Confessions of a Philosopher

A Personal Journey Through Western Philosophy from Plato to Popper

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In this infectiously exciting book, Bryan Magee tells the story of his own discovery of philosophy and not only makes it come alive but shows its relevance to daily life. Magee is the Carl Sagan of philosophy, the great popularizer of the subject, and author of a major new introductory history, The Story of Philosophy. Confessions follows the course of Magee's life, exploring philosophers and ideas as he himself encountered them, introducing all the great figures and their ideas, from the pre-Socratics to Bertrand Russell and Karl Popper, including Wittgenstein, Kant, Nietzsche, and Schopenhauer, rationalism, utilitarianism, empiricism, and existentialism.
"A restless intellect and independent outlook characterize this candid autobiography, which will richly reward the serious reader."--Publishers Weekly, starred review
Bryan Magee has taught philosophy at Oxford, and has taught and lectured at several colleges and universities in the United States. His academic appointments include Visiting Professor at King's College, University of London; Fellow of Queen Mary College, London; and Fellow of Keble College, Oxford. His previous books include The Great Philosophers; The Philosophy of Schopenhauer, recently reissued in a revised and enlarged edition; and Aspects of Wagner. Magee has been a Member of Parliament, a critic of music and theater, and a professional broadcaster. He has written and presented many TV and radio programs on philosophy in the United Kingdom that have also sold internationally. He lives in London. View titles by Bryan Magee

About

In this infectiously exciting book, Bryan Magee tells the story of his own discovery of philosophy and not only makes it come alive but shows its relevance to daily life. Magee is the Carl Sagan of philosophy, the great popularizer of the subject, and author of a major new introductory history, The Story of Philosophy. Confessions follows the course of Magee's life, exploring philosophers and ideas as he himself encountered them, introducing all the great figures and their ideas, from the pre-Socratics to Bertrand Russell and Karl Popper, including Wittgenstein, Kant, Nietzsche, and Schopenhauer, rationalism, utilitarianism, empiricism, and existentialism.

Reviews

"A restless intellect and independent outlook characterize this candid autobiography, which will richly reward the serious reader."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

Author

Bryan Magee has taught philosophy at Oxford, and has taught and lectured at several colleges and universities in the United States. His academic appointments include Visiting Professor at King's College, University of London; Fellow of Queen Mary College, London; and Fellow of Keble College, Oxford. His previous books include The Great Philosophers; The Philosophy of Schopenhauer, recently reissued in a revised and enlarged edition; and Aspects of Wagner. Magee has been a Member of Parliament, a critic of music and theater, and a professional broadcaster. He has written and presented many TV and radio programs on philosophy in the United Kingdom that have also sold internationally. He lives in London. View titles by Bryan Magee