The influence of Aristotle, the prince of philosophers, on the intellectual history of the West is second to none. In this book Jonathan Barnes examines Aristotle's scientific researches, his discoveries in logic and his metaphysical theories, his work in psychology and in ethics and politics, and his ideas about art and poetry, placing his teachings in their historical context. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles i...

The Presocratics were the founding fathers of the Western philosophical tradition, and the first masters of rational thought. This volume provides a comprehensive and precise exposition of their arguments, and offers a rigorous assessment of their contribution to philosophical thought.

Religion and Politics in Angola under Portuguese Colonial Rule, 1880-1922 by Jonathan Barnes offers a compelling exploration of the intertwined forces of religion and politics during one of the most turbulent periods in Angola's history. Through a deep dive into the Catholic and Protestant missions, the book unveils how religious institutions played a crucial role in consolidating Portuguese colonial control, shaping the lives of indigenous Angolans, and enforcing economic exploit...

In The Role of Religion in the African Nationalist Movement, Jonathan Barnes offers a groundbreaking exploration of how religion—both indigenous African traditions and external influences like Christianity and Islam—shaped the struggle for independence across the African continent. From the rise of Islamic jihad movements to the Christian-inspired moral resistance against colonial rule, Barnes weaves a narrative that shows how religious ideologies fueled African resistance, formed...

This work explores the intellectual history of apartheid in South Africa, focusing on the key concepts, ideas, and historical developments that shaped the system of racial segregation and its eventual dismantling. The study examines the roots of apartheid, its ideological foundations, and the various intellectual responses from both within South Africa and abroad. Central to the discussion are the roles of political leaders, theologians, and intellectuals in resisting apartheid, particular...

Aristotle's moral philosophy is a pillar of Western ethical thought. It bequeathed to the world an emphasis on virtues and vices, happiness as well-being or a life well lived, and rationally motivated action as a mean between extremes. Its influence was felt well beyond antiquity into the Middle Ages, particularly through the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas. In the past century, with the rise of virtue theory in moral philosophy, Aristotle’s ethics has been revived as a source of insight an...

This book provides a comprehensive examination of the complex and often tragic history of the Great Lakes region of Africa, focusing on the underlying causes and consequences of conflict, the challenges to governance, and the struggles for peace, justice, and development. Spanning multiple countries, including Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the narrative traces the region's colonial history, the emergence of ethnic and political tensions, and the devasta...

This comprehensive study explores the history, achievements, and challenges of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) from its inception in 1963 to its transformation into the African Union (AU) in 2002. The OAU was established with the primary goals of promoting Pan-African unity, supporting decolonization efforts, defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of African states, and fostering economic and social development. Through an in-depth analysis of key events and themes—suc...

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of the historical, political, economic, cultural, and social evolution of African societies, examining their transitions from precolonial times through the impacts of colonialism to the present-day challenges and opportunities of the postcolonial era. It delves into Africa's rich and diverse traditions, addressing the complexities of modernity, globalization, and the enduring effects of colonialism that continue to shape the continent. The chapt...

This book explores the complex history and evolution of democratization in Africa, offering an in-depth analysis of the continent's political, social, and economic challenges and opportunities. It traces Africa's journey from the early post-independence period, characterized by the optimism of self-determination and the challenges of building new political systems, to the contemporary landscape, where issues of governance, electoral integrity, economic development, and regional cooperation...

The Darfur conflict, which began in 2003, stands as one of the most devastating humanitarian crises of the 21st century. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the conflict's origins, dynamics, and aftermath, examining the complex interplay of historical grievances, political marginalization, environmental stress, and ethnic identity. The conflict, rooted in long-standing disputes over land, water, and political representation, escalated into a brutal war marked by mass atrocities...

This book explores the rich and complex history of African Americans in the U.S. military, chronicling their service, struggles, and contributions across centuries of American warfare. Beginning with the earliest participation of African Americans in the Revolutionary War, the book delves into the formation of the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War, the challenges faced by African American soldiers during the era of segregation, and their pivotal roles in the World Wars. It ...