Routledge or Copleston: Philosophy Forums

Routledge or Copleston

JLL
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Posted 07/28/08 - 08:30 PM: Subject: Routledge or Copleston	#1
Hi everyone. I am a psychology graduate student and I need to strengthen my philosophy knowledge. I read some basic introductions and histories to philosophy but now I need something more deep. I was recommended two different collections: "Routledge History of Philosophy" (in 10 volumes) and Frederick Copleston's A History of Philosophy (in 11 or so volumes). I was told that Copleston's is the best history of philosophy in English ever wirtten, but some say that the book is "history of philosophy through a christian lens", as he was a priest and wrote it as a serious presentation of the development of philosophy for catholic seminary students. On the other hand, some say that Routledge is the new standard. I know that ideally I should read them both and many others, but unfortunately I don't have this time. So please, can you help me choose one of these? Thanks a lot!

Kwalish Kid
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Posted 07/29/08 - 05:06 AM:	#2
I am surprised that you would have the time to read all of Copleston. I would recommend using the more concise text, supplementing it with choice readings from Copleston. Copleston actually does do a very good job with many philosophers, especially Aristotle. Take it (and Routledge) with the proper grain of salt and you should do fine.
"Scientific truth is always paradox, if judged by everyday experience, which catches only the delusive nature of things." - KM, V, P and P "A fishnet is made up of a lot more holes than strings, but you can't therefore argue that the net doesn't exist. Just ask the fish." - Jeffrey Kluger "…Love of God and compassion and empathy leads you to a very glorious place, and science leads you to killing people." -Ben Stein [This is included for the irony.]

Banno
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1 of 1 people found this post helpful Posted 07/29/08 - 02:31 PM:	#3
Again, my suggestion would be Russel's History of Western Philosophy. Or better, just browse the Shorter Routledge Encyclopedia and follow your nose.
Davidson: We make maximum sense of the words and thoughts of others when we interpret in a way that optimizes agreement. Russel Morris: There's a meaning there, but the meaning there doesn't really mean a thing...

TheManWhoWasThursday
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Posted 08/05/08 - 12:46 PM: Subject: All good books	#4
I have read Russel's History and I can recommend it along with Banno. I have read parts of Coplestons work and I can recommend it as well. Eventually I plan to pick up the Routledge History but I haven't read any of it yet. Also look into Will Durant's The Story of Philosophy if you want a work that will keep your attention. I actually read Russel's work alongside Durant's and found them to be an interesting compliment to each other. And the best part, I got Durant's book at a library book sale for a dollar. My recommendation is read Durant first, then Russel, then Copleston. If you have the time.
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Loredon
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Posted 08/18/08 - 11:53 AM:	#5
I actually had this exact question. I am curious to know what others think. I just graduated from my undergraduate and I am wanting very thorough and comprehensive study of the history of philosophy. I am not intimidated by the length, I would just like to know which is more effective/comprehensive. My initial inclination was to go for the Routledge, based on the idea that Copleston might be viewng certain philosophies through a lens, whereas Routledge is written by numerous scholars, presumably more well versed in each individual subject.
"There was once a Zen master who had just recently achieved enlightenment. When his disciples approached him and asked him 'Master what is it like to be enlightened?' The master responded 'Just as miserable as ever.'"

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