Philosophy in the Modern World: A New History of Western Philosophy

Philosophy in the Modern World is the fourth and final volume of Anthony Kenny's comprehensive history of Western philosophy. The book covers philosophical developments from the late 18th century through the end of the 20th century, focusing on major thinkers and movements that shaped modern thought. Kenny examines key philosophical areas including logic, language, epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of mind, and ethics through the lens of influential modern philosophers. The text progresses through significant philosophical movements including German Idealism, Existentialism, Pragmatism, and Analytic Philosophy. Each chapter provides historical context and clear explanations of complex philosophical concepts and arguments. Kenny connects the ideas of different thinkers across time periods while maintaining focus on their individual contributions. The work serves as both a scholarly reference and an accessible introduction to modern philosophical thought, highlighting the continuing relevance of philosophical questions in contemporary discourse. Through its systematic approach, the book illuminates the evolution of Western philosophical thinking and its impact on current intellectual debates.

Readers find this volume clear and comprehensive in covering modern philosophy from Descartes to Wittgenstein. The book serves both as a reference text and a readable introduction to modern philosophical thought. Likes: - Clear explanations of complex ideas - Strong connections drawn between philosophers - Balanced treatment of analytic and continental traditions - Helpful summaries at chapter ends Dislikes: - Some sections feel rushed, particularly 20th century coverage - Limited discussion of non-Western influences - Technical language can be challenging for beginners - Several readers note bias toward analytic philosophy Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (24 ratings) Notable reader comments: "Kenny excels at making difficult concepts accessible without oversimplifying" - Goodreads reviewer "The treatment of phenomenology feels superficial" - Amazon reviewer "Best as a companion text rather than primary introduction" - Philosophy Forums user

A History of Western Philosophy by Bertrand Russell A comprehensive survey of Western philosophical thought from ancient Greece to the twentieth century, connecting philosophical ideas to their historical and cultural contexts.

The Story of Philosophy by Will Durant The development of Western philosophy unfolds through biographical accounts of major philosophers and examination of their key ideas from Plato to John Dewey.

The Dream of Reason by Anthony Gottlieb A systematic exploration of Western philosophy's first 2,000 years traces the evolution of thought from the pre-Socratics through the Renaissance.

The History of Philosophy by A.C. Grayling The progression of philosophical thought spans from classical antiquity through contemporary times, highlighting the interconnections between different philosophical traditions and schools.

The Oxford History of Western Philosophy by Anthony Kenny The development of Western philosophical thought presents through distinct historical periods, examining the evolution of ideas from ancient Greece through contemporary analytical philosophy.

🎓 Anthony Kenny served as Master of Balliol College, Oxford, and his four-volume "New History of Western Philosophy" took him 12 years to complete. 📚 The book covers philosophical developments from the late 19th century through the end of the 20th century, including movements like existentialism, pragmatism, and analytic philosophy. ⚡ Kenny breaks from traditional philosophical histories by giving significant attention to Catholic thinkers and religious philosophy, reflecting his background as a former Catholic priest. 🌟 The work includes detailed analysis of philosophers who are often overlooked in standard histories, such as G.E. Moore and the American Pragmatists. 🎯 Unlike many philosophy texts, Kenny deliberately wrote the book to be accessible to general readers while maintaining scholarly rigor, avoiding unnecessary technical jargon and complex academic language.