Modern Historical and Social Philosophies

Fülszöveg

This book provides a complete, non-technical survey ofsome of the most vitai modern philosophies of social progress and history. Translated into many languages and a standard text all over the world, it is an essential book for readers in all fields who feel the need for understanding the directions in which our modern society is moving. The author, "one of the masterminds of this generation," has for many years been one of the most thought-provoking of American scholars. He devotes a chapter to each of the eight outstanding philosophers of history and their main ideas: Arnold Toynbee, Oswald Spengler, Nikolai Danilevsky, Albert Schweitzer, F. S. C. Northrop, Nikolai Berdyaev, Alfréd Kroeber, and Walter Schubart. His fully documented analyses of these men are sure-footed and invaluable; they explain fundamental assumptions in each case, point out erroneous and fallacious reasoning, and clarify the conclusions and significance of each theory. Finally, by comparing one against the... Tovább

Fülszöveg

This book provides a complete, non-technical survey ofsome of the most vitai modern philosophies of social progress and history. Translated into many languages and a standard text all over the world, it is an essential book for readers in all fields who feel the need for understanding the directions in which our modern society is moving. The author, "one of the masterminds of this generation," has for many years been one of the most thought-provoking of American scholars. He devotes a chapter to each of the eight outstanding philosophers of history and their main ideas: Arnold Toynbee, Oswald Spengler, Nikolai Danilevsky, Albert Schweitzer, F. S. C. Northrop, Nikolai Berdyaev, Alfréd Kroeber, and Walter Schubart. His fully documented analyses of these men are sure-footed and invaluable; they explain fundamental assumptions in each case, point out erroneous and fallacious reasoning, and clarify the conclusions and significance of each theory. Finally, by comparing one against the other and against his own philosophy of history, the author performs the useful service of bringing all the important concepts face to face. As critical evaluation, this book is a must for formai and informál students of sociology, philosophy of history, and history. But the material that it covers is important for anyone who hopes to understand the main intellectual currents of our time; and it is written with such vigor and comprehensibilty that it will not fail as fruitful reading for everyone. "A work of substantial proportions and major significance . . . should serve the separate needs of the scholar, on the one hand, and the intelligent lay reader on the other," Howard Hintz, Survey. "A writer of . . . excellent ability and industry," Annals of American Academy of Social and Political Science. "Compact, untechnical, easily read . . . contains material not otherwise conveniently found," Albert Hofstadter, Columbia University, in the New York Times. "A masterpiece of erudition and analysis," Christian Science Monitor. Complete, unabridged republication of originál (1950) edition, with new preface by the author. Formerly, "Social Philosophies in an Age of Crisis." xi + 345pp. 5-3/8 x 8-1/2. TI 146 Paperbound $2.00 A DOVER EDITION DESIGNED FOR YEARS OF USE! We have spared no pains to make this the best book possible. Our paper is opaque, with minimai show-through; it will not discolor or become brittle with age. Pages are sewn in signatures, in the method traditionally used for the best books. Books open fiat for easy reference. Pages will not drop out, as often happens with paperbacks held together with glue. The binding will not crack and split. This is a permanent book. Vissza