Subject
Ontology Books
Best books
Plato
Sophist
"Sophist" by Plato is a philosophical dialogue written around 360 BC. Led by the mysterious Eleatic Stranger, the dialogue pursues a challenging question: what distinguishes a sophist from a philosopher? Through an intricate method of collection and division, the interlocutors systematically classify forms of knowledge and expertise, building elaborate taxonomies to corner their elusive quarry. The dialogue explores deep questions about language, reality, and definition while Socrates—unusually—remains silent in the background.
P. (Peter) Coffey
Ontology, or the Theory of Being
"Ontology, or the Theory of Being" by Peter Coffey is a scholarly work on metaphysics written in the early 20th century. This treatise aims to provide an English-language textbook on general metaphysics from a scholastic perspective, emphasizing the relevance of medieval discussions to contemporary philosophical inquiries. The book covers fundamental concepts related to being, existence, essence, and the nature of reality, seeking to bridge the insights of historical philosophers with modern thought. The opening of the text presents a preface that articulates the author's intent in creating this work, specifically to address a perceived gap in philosophical education regarding the subject of ontology. Coffey discusses the historical context of various philosophical debates, asserting that many medieval scholastic theories remain pertinent and are still debated within modern philosophical circles. He establishes that the text will not delve into epistemology, as he plans to address that subject in a subsequent volume. This introductory section sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the nature of being, its primary determinations, and the relationship between being and knowledge, positioning the work as a foundational resource for philosophy students and enthusiasts alike.
Max B. (Max Bernhard) Weinstein
Welt- und Lebenanschauungen; hervorgegangen aus Religion, Philosophie und Naturerkenntnis
"Welt- und Lebenanschauungen" by Prof. Dr. Max B. Weinstein is a scholarly work written in the early 20th century. The book presents an examination of various worldviews and beliefs derived from religion, philosophy, and natural sciences, aiming to provide a comprehensive framework that encompasses anthropological, religious, and philosophical insights. This work appeals to readers interested in deep philosophical inquiries and the historical development of human thought. The opening of this text introduces the reader to the author's motivations for writing the book, emphasizing the desire to synthesize various perspectives on world and life philosophies. Weinstein highlights the existing literature on the subject but asserts that none have approached the material as thoroughly or systematically as he intends to. He discusses the importance of understanding worldviews not just as intellectual constructs but also as essential components of human culture and society. The introduction sets the stage for a detailed exploration of how different cultures perceive existence, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive, rather than fragmented, understanding of these philosophical constructs.
Rudolf Eucken
Life's Basis and Life's Ideal: The Fundamentals of a New Philosophy of Life
"Life's Basis and Life's Ideal: The Fundamentals of a New Philosophy of Life" by Rudolf Eucken is a philosophical work written in the early 20th century. The book explores the inadequacies of contemporary philosophies of life and seeks to establish a new, over-arching philosophical framework that captures the complexities and aspirations of human existence. Eucken critiques various life philosophies, such as religious systems, idealism, naturalism, socialism, and individualism, while advocating for a spirituality that transcends mere existence and aligns with deeper truths and ideals. The opening of the work sets the stage for Eucken's exploration by emphasizing the disarray in modern life, characterized by a conflict between material prosperity and spiritual uncertainty. He posits that existing philosophies fail to address the holistic needs of humanity and calls for a thoughtful investigation into the foundations of life and its ideals. Eucken begins by analyzing the prevailing philosophies, swiftly identifying their limitations, and contending that a new comprehensive philosophy is needed to align human endeavors with a unified purpose. His aim is not merely to critique but to inspire a pursuit of a more profound and interconnected understanding of life that recognizes the importance of spirit and being in the quest for fulfillment.
François de Salignac de La Mothe- Fénelon
The Existence of God
"The Existence of God" by François de Salignac de La Mothe-Fénelon is a philosophical treatise written during the late 17th century. The work explores the existence of God through various metaphysical and moral proofs, addressing the relationship between humanity and the divine within the context of natural observation and moral reasoning. At the start of the text, Fénelon sets the stage for his argument by reflecting on the difficulty many individuals face in grasping metaphysical truths about God. He introduces the idea that while some men may arrive at knowledge about the divine through intellectual contemplation, the greater population might more readily perceive God's existence through the observation of nature and its wonders. He emphasizes that the same aspects of nature that offer a glimpse into the divine are often overlooked due to humanity's preoccupation with worldly concerns, leading to a call for a renewed attention to the artistry of the universe as evidence of a higher power.
Plato
Σοφιστής
"Σοφιστής" by Plato is a philosophical dialogue written around 360 BCE. Through dialectical method, the work seeks to define the sophist and distinguish him from the true philosopher. Using a process of division from general to specific concepts, the dialogue examines whether the sophist is a hunter, merchant, or mere imitator of wisdom. The investigation leads to profound questions about the nature of being and non-being, challenging Parmenides' philosophy and exploring how false statements can exist.
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