive understanding of the roots of his philosophical concerns. Offering coverage of the full range of Wittgenstein's earlier and later work, the book emphasizes the relationship between his treatment of language and his treatment of the other major questions in philosophy. Crucially the book introduces the major thinkers whose work proved influential in the development of Wittgenstein's thought, including Frege, Russell and Schopenhauer. This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of this challenging thinker for the first time. "Continuum's Starting with..." series offers clear, concise and accessible introductions to the key thinkers in philosophy.The books explore and illuminate the roots of each philosopher's work and ideas, leading readers to a thorough understanding of the key influences and philosophical foundations from which his or her thought developed. Ideal for first-year students starting out in philosophy, the series will serve as the ideal companion to study of this fascinating subject.

Taking readers through key themes in Wittgenstein's thought, this is an essential introduction to one of the most important thinkers in 20th Century Philosophy. Ludwig Wittgenstein was arguably the most important and influential philosopher of the twentieth century. Covering all the key concepts of his work, Starting with Wittgenstein provides an accessible introduction to the ideas of this hugely significant thinker. Thematically structured, the book leads the reader through a thorough overview of the development of Wittgenstein's thought, resulting in a more comprehensive understanding of the roots of his philosophical concerns. Offering coverage of the full range of Wittgenstein's earlier and later work, the book emphasizes the relationship between his treatment of language and his treatment of the other major questions in philosophy. Crucially the book introduces the major thinkers whose work proved influential in the development of Wittgenstein's thought, including Frege, Russell and Schopenhauer. This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of this challenging thinker for the first time. "Continuum's Starting with..." series offers clear, concise and accessible introductions to the key thinkers in philosophy.The books explore and illuminate the roots of each philosopher's work and ideas, leading readers to a thorough understanding of the key influences and philosophical foundations from which his or her thought developed. Ideal for first-year students starting out in philosophy, the series will serve as the ideal companion to study of this fascinating subject.

Thomas Hobbes was one of the most important and influential philosophers of the seventeenth century. Covering all the key concepts of his work, Starting with Hobbes provides an accessible introduction to the ideas of this hugely significant thinker. Thematically structured, this book leads the reader through the full range of Hobbes's ideas and, uniquely, not just his political philosophy. In his day, he was internationally as famous for his theories about knowledge, language, the material nature of reality, mathematics, psychology, and religion, as he was for his politics; and these aspects of his work are fully covered. The book places Hobbes firmly in his historical context, with discussions of his relations to contemporary thinkers such as Galileo and Descartes and of his influence on later thinkers such as Spinoza and Leibniz. This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of one of the greatest of English philosophers for the first time.

This book provides a new introduction to Hobbes, guiding the student through the key concepts of his work by examining the overall development of his ideas.Thomas Hobbes was one of the most important and influential philosophers of the seventeenth century. Covering all the key concepts of his work, "Starting with Hobbes" provides an accessible introduction to the ideas of this hugely significant thinker. Thematically structured, this book leads the reader through the full range of Hobbes' ideas and, uniquely, not just his political philosophy. In his day, he was internationally as famous for his theories about knowledge, language, the material nature of reality, mathematics, psychology, and religion, as he was for his politics; and these aspects of his work are fully covered. The book places Hobbes firmly in his historical context, with discussions of his relations to contemporary thinkers such as Galileo and Descartes and of his influence on later thinkers such as Spinoza and Leibniz. This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of one of the greatest of English philosophers for the first time."Continuum's Starting with"...series offers clear, concise and accessible introductions to the key thinkers in philosophy.The books explore and illuminate the roots of each philosopher's work and ideas, leading readers to a thorough understanding of the key influences and philosophical foundations from which his or her thought developed. Ideal for first-year students starting out in philosophy, the series will serve as the ideal companion to study of this fascinating subject.

Covering all the key concepts of Nietzsches work, Starting with Nietzsche provides an accessible introduction to the development of and motivation behind the ideas that are embodied in his key works. Thematically structured, the book encourages the reader to engage with Nietzsches thought, leading him or her to a more thorough understanding of the roots of his philosophical concerns and the enormous influence of his ideas. Offering coverage of the full range of Nietzsches writings, the book shows that, despite Nietzsches notoriously anti-systematic approach, his philosophy in fact constitutes a coherent and unified system of thought. Crucially the book introduces the major motivations and influences behind Nietzsches work, clarifies his idea of the role of the philosopher and demonstrates the impact his work has had on a huge range of topics in contemporary scholarship. This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of this challenging thinker for the first time.

This is a new introduction to Nietzsche, guiding the student through the key concepts of his work by examining the overall development of his ideas. Covering all the key concepts of Nietzsche's work, "Starting with Nietzsche" provides an accessible introduction to the development of and motivation behind the ideas that are embodied in his key works. Thematically structured, the book encourages the reader to engage with Nietzsche's thought, leading him or her to a more thorough understanding of the roots of his philosophical concerns and the enormous influence of his ideas.Offering coverage of the full range of Nietzsche's writings, the book shows that, despite Nietzsche's notoriously anti-systematic approach, his philosophy in fact constitutes a coherent and unified system of thought. Crucially the book introduces the major motivations and influences behind Nietzsche's work, clarifies his idea of the role of the philosopher and demonstrates the impact his work has had on a huge range of topics in contemporary scholarship. This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of this challenging thinker for the first time."Continuum's Starting With"...series offers clear, concise and accessible introductions to the key thinkers in philosophy.The books explore and illuminate the roots of each philosopher's work and ideas, leading readers to a thorough understanding of the key influences and philosophical foundations from which his or her thought developed. Ideal for first-year students starting out in philosophy, the series will serve as the ideal companion to study of this fascinating subject.

This is a new introduction to Kant, guiding the student through the key concepts of his work by examining the overall development of his ideas. Immanuel Kant is arguably the most important and influential thinker in the whole history of philosophy. Covering all the key concepts of his work, "Starting with Kant" provides an accessible introduction to the ideas of this hugely significant thinker. Thematically structured, the book leads the reader through a thorough overview of the development of Kant's mature thought, resulting in a wide-ranging understanding of his philosophical concerns. Offering coverage of the full range of Kant's ideas, the book explores his so-called Copernican Revolution, the basic framework of his metaphysical outlook, and sets out its implications for his theory of knowledge, moral philosophy and theory of beauty and design. Crucially the book situates Kant in relation to other philosophers of his period, and it shows how a number of his seminal ideas can be clearly understood through an appreciation of their opposing views. This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of this hugely important thinker for the first time."Continuum's Starting with..." series offers clear, concise and accessible introductions to the key thinkers in philosophy. The books explore and illuminate the roots of each philosopher's work and ideas, leading readers to a thorough understanding of the key influences and philosophical foundations from which his or her thought developed. Ideal for first-year students starting out in philosophy, the series will serve as the ideal companion to study of this fascinating subject.

This is a new introduction to Kant, guiding the student through the key concepts of his work by examining the overall development of his ideas. Immanuel Kant is arguably the most important and influential thinker in the whole history of philosophy. Covering all the key concepts of his work, "Starting with Kant" provides an accessible introduction to the ideas of this hugely significant thinker. Thematically structured, the book leads the reader through a thorough overview of the development of Kant's mature thought, resulting in a wide-ranging understanding of his philosophical concerns. Offering coverage of the full range of Kant's ideas, the book explores his so-called Copernican Revolution, the basic framework of his metaphysical outlook, and sets out its implications for his theory of knowledge, moral philosophy and theory of beauty and design. Crucially the book situates Kant in relation to other philosophers of his period, and it shows how a number of his seminal ideas can be clearly understood through an appreciation of their opposing views. This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of this hugely important thinker for the first time."Continuum's Starting with..." series offers clear, concise and accessible introductions to the key thinkers in philosophy. The books explore and illuminate the roots of each philosopher's work and ideas, leading readers to a thorough understanding of the key influences and philosophical foundations from which his or her thought developed. Ideal for first-year students starting out in philosophy, the series will serve as the ideal companion to study of this fascinating subject.

George Berkeley (1685-1753) was one of the most important and influential philosophers in the history of Western thought. He is most famous for his controversial denial of the existence of matter, and for his idealism the claim that everyday objects are simply collections of ideas in the mind. Starting with Berkeley provides a detailed overview of Berkeley's philosophy, a user-friendly guide to the interpretation of his arguments, and the opportunity for the reader to critically engage with Berkeleys philosophical moves via an examination of some of the common objections which have been raised against them. Crucially, the book also introduces the major philosophical figures and theories that influenced and inspired Berkeleys thinking and gives a clear sense of the controversy that surrounds the interpretation and evaluation of his ideas. Nick Jones explores the full range of Berkeleys key philosophical concepts in this ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of Berkeley for the first time.

This book presents a new introduction to Berkeley, guiding the student through the key concepts of his work by examining the overall development of Berkeley's ideas. George Berkeley (1685-1753) was one of the most important and influential philosophers in the history of Western thought. He is most famous for his controversial denial of the existence of matter, and for his 'idealism' - the claim that everyday objects are simply collections of ideas in the mind. "Starting with Berkeley" provides a detailed overview of Berkeley's philosophy, a user-friendly guide to the interpretation of his arguments, and the opportunity for the reader to critically engage with Berkeley's philosophical moves via an examination of some of the common objections which have been raised against them. Crucially, the book also introduces the major philosophical figures and theories that influenced and inspired Berkeley's thinking and gives a clear sense of the controversy that surrounds the interpretation and evaluation of his ideas. Nick Jones explores the full range of Berkeley's key philosophical concepts in this ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of Berkeley for the first time."Continuum's Starting with..." series offers clear, concise and accessible introductions to the key thinkers in philosophy. The books explore and illuminate the roots of each philosopher's work and ideas, leading readers to a thorough understanding of the key influences and philosophical foundations from which his or her thought developed. Ideal for first-year students starting out in philosophy, the series will serve as the ideal companion to study of this fascinating subject.

This title presents a new introduction to Hegel, guiding the student through the key concepts of his work by examining the overall development of his ideas. G.W.F. Hegel is without doubt one of the most important and influential thinkers in the whole history of philosophy. Covering all the key concepts of his work, "Starting with Hegel" provides an accessible introduction to this hugely significant thinker. Thematically structured, the book leads the reader through a thorough overview of the development of Hegel's thought. Craig B. Matarrese shows how the questions that guided his early writings in fact shaped his entire career and thereby offers a more thorough understanding of the roots of his philosophical concerns. Providing coverage of the full range of Hegel's ideas, the book offers detailed examinations of all his key texts, including "The Phenomenology of Spirit" and "The Philosophy of Right". Crucially the book introduces the major thinkers and events that proved influential in the development of Hegel's thought, including Kant, Schiller, Fichte, Schelling, the French Revolution, the Enlightenment and romanticism.This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of this hugely important thinker for the first time. Continuum's "Starting with..." series offers clear, concise and accessible introductions to the key thinkers in philosophy. The books explore and illuminate the roots of each philosopher's work and ideas, leading readers to a thorough understanding of the key influences and philosophical foundations from which his or her thought developed. Ideal for first-year students starting out in philosophy, the series will serve as the ideal companion to study of this fascinating subject.

This title presents a new introduction to Hegel, guiding the student through the key concepts of his work by examining the overall development of his ideas. G.W.F. Hegel is without doubt one of the most important and influential thinkers in the whole history of philosophy. Covering all the key concepts of his work, "Starting with Hegel" provides an accessible introduction to this hugely significant thinker. Thematically structured, the book leads the reader through a thorough overview of the development of Hegel's thought. Craig B. Matarrese shows how the questions that guided his early writings in fact shaped his entire career and thereby offers a more thorough understanding of the roots of his philosophical concerns. Providing coverage of the full range of Hegel's ideas, the book offers detailed examinations of all his key texts, including "The Phenomenology of Spirit" and "The Philosophy of Right". Crucially the book introduces the major thinkers and events that proved influential in the development of Hegel's thought, including Kant, Schiller, Fichte, Schelling, the French Revolution, the Enlightenment and romanticism.This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of this hugely important thinker for the first time. Continuum's "Starting with..." series offers clear, concise and accessible introductions to the key thinkers in philosophy. The books explore and illuminate the roots of each philosopher's work and ideas, leading readers to a thorough understanding of the key influences and philosophical foundations from which his or her thought developed. Ideal for first-year students starting out in philosophy, the series will serve as the ideal companion to study of this fascinating subject.

Gottfried Leibniz has been one of the most important and influential philosophers of the seventeenth century and, alongside Descartes and Spinoza, one of three great early modern Rationalist thinkers. Covering all the key concepts of his work, Starting with Leibniz provides an accessible introduction to the ideas of this hugely significant thinker. Thematically structured, the book leads the reader through a thorough overview of Leibniz's thought, resulting in a more complete understanding of the roots of his philosophical concerns.Offering coverage of the full range of Leibniz's philosophical ideas, the book explores hiswork on substance, mind, body, matter, dynamics and the philosophy of science, God, free will. Crucially the book introduces the major influences on Leibniz's thought, including Aristotle, Descartes, Spinoza, and Malebranche. This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of this important thinker for the first time.

This title introduces students to the life, work and ideas of Gottfried Leibniz, taking the reader new to the subject through the key themes of his writings. Gottfried Leibniz was one of the most important and influential philosophers of the seventeenth century and, alongside Descartes and Spinoza, one of the three great Rationalist thinkers. Covering all the key concepts of his work, "Starting with Leibniz" provides an accessible introduction to the ideas of this hugely significant thinker. Thematically structured, the book leads the reader through a thorough overview of the development of Leibniz's thought, resulting in a more thorough understanding of the roots of his philosophical concerns. Offering coverage of the full range of Leibniz's ideas, the book explores his work on substance, mind, body, matter, the existence of God, dynamics and the philosophy of science. Crucially the book introduces the major influences on Leibniz's thought, including Aristotle, Plato, Descartes and Spinoza. This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of this hugely important thinker for the first time.

This title presents a new introduction to Mill, guiding the student through the key concepts of his work by examining the overall development of his ideas. John Stuart Mill was one of the most important and influential British philosophers. When one considers his overall intellectual contributions, Mill is arguably the most important intellectual figure of the nineteenth century. Covering all the key concepts of his work, "Starting with Mill" provides an accessible introduction to the ideas of this hugely significant thinker. Clearly structured according to Mill's key works, the book leads the reader through a thorough overview of the development of his thought, resulting in a more thorough understanding of the roots of his philosophical concerns. Offering coverage of the full range of Mill's ideas, the book explores his contributions to metaphysics and epistemology, logic, psychology, political economy, ethics, utilitarianism, and liberalism. Crucially the book introduces the major thinkers whose work proved influential in the development of Mill's thought, including Jeremy Bentham, James Mill, Adam Smith, John Locke and the other British Empiricists.This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of this hugely important thinker for the first time. "Continuum's Starting" with...series offers clear, concise and accessible introductions to the key thinkers in philosophy. The books explore and illuminate the roots of each philosopher's work and ideas, leading readers to a thorough understanding of the key influences and philosophical foundations from which his or her thought developed. Ideal for first-year students starting out in philosophy, the series will serve as the ideal companion to study of this fascinating subject.

This title presents a new introduction to Mill, guiding the student through the key concepts of his work by examining the overall development of his ideas. John Stuart Mill was one of the most important and influential British philosophers. When one considers his overall intellectual contributions, Mill is arguably the most important intellectual figure of the nineteenth century. Covering all the key concepts of his work, "Starting with Mill" provides an accessible introduction to the ideas of this hugely significant thinker. Clearly structured according to Mill's key works, the book leads the reader through a thorough overview of the development of his thought, resulting in a more thorough understanding of the roots of his philosophical concerns. Offering coverage of the full range of Mill's ideas, the book explores his contributions to metaphysics and epistemology, logic, psychology, political economy, ethics, utilitarianism, and liberalism. Crucially the book introduces the major thinkers whose work proved influential in the development of Mill's thought, including Jeremy Bentham, James Mill, Adam Smith, John Locke and the other British Empiricists.This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of this hugely important thinker for the first time. "Continuum's Starting" with...series offers clear, concise and accessible introductions to the key thinkers in philosophy. The books explore and illuminate the roots of each philosopher's work and ideas, leading readers to a thorough understanding of the key influences and philosophical foundations from which his or her thought developed. Ideal for first-year students starting out in philosophy, the series will serve as the ideal companion to study of this fascinating subject.

Jean Jacques Rousseau is one of the most important and influential thinkers of the Enlightenment period and, indeed, of the whole history of philosophy. His political theory heavily influenced the French Revolution, development of socialist theory and the growth of nationalism. Clearly and thematically structured, covering all Rousseau's key works, Starting with Rousseau leads the reader through a thorough overview of the development of Rousseau's thought, resulting in a more thorough understanding of the roots of his philosophical concerns. Offering coverage of the full range of Rousseau's ideas, the book firmly sets his work in the context of the Enlightenment and explores his contributions to social theory, theories of human nature, philosophy of education, political philosophy and autobiography. Crucially the book introduces the major thinkers and events that proved influential in the development of Rousseau's thought. This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of this hugely important thinker for the first time.

This is a new introduction to Rousseau, guiding the student through the key concepts of his work by examining the overall development of his ideas. Jean Jacques Rousseau is one of the most important and influential thinkers of the Enlightenment period and, indeed, of the whole history of philosophy. His political theory heavily influenced the French Revolution, development of socialist theory and the growth of nationalism. Clearly and thematically structured, covering all Rousseau's key works, "Starting with Rousseau" leads the reader through a thorough overview of the development of Rousseau's thought, resulting in a more thorough understanding of the roots of his philosophical concerns. Offering coverage of the full range of Rousseau's ideas, the book firmly sets his work in the context of the Enlightenment and explores his contributions to social theory, theories of human nature, philosophy of education, political philosophy and autobiography. Crucially the book introduces the major thinkers and events that proved influential in the development of Rousseau's thought. This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of this hugely important thinker for the first time.Continuum's Starting with...series offers clear, concise and accessible introductions to the key thinkers in philosophy. The books explore and illuminate the roots of each philosopher's work and ideas, leading readers to a thorough understanding of the key influences and philosophical foundations from which his or her thought developed. Ideal for first-year students starting out in philosophy, the series will serve as the ideal companion to study of this fascinating subject.

Merleau-Ponty was one of the most important European philosophers of the 20th century, whose work made enormous contributions to the development of phenomenology and the concept of the lived-body. Clearly and thematically structured, covering all Merleau-Ponty's key works and focussing particularly on the hugely important The Phenomenology of Perception, Starting with Merleau-Ponty leads the reader through a thorough overview of the development of his thought, resulting in a more thorough understanding of the roots of his philosophical concerns. Offering coverage of the full range of Merleau-Ponty's ideas, the book firmly sets his work in the context of the 20th century intellectual landscape and explores his contributions to phenomenology, existentialism, empiricism, objective thought and his vision of human reality. Crucially the book introduces the major thinkers and events that proved influential in the development of Merleau-Ponty's work, including Husserl, Sartre, Heidegger and those philosophers and psychologists whom he labelled 'intellectualists' and 'empiricists'.This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of this hugely important thinker for the first time.

This is a new introduction to Sartre, guiding the student through the key concepts on his work by examining the overall development of his ideas. Jean-Paul Sartre is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential philosophers and writers of the twentieth century. His enduring influence in philosophy and literature is immense and his contributions to theories of human freedom and responsibility, creative agency, existence, bad faith and good faith, human possibility, anguish and authenticity, the 'self', morality, and the problems of evil and injustice fascinate students, scholars and general readers alike. "Starting with Sartre" provides an accessible introduction to the life and work of this hugely significant thinker. Clearly structured according to Sartre's central ideas, the book leads the reader through a thorough overview of the development of his thought, resulting in a more thorough understanding of the roots of his philosophical concerns. Crucially, it also introduces the major philosophical thinkers whose work proved influential in the development of his thought, including Plato, Descartes, Kant, Hegel, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Husserl and Freud.This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of this challenging thinker for the first time. "Continuum's Starting with"...series offers clear, concise and accessible introductions to the key thinkers in philosophy. The books explore and illuminate the roots of each philosopher's work and ideas, leading readers to a thorough understanding of the key influences and philosophical foundations from which his or her thought developed. Ideal for first-year students starting out in philosophy, the series will serve as the ideal companion to study of this fascinating subject.

This is a new introduction to Sartre, guiding the student through the key concepts on his work by examining the overall development of his ideas. Jean-Paul Sartre is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential philosophers and writers of the twentieth century. His enduring influence in philosophy and literature is immense and his contributions to theories of human freedom and responsibility, creative agency, existence, bad faith and good faith, human possibility, anguish and authenticity, the 'self', morality, and the problems of evil and injustice fascinate students, scholars and general readers alike. "Starting with Sartre" provides an accessible introduction to the life and work of this hugely significant thinker. Clearly structured according to Sartre's central ideas, the book leads the reader through a thorough overview of the development of his thought, resulting in a more thorough understanding of the roots of his philosophical concerns. Crucially it also introduces the major philosophical thinkers whose work proved influential in the development of his thought, including Plato, Descartes, Kant, Hegel, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Husserl and Freud.This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of this challenging thinker for the first time. "Continuum's Starting with"...series offers clear, concise and accessible introductions to the key thinkers in philosophy. The books explore and illuminate the roots of each philosopher's work and ideas, leading readers to a thorough understanding of the key influences and philosophical foundations from which his or her thought developed. Ideal for first-year students starting out in philosophy, the series will serve as the ideal companion to study of this fascinating subject.

This book presents a new introduction to Hume, guiding the student through the key concepts of Hume's work by examining the overall development of his ideas. David Hume is widely regarded as the greatest English thinker in the history of philosophy. His contributions to a huge range of philosophical debates are as important and influential now as they were in the eighteenth century. Covering all the key concepts of his work, "Starting with Hume" provides an accessible introduction to the ideas of this hugely significant thinker. Clearly structured according to Hume's central ideas, the book leads the reader through a thorough overview of the development of his thought, resulting in a more thorough understanding of the roots of his philosophical concerns. Offering comprehensive coverage of Hume's philosophical method, the book explores his contributions to philosophy of mind, causation, the foundation of ethics, natural virtues and philosophy or religion. Crucially the book introduces the major philosophical movements and thinkers whose work proved influential in the development of Hume's thought, including Nicolas Malebranche, Thomas Hobbes, and John Locke.This is the ideal introduction for anyone coming to the work of this hugely important thinker for the first time. "Continuum's Starting with..." series offers clear, concise and accessible introductions to the key thinkers in philosophy. The books explore and illuminate the roots of each philosopher's work and ideas, leading readers to a thorough understanding of the key influences and philosophical foundations from which his or her thought developed. Ideal for first-year students starting out in philosophy, the series will serve as the ideal companion to study of this fascinating subject.