Listen to Top 100 Audiobooks in Nonfiction, Philosophy

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Title: William James, Charles Peirce, and American Pragmatism

Author: James Campbell

Narrator: Lynn Redgrave

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs

Language: English

Release date: 07-21-06

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 34 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy

Publisher's Summary:

The World of Philosophy series is a dramatic presentation, in understandable language, of the concerns, questions, interests, and overall outlook of the world's great philosophers and philosophical traditions. Special emphasis on clear and relevant explanations gives you a new arsenal of insights toward living a better life.

Members Reviews:

A nice little introduction

My one complaint about this book is that the reader for Peirce sounds consistently angry. Knowing a little about Peirce's personality, that may not be inaccurate, but it could easily obscure the message of his words. In fact, Peirce's language is often refreshingly clear while ocassionally and paradoxically bordering on the poetic. That said, this little book gives plenty of space to Peirce who, while little known to most laymen, is considered by many professionals as the most original and influential of American philosophers. This is an entertaining and illuminating introduction and likely to lead to a desire to know more.

The source for anti-idealism...

A painless introduction to the primarily American philosophy of "the smell test". In brief "ideas must stand the practical scrutiny of rational people...despite historic dogma.

Good introduction

American Pragmatism is one of the greatly misunderstood philosophical ideas. This particular introduction does a fine job of explaining both the historical and intellectual background. Some very important areas of pragmatism are cleared up in this work.

A good narrative account, lacking real depth.

I enjoyed this title and I think if it had been a radio broadcast I would have been very pleased with it. However, I expect a little more from a published (audio)book and was a little disappointed with the lack of depth in terms of the actual philosophy of Peirce and James themselves. Dewey was mentioned a great deal but again his take is summarised rather than really developed. Not a bad title, just not a great one. Still, probably worth two hours; though there's not much new in it if you're already familiar with either thinker. Could be a good one to recommend to students.

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Title: Baruch Spinoza

Subtitle: The Giants of Philosophy

Author: Thomas Cook

Narrator: Charlton Heston

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-05-06

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 89 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy

Publisher's Summary:

In this system, there is no free will, for all things are necessary and inevitable, and all objects, including humans, are part of God's active self-expression. Our minds can participate in the eternity of God by focusing on natural laws and the way all things follow from God or nature. Human fulfillment is possible, he believed, only by rejecting our finite, flawed selves and identifying with the eternal within us. Spinoza believed that by doing so we can love God with an immediate devotion without asking anything in return.

The Giants of Philosophy is a series of dramatic presentations, in understandable language, of the concerns, questions, interests, and overall world view of history's greatest philosophers. Special emphasis on clear and relevant explanations gives you a new arsenal of insights toward living a better life.

Members Reviews:

Good over view of Spinoza

Gives a brief overview of Spinoza's up bringing and formative years and then delves into the philosophy he espoused in his writings. Poets loved him and religious leaders despised him. Atheist, pantheists, and deeply religious believers have all tried to claim him as their own. Though he speaks of God he seems to be talking more of the God of Einstein and Hawking. He Attacked scripture and made the argument that they were just morals to live by only and not divine. The book then covers his theories of modes of thought including Imagination, reason, and intuition. A significant amount of incite on Spinoza in such a small volume.

Spinoza, a unknown phylosopher for most people

If you could sum up Baruch Spinoza in three words, what would they be?

Great and independant mind. Search for happiness in a world that has no purpose to serve us but to exist.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The narrative is definetely good but slightly too fast to appreciate all the details of the text.

Great intro to a great mind, and powerful philosophy

Spinoza, the ethics, pantheism saved my life. After surgery, in and out of restless sleep I listened to the ethics and was so moved by many of his ideas, even through the pain. Even through the dry style of philosophical dissertation that he employs. This version would have been very welcome as an introduction at the time. Or much earlier in my life as a pantheist. You gotta give it a listen.

And excellent introduction to an incredible philosopher!

This is a job well done. Charles Helston voice really makes the narrative one of fascination and discovery. You can always come back to learn a little bit more

X.

A great experience, great narration.

Completed.x.x. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. End

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Title: Friedrich Nietzsche

Subtitle: The Giants of Philosophy

Author: Richard Schacht

Narrator: Charlton Heston

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-26-06

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 83 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy

Publisher's Summary:

The basic character of life in this world is to exhibit a primal tendency he calls "will to power". He glorifies those who are strong enough to face this reality: for they alone can live joyfully, without God and without any hope of ultimate salvation. The "overman" is his new ideal, the symbol of creativity incarnate.

Man is fundamentally only an animal that has developed in an unusual way. Yet a "higher humanity" can emerge if the most talented, creative, and strongest individuals flourish and prevail, rising above the life of the "common herd" that typifies mankind. Nietzsche rejects democratic ideals, believing that they ignore human differences and hinder the exceptionally talented.

Conflict, mastery, and creativity are essential to life and its development. The "will to power" brings about new forms of competition and superiority, as artists and other creative types pave the way for the "enhancement" of human life.

The Giants of Philosophy is a series of dramatic presentations, in understandable language, of the concerns, questions, interests, and overall world view of history's greatest philosophers. Special emphasis on clear and relevant explanations gives you a new arsenal of insights toward living a better life.

Members Reviews:

General overview of a revolutionary thinker

Any additional comments?

This is a good general introduction by a well respected Nietzsche scholar. Because Nietzsche's thought was so revolutionary, it is understandable that some might not be able to appreciate how important his insights were and are. The best next step, after this overview of his thought, is to spend time with Nietzsche's Twilight_of_the_Idols.

A great thinker

What a great thinker Nietzsche was and overall, I really enjoyed this listen and learning about this phenomonal philospher.

Boring

God may have died due to suicide after listening to this book. This lecture may be the cure for insomnia.

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Title: Symposium

Author: Plato

Narrator: full cast

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 32 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-10-06

Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 218 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy

Publisher's Summary:

The Greek word sumposion means a drinking party (a fact shamefully ignored by the organizers of modern symposia), and the party described in Plato's Symposium is one supposedly given in the year 416 BC by the playwright Agathon to celebrate his victory in the dramatic festival of the Lenaea. He has already given one party, the previous evening; this second party is for a select group of friends, and host and guests alike are feeling a little frail. They decide to forego heavy drinking, and concentrate on conversation. The subject of their conversation is Eros, the god of sexual love.

Symposium was written around 384 BC, and many would regard it as Plato's finest dialogue, from an artistic point of view, and the most enjoyable to read or listen to. There are many reasons for this, including the keyhole glimpse it gives us of Athenian society; the role played in the dialogue by Socrates; the description of what has come to be known as Platonic love; and the characterization of the speakers.

The Cast:

David Shaw-Parker as Socrates

Tim Bentinck as Apollodorus/Alcibiades

Andrew Branch as Aristodemus

Daniel Flynn as Agathon

Gordon Griffin as Pausanias/Friend

Hayward Morse as Phaedrus

Christopher Scott as Eryximachus/Servant

Susan Sheridan as Diotima

David Timson as Aristophanes

Daniel Flynn as Presenter

Members Reviews:

A perfect introduction to Plato

This audio book was perfect. When it is Socrates' turn to speak, he makes reference to a conversation he had with a woman. The audio production actually brings in a female narrator (who is just as effective as the main narrator) to take over this section. So you really get a "feel" for the ideas being conveyed as the Greeks at the time would have been considering them. Ad a side note, it is amazing how open this culture was to homosexuality. Judging from this classic of western philosophy it was the norm in 5th/6th century Athens.

Greek Philosophy over a Good Wine

This production does a great job on throwing some life into Greek Philosophy. You'll be able put personalities with recognizable greek names, and the discussion is definately easier to follow with the full cast. But this is still pretty heavy stuff. If you're hoping for Greek Philosophy ala "Xena: Warrior Princess ", you're in the wrong selection.

You'll be listening in as these highbrow Athenias philosphers open a few bottles of wine and debate the pros and cons of Eros, the god of Love. (Remember that these intellectuals considered heterosexual love a cheap imitation of the more noble homosexual love - this is one of the few points they seem to agree on). The program revolves around philosophy, there's not any plot or action. But the dramatization helps you understand which opinions are coming from doctors, warriors, actors, etc. - thus making each perspective easier to follow. The fact that this debate took place because everyone had hangovers leaves you gaping at what regular debates had to be like back then!

You'll Wish You Were There

A delightful reading of what is probably Plato's most popular dialogue. Worth it just to hear Aristophanes' famous, witty description of spheroid, hermaphroditic humans before Zeus split us into two genders. Note that if you are a raging homophobe, you had better pass on this classic (and on much of Western Civilization).

Worth the 2.5 hours

Discovering the meaning of love? I call this a good investment.

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Title: Heidegger in 90 Minutes

Author: Paul Strathern

Narrator: Robert Whitfield

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 27 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-08-05

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 65 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy

Publisher's Summary:

In Heidegger in 90 Minutes, Paul Strathern offers a concise, expert account of Heidegger's life and ideas, and explains their influence on man's struggle to understand his existence in the world. The book also includes selections from Heidegger's work, a brief list of suggested readings for those who wish to delve deeper, and chronologies that place Heidegger within his own age and in the broader scheme of philosophy.

Critic Reviews:

"Well-written, clear, and informed, they have a breezy wit about them. I find them hard to stop reading." (The New York Times)

Members Reviews:

Less isn't more

Heidegger is difficult, no question, but this 90 min was more about the man than then philosophy. And even for obtuse philosophy, the presentation wasn't very good.

Unsympathetic and Superficial treatment

This book wasnt for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

The book was very, very weak.

What was most disappointing about Paul Stratherns story?

This book will not help you understand Heidegger's thought.

What about Robert Whitfields performance did you like?

The reader was fine.

Any additional comments?

If you want to understand Heidegger, you might start with Cooper's "Existentialism: a reconstruction" or Blattner's guide to Being and Time. This book was a waste of a credit.

not a fair treatment

The first half of this is pretty good, giving mostly biographical details as the other reviewer said. However, the second half becomes a very uncharitable, diatribe against Heidegger, simply trying to show links between Heidegger's philosophy and his involvement with the Nazi party. This is evidence of the bias and closed-mindedness which analytic philosophers approach Continental philosophy in its worst form. Ironic how bigoted the author comes across in accusing Heidegger of anti-Semitic bigotry.

In 90 Minutes Series overview

If you could sum up Heidegger in 90 Minutes in three words, what would they be?

aka Cliff Notes

Would you recommend Heidegger in 90 Minutes to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes - I've listened to each book in the series about a major philosopher that is available on Audible. Strathern's books don't have the analytical depth found in Will Durant's "The Story of Philosophy" books, but he does a good job summarizing each philosopher's biography, major philosophical points, and criticisms. Additionally, Strathern's breadth is broader than Durant's in that he covers a greater number of philosophers. I believe that the time spent listening to these books has been well-spent.

My reviews for each book in the series about a philosopher are identical.

What about Robert Whitfields performance did you like?

Voice is clear, well-modulated, and easily understood, even at 1 1/2 speed.

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Title: Nietzsche in 90 Minutes

Author: Paul Strathern

Narrator: Robert Whitfield

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-13-04

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 114 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy

Publisher's Summary:

In Nietzsche in 90 Minutes, Paul Strathern offers a concise, expert account of Nietzsche's life and ideas and explains their influence on man's struggle to understand his existence in the world.

Members Reviews:

A short biography

The best part of this book is the sketch of Nietzsche's life. Strathern does well here. He balances this with a glimpse (and it's only a glimpse) into his philosophy. As usual, such a brief taste of a philosopher can give a distorted view his work, but if Strathern's work is taken for what it is -- and invitation to look further -- it can be very usful. Ignore (or investigate further) some of Strathern's simplistic descriptions of some of Nietzsche's thought and you'll have fun with Whitfield's reading.

Shallow and misleading

This book is close to worthless. A great philosopher receives a high handed, patronizing treatment from an intellectual midget, the author, who reviews important concepts that he does not understand through the lens of politically correct cliches of our times. The inappropriately patronizing tone of the narrator, who is quite lost as to where to apply emphasis or ironical tone (so he does that randomly) is irritating. My advice is save your time and money. I should have taken the trouble to listen to an excerpt.

Good Overview, but leaves a lot to be desired

This was a good overview of Nietzsche's life, and very brief overview of his philosophy. It only speaks about the highlights, and left me thinking, wanting to know more. The narrarator's voice is not my favorite.

Little dry

But I suppose I should have expected that going in. Otherwise, informative. Looking forward to learning more of his actual work.

This author does not like Nietzsche

What would have made Nietzsche in 90 Minutes better?

If the author appreciated the subject, then I assume the book would have been better.

Has Nietzsche in 90 Minutes turned you off from other books in this genre?

No.

What didnt you like about Robert Whitfields performance?

Performance cannot faulted - only the content.

You didnt love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

A few tidbits of history about the subject. Hard to know how true they were with the author's obvious dislike of Nietzsche.

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Title: Aristotle in 90 Minutes

Author: Paul Strathern

Narrator: Robert Whitfield

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-13-04

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 64 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy

Publisher's Summary:

In Aristotle in 90 Minutes, Paul Strathern offers a concise, expert account of Aristotle's life and ideas and explains their influence on man's struggle to understand his existence in the world.

Members Reviews:

Trying to be a novelist

Not enough Aristotle. Too much waisted space on uselessness. I tend to think the writer has a higher opoinion if himself than his subject matter.

In 90 Minutes Series overview

If you could sum up Aristotle in 90 Minutes in three words, what would they be?

aka Cliff Notes

Would you recommend Aristotle in 90 Minutes to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes - I've listened to each book in the series about a major philosopher that is available on Audible. Strathern's books don't have the analytical depth found in Will Durant's "The Story of Philosophy" books, but he does a good job summarizing each philosopher's biography, major philosophical points, and criticisms. Additionally, Strathern's breadth is broader than Durant's in that he covers a greater number of philosophers. I believe that the time spent listening to these books has been well-spent.

My reviews for each book in the series about a philosopher are identical.

What about Robert Whitfields performance did you like?

Voice is clear, well-modulated, and easily understood, even at 1 1/2 speed.

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Title: The Teachings of Don Carlos

Subtitle: Practical Applications of the Works of Carlos Castaneda

Author: Victor Sanchez

Narrator: Michael Toms

Format: Abridged

Length: 2 hrs and 16 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-15-99

Publisher: Phoenix Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 79 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy

Publisher's Summary:

From Carlos Castaneda's first book, The Teachings of Don Juan to The Power of Silence, millions of readers have long enjoyed the fantastic teachings of don Juan Matus, the Yaqui shaman from northern Mexico. Here, Victor Sanchez offers practical techniques based on Castaneda's writings, including experiencing the body as a field of energy, the not-doings of the personal self, stopping the internal dialogue, the magic of attention, setting up dreaming, the warrior's greatest love, and more.

Copyright ©1995 by Victor Sanchez; Recording (P)1997 by Alternative Audio

Critic Reviews:

"Victor Sanchez has clarified and distilled the essence of Carlos Castaneda's writings in a form that anyone can apply to his or her daily life." (Dan Millman, author of Way of the Peaceful Warrior)

Members Reviews:

practical and useful

great material, useful for those who can see. A must read/listen for all Castaneda fans. Looking forward to reading the rest of Victor Sanchez books

Too much time on techniques

I would have preferred to read the Don Juan books and caught the process(es) in the narrative of what Sanchez was summarizing here: Climbing trees. Getting permission from trees. Hanging 35 feet in the air on a harrass. Impersonating the fool both to yourself and to strangers, in an bid to transcend ego ("not doing") and attain heightened awareness. These images and more are contained in the strategies of this audioook.

Nope, not for me! :(

Not only are some of these techniques creepy, like caressing the (living) skeleton of your girlfriend, for example, many of these directives are unnecessarily difficult and impractical to execute logistically.

I was hoping this audiobook would discuss the principles of reality and non-reality. What I heard after the first hour was a manual on how to confound your ego and freak out your co-workers. Learning magic or shamanizing is not my ultimate intent, I just want to read about the experiences, get to the revelations--cliff notes style--and meditate on what I read. :)

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Title: Nietzsche's The Birth of Tragedy

Author: Friedrich Nietzsche

Narrator: Ray Childs

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-08-16

Publisher: Agora, New Internet Technologies

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 12 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy

Publisher's Summary:

In this, his first book, Nietzsche developed a way of thinking about the arts that unites the Greek gods Apollo and Dionysus as the central symbol of human existence. Although tragedy serves as the focus of this work, music, visual art, dance, and the other arts can also be viewed using Nietzsche's analysis and integration of the Apollonian and the Dionysian. The Birth of Tragedy stands alongside Aristotle's Poetics as an essential work for all who seek to understand poetry and its relationship to human life.

© Agora Publications

Members Reviews:

boring

the narrator was good but the content...zzzzz... oh! was..zzzzz... oh! uh... something to be desired

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Title: Voltaire and Rousseau

Author: Charles Sherover

Narrator: Lynn Redgrave

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 50 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-24-06

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 23 votes

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy

Publisher's Summary:

The World of Philosophy series presents the questions, interests, and worldviews of the world's great philosophers and philosophical traditions. Special emphasis on clear and relevant explanations, in understandable language, give you a new arsenal of insights toward living a better life.

Members Reviews:

should be required study for all students

Very valuable lessons to help understand the now failing government. I have listened to this now.