Philosophy Bites Back: On Doubt

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Philosophy Bites Back by David Edmonds provides an insightful interview on Montaigne, which capitalideasonline posted today. First a little on the book and then an excerpt from Capital Ideas Online…

Philosophy Bites Back – Description

Philosophy Bites Back by David Edmonds

Philosophy Bites Back is the second book to come out of the hugely successful podcast Philosophy Bites. It presents a selection of lively interviews with leading philosophers of our time, who discuss the ideas and works of some of the most important thinkers in history. From the ancient classics of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, to the groundbreaking modern thought of Wittgenstein, Rawls, and Derrida, this volume spans over two and a half millennia of western philosophy and illuminates its most fascinating ideas.

Philosophy Bites was set up in 2007 by David Edmonds and Nigel Warburton. It has had over 12 million downloads, and is listened to all over the world.

Philosophy Bites Back – Review

“Engaging and accessible … Readers can enjoy each chapter individually or read the entire book for an understanding of major figures of Western philosophy. As was the first, Philosophy Bites Back is highly recommended for all general readers with an interest in philosophy.” –Scott Duimstra, Library Journal

“As a fan of the Philosophy Bites podcast, I’m very pleased to see this publication of conversations with leading scholars on major figures in the history of philosophy. The result is not only a good introduction to that history, but a rare chance to read top-level philosophers speaking extemporaneously about the subjects they know best. Even regular listeners to the podcast will be glad to have this written version of highlights from the series.” –Peter Adamson, King’s College London

About the Authors of Philosophy Bites Back

David Edmonds is an award-winning documentary maker for the BBC World Service. He is the author or co-author (with John Eidinow) of several books, including Wittgenstein’s Poker (short-listed for the Guardian First Book Award), Bobby Fischer Goes To War (long-listed for the Samuel Johnson prize), and Rousseau’s Dog (about the relationship between Jean-Jacques Rousseau and David Hume). He is currently a Research Associate at the Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics at Oxford University and a Contributing Editor for Prospect Magazine.

Nigel Warburton is a freelance philosopher, podcaster, and writer. His books include A Little History of Philosophy, Philosophy: the Basics, Thinking from A to Z, Philosophy: the Classics, The Art Question, and Free Speech: A Very Short Introduction.

Philosophy Bites Back: On Doubt

There is an insightful interview on Montaigne in the book “Philosophy Bites Back” by David Edmonds and Nigel Warburton. Investors may want to look at how Montaigne “accepted that everything was in doubt, but he seemed quite happy to live with that”. Reading Montaigne allows one “to avoid being too sure of one’s self.”

“David Edmonds: Academics, writers, and journalists owe Michel de Montaigne a debt of gratitude, for Montaigne can claim to have invented the literary form known as the essay. Montaigne was born near Bordeaux in 1533 and died in 1592. In his essays, he addressed himself to a variety of subjects and drew on his own experiences: his reading, his travels, the people he’d met, his beliefs and feelings. The topics he discussed ranged from international affairs to his sex life, to his pet dog. Many great thinkers have been influenced by Montaigne and he retains a following today. His admirers include Sarah Bakewell, author of a book about Montaigne: How to Live, or, A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer.

 

Full article via capitalideasonline

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