The Story of Philosophy — Book Summary & Review
by Will Durant
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The Story of Philosophy Summary
Durant structures 'The Story of Philosophy' into distinct chapters, each dedicated to a major philosopher, such as the 'Plato' chapter where he lays out the philosopher's Theory of Forms. Durant's narrative is enriched by his ability to weave biography and philosophy, making the abstract ideas more tangible. The book doesn't shy away from complex concepts, yet Durant's storytelling makes them accessible, as seen in his treatment of Nietzsche's challenging existentialism. However, the book's focus on Western philosophers might frustrate those seeking a more global perspective on philosophical thought. Durant's approach is both educational and entertaining, but it largely overlooks contemporary philosophers, leaving out the evolution of philosophical discourse beyond the 19th century.
Key Takeaways from The Story of Philosophy
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1
Theory of Forms: In the Plato chapter, Durant explores this idea that non-material abstract forms represent the most accurate reality.
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2
Aristotle's Golden Mean: Durant explains Aristotle's idea of virtue as a balance between excess and deficiency.
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3
Spinoza's Substance: Here, Durant discusses Spinoza's concept that everything is a part of one unified reality or substance.
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4
Voltaire's Critique of Optimism: Durant covers Voltaire's sharp critique of Leibniz's optimism, using the Lisbon earthquake as an example.
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5
Nietzsche's Will to Power: Durant elaborates on Nietzsche's idea that life's main driving force is the will to power, not survival.
Who Should Read This
Someone who feels overwhelmed by the breadth of philosophy and wants a structured exploration of its Western roots. If you're looking to grasp the foundational ideas of key philosophers in an engaging way, this is for you.
Who Shouldn't Read This
If you seek a diverse philosophical perspective including Eastern or modern philosophies, Durant's focus will disappoint you. Those looking for in-depth critical analysis or more recent philosophical developments should look elsewhere.
Editor's Verdict
Durant excels at making complex ideas approachable, especially in chapters like 'Kant'. The book lacks coverage of non-Western and contemporary philosophers. Anyone beginning their journey into philosophy or seeking to revisit the foundations will find this book enlightening.
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The Story of Philosophy — Frequently Asked Questions
About Will Durant
Will Durant (1885–1981) was an American writer, historian, and philosopher, renowned for his work in popularizing philosophy and history. He earned a Ph.D. in philosophy from Columbia University, establishing his credibility in the field. Durant is best known for "The Story of Philosophy" (1926), which made complex philosophical concepts accessible to the general public. He also co-authored "The Story of Civilization," an 11-volume series with his wife, Ariel Durant, which won a Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction in 1968.
