It is always difficult, in treating of any branch of knowledge, to put before the beginner a correct preliminary notion of the nature and scope of the study to which he is to be introduced, but the difficulty is exceptionally great in the case of the body of investigations traditionally known as Metaphysics. The questions which the science seeks to answer are, indeed, in principle of the simplest and most familiar kind, but it is their very simplicity and familiarity which constitute the c...

Through his own writings and inspiration of Aristotle and countless others, Plato continues to influence every area of philosophic thought, to say nothing of his enormous influence on Christian theology. His dramatic dialogues, including Republic, the monumental treatise on the ideal state, render him one of the greatest of Greek literary geniuses.In this concise analysis, eminent Plato scholar A. E. Taylor examines the philosopher's theory of knowledge and doctrine of ideas; the id...

In "Aristotle," A. E. Taylor delivers a comprehensive and critical examination of one of history's most pivotal philosophers, illuminating the intricate tapestry of Aristotle's thought. Taylor's narrative seamlessly intertwines historical context with philosophical analysis, showcasing Aristotle's contributions to metaphysics, ethics, and natural philosophy. Drawing on a breadth of primary texts and secondary literature, the book emphasizes an accessible yet scholarly tone, making it an es...

This antiquarian book contains Alfred Edward Taylor's fascinating account of the life and mind of Socrates. Within this text Taylor explores Socrates' life and thinking, as well as expounding his philosophy with relation to the understanding of the soul, ethics, and epistemology. It is a clear, concise, and accessible account of his subject, recommended for anyone studying ancient Greek philosophy - and those with an interest in Socrates. The contents of this text include: 'Alfred Edward T...

In "Aristotle," A. E. Taylor presents an insightful exploration of the multifaceted philosophy of one of history's most influential thinkers. The book delves into Aristotle's contributions to various domains such as metaphysics, ethics, and natural sciences, employing a clear and engaging prose style that balances scholarly rigor with accessibility. Taylor situates Aristotle within the rich context of ancient Greek philosophy, examining his dialogues with predecessors like Plato and contem...

Aristotle is one of the significant works of the British Neoplatonist A.E. Taylor. He gives a good summary of Aristotle's philosophy. Taylor discusses the similarities and differences between Aristotle and Plato and covers the influence of Aristotle on medieval thought and the further development of science and philosophy.

Published in 1987: The following essays form, as their title-page shows, only the first half of a collection which the writer hopes to complete in the course of a few months. Even when completed the whole work is designed to be merely preparatory to another on the interpretation of the Platonic Philosophy, and the materials brought together in the following pages, as well as those which, it is trusted, will form their continuation, were originally intended to appear in the Introduction to ...

First published in 1903, Taylor endeavours to provide a detailed study of metaphysic as a discipline. Opening with a brief history of metaphysics, the book explores topics including the problem of the metaphysician, the metaphysical method, subdivisions of metaphysics, ontology, reality, cosmology, rational psychology, morality, ethics and religion.

This book provides an introduction to Plato’s work that gives a clear statement of what Plato has to say about the problems of thought and life. In particular, it tells the reader just what Plato says, and makes no attempt to force a system on the Platonic text or to trim Plato’s works to suit contemporary philosophical tastes. The author also gives an account that has historical fidelity - we cannot really understand the Republic or the Gorgias if we forget that the Athens of the conversa...

A brilliant portrait of the Greek philosopher who personified philosophy.Socrates was undeniably one of the greatest thinkers of all time, yet he wrote nothing. Throughout his life, and indeed until his very last moment alive, Socrates fully embodied his philosophy in thought and deed. It is through the story of his life that we can fully grasp his powerful actions and ideas.In his highly acclaimed style, historian Paul Johnson masterfully disentangles cent...

It falls into this difficulty without any fault of its own. It begins with principles, which cannot be dispensed with in the field of experience, and the truth and sufficiency of which are, at the same time, insured by experience. With these principles it rises, in obedience to the laws of its own nature, to ever higher and more remote conditions. But it quickly discovers that, in this way, its labours must remain ever incomplete, because new questions never cease to present themselves; an...

One of the major philosophical texts of the 20th century, Process and Reality is based on Alfred North Whitehead’s influential lectures that he delivered at the University of Edinburgh in the 1920s on process philosophy.Whitehead’s master work in philsophy, Process and Reality propounds a system of speculative philosophy, known as process philosophy, in which the various elements of reality into a consistent relation to each other. It is also an e...