The Heart of Philosophy

Philosophy as it is frequently taught in classrooms bears little relation to the impassioned and immensely practical search for self-knowledge conducted by not only its ancient avatars but also by men and woman who seek after truth today. In The Heart of the Philosophy, Jacob Needleman provides a "user's guide" for those who would take philosophy seriously enough to understand its life-transforming qualities.
Jacob Needleman is professor of philosophy at San Francisco State University. He is the author of many bestselling books, including, most recently, A Little Book on Love. View titles by Jacob Needleman
The Heart of PhilosophyPreface to the Tarcher/Penguin Edition
Preface
Acknowledgments

Part I: Philosophy, Where Are You?
1. Introduction
2. Socrates and the Myth of Responsibility
3. Pythagoras

Part II: Wendy, Sim, and Other Philosophers
4. Nondepartmental Offering
5. Questions in the Margin
6. A Strange Warmth
7. Parents

Part III: Remembering Philosophy
8. Eros and Ego: Toward a Redefinition of the History of Philosophy
9. Reality: The Problem and the Question
10. One Self: Two Words
11. The Indestructible Question

Conclusion

About

Philosophy as it is frequently taught in classrooms bears little relation to the impassioned and immensely practical search for self-knowledge conducted by not only its ancient avatars but also by men and woman who seek after truth today. In The Heart of the Philosophy, Jacob Needleman provides a "user's guide" for those who would take philosophy seriously enough to understand its life-transforming qualities.

Author

Jacob Needleman is professor of philosophy at San Francisco State University. He is the author of many bestselling books, including, most recently, A Little Book on Love. View titles by Jacob Needleman

Table of Contents

The Heart of PhilosophyPreface to the Tarcher/Penguin Edition
Preface
Acknowledgments

Part I: Philosophy, Where Are You?
1. Introduction
2. Socrates and the Myth of Responsibility
3. Pythagoras

Part II: Wendy, Sim, and Other Philosophers
4. Nondepartmental Offering
5. Questions in the Margin
6. A Strange Warmth
7. Parents

Part III: Remembering Philosophy
8. Eros and Ego: Toward a Redefinition of the History of Philosophy
9. Reality: The Problem and the Question
10. One Self: Two Words
11. The Indestructible Question

Conclusion