Confessions of a Philosopher
Confessions of a Philosopher
Bryan Magee
Nassim Taleb
[The author] was close enough to Popper to present us with his ideas first-hand. - Nassim Taleb
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Confessions of a Philosopher

Confessions of a Philosopher: A Personal Journey Through Western Philosophy from Plato to Popper (Modern Library

Bryan Magee
By
Bryan Magee
4.1
794
ratings on Goodreads

In "Confessions of a Philosopher," Bryan Magee invites readers on a profound journey through the landscapes of philosophy, intertwining the evolution of his own philosophical understanding with the historical march of the discipline itself. His narrative, rich with personal anecdotes and insights, transforms the abstract and often intimidating realm of philosophy into a vibrant, accessible tapestry of ideas. Magee, with the finesse of a skilled storyteller and the depth of a seasoned philosopher, chronicles his encounters with the monumental figures and foundational concepts that have shaped philosophical thought. From the ancient whispers of the pre-Socratics to the formidable echoes of Russell and Popper, and through the intricate thoughts of Wittgenstein, Kant, Nietzsche, and Schopenhauer, he not only demystifies philosophy but also illustrates its undeniable relevance to the fabric of modern life. Through Magee's eyes, philosophy emerges not as a relic of academia but as a living, breathing guide to understanding existence itself. "Confessions of a Philosopher" goes beyond a mere account of Magee's intellectual journey; it is an invitation to awaken one's own philosophical curiosity and to explore the questions that have puzzled humanity since time immemorial. Magee succeeds in making philosophy profoundly personal and supremely engaging, proving that it is not just a subject to be studied but a way to be lived. As readers traverse the pages of this enlightening book, they will find themselves embarking on their own philosophical quest, inspired by the clarity and passion with which Magee shares his lifelong love affair with philosophy.

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Released
1997
1 Jan
Length
496
Pages

1

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[The author] was close enough to Popper to present us with his ideas first-hand. - Nassim Taleb
Like the character Moliere who discovered to his astonishment that he had been speaking prose all his life, I discovered to my astonishment that I had been immersed in philosophical problems all my life. And I had been drawn into the same problems as great philosophers by the same felt need to make sense of the world...The chief difference between me and them, of course, was that whereas they had something to offer by way of solutions to the problems, I had failed even to formulate very rich or sophistocated versions of the problems, let alone work my way through to defensible solutions for them. In consequence I fell on their work like a starving man on food, and it has done a geat deal to nourish and sustain me ever since.
— Bryan Magee, Confessions of a Philosopher

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