Henry Carter Hull

"How do we decide what is "good" and what is "bad"? According to the ethical theory of Utilitarianism, to do good is to "always perform that act, of those available, that will bring the most happiness or the least unhappiness." By far the most widely read introduction to this theory, John Stuart Mill's Utilitarianism is one of the most important and controversial works of moral philosophy ever written. In this major contribution to ethical history,...

George Santayana's renowned work of moral philosophy outlines his vision of the ideal life. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. George Santayana's The Life of Reason stands as one of the most influential and beautifully written works of philosophical naturalism. In it, Santayana articulates his vision of human progression from chaos to reason and the pursuit of the ideal life. Focusing his thought on the lived experiences...

This edition includes a modern introduction and a list of suggested further reading. While in prison awaiting a brutal execution, Boethius produced arguably the most famous work of early medieval philosophy and literature, the celebrated Consolation of Philosophy. In alternating sections of prose and poetry, Boethius describes the circumstances of his rapid fall from the upper echelons of society and power. In a conversation with lady Philosophy,...

In this witty and mischievous book, philosopher Peter Cave dissects the most controversial disputes today and uses philosophical argument to reveal that many issues are less straightforward than we'd like to believe. Leaving no sacred cow standing, Cave uses ingenious stories and examples to challenge our most strongly held assumptions. Is democracy inherently a good thing? What is the basis of so-called human rights? Is discrimination always bad?...

"The philosopher presents a stimulating overview of his work, its intellectual roots, and its relationship to the work of other twentieth century thinkers. In Four Seminars , Heidegger reviews the entire trajectory of his thought and offers unique perspectives on fundamental aspects of his work. First published in French in 1976, these seminars were translated into German with Heidegger's approval and reissued in 1986 as part of his Gesamtausgabe,...

This edition includes a modern introduction and a list of suggested further reading. Socrates (469-399 BCE) is the first person known to have lived a life fully devoted to thinking. Teeming with exchanges between the revered guru Socrates and various Athenians, Conversations with Socrates shows Socrates as engaging and sagacious. According to his follower Xenophon, Socrates communicates in ways that even the unphilosophical and harried reader will...

"Your journey in life is not complete until you make your first contact with your soul. This will uplift you to your next stage in personal evolution -- The Hybrid Being -- physical at times and metaphysical at other times, with the power to move between these two stages at will. For this to happen, start a conversation today with your soul. The Universe is waiting for this to happen ... Are you ready, player one?" NEIL DAVID CHAN, from A Higher Conversation."Read...

From the I Ching to The Little Red Book : Two thousand years of wisdom from some of China's greatest philosophers and political thinkers. The Wisdom of Confucius : Whether considering his own life, human nature, or a society's responsibilities, Confucius's teachings emphasize morality, social relationships, justice, and sincerity. He pursued social and political reform, leaving a legacy of wisdom that remains vital today. Organized by topic and accompanied...

An accessible overview of how the principles of thought which dominate our civilization came to be, from philosophy's Ionian beginnings to Neo-Platonism. The history of philosophy reveals what was said at the beginning. From the start, man wanted to know, "why?" On the shores of Asia Minor, men like Heraclitus or Parmenides found a wealth of mental material which language at the time could not convey. This thought developed into the mighty teachings...

Written in the fourth century BCE by Greek philosopher and scientist Aristotle, Physics set out to define the principles and causes of change, movement, and motion. For 2,000 years ― until discoveries by Galileo, Newton, and other scientists ― this treatise was the primary source for explanations of falling rocks, rising flames, the circulation of air, and other physical phenomena. Modern readers are required to bring a keen sense of criticism...