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Overview
In Berkeley in 90 Minutes, Paul Strathern offers a concise, expert account of Berkeley'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 Berkeley's writings; a brief list of suggested reading for those who wish to push further; and chronologies that place Berkeley within his own age and in the broader scheme of philosophy.
Synopsis
In Berkeley in 90 Minutes, Paul Strathern offers a concise, expert account of Berkeley'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 Berkeley's writings; a brief list of suggested reading for those who wish to push further; and chronologies that place Berkeley within his own age and in the broader scheme of philosophy.
Kirkus Reviews
paper: 1-56663-291-9 The very first sentence of this whimsical introduction to Irish philosopher Berkeley (1685-1753) gives away the game: Strathern (Foucault in 90 Minutes, see below) declares that Berkeley's work is "ludicrous" and "gives philosophy a bad name." Eventually he backpedals and finds a few positive insights lurking in the murk of Berkeley's tortured lucubrations, but he can't quite bring himself to take the bishop seriously all the same—which is just as well for us. In between amusing but unconnected anecdotes about Berkeley's life, Strathern does manage to touch on the philosopher's most famous idea (that "the material world didn't exist")—although he can't refute it quite so well as Samuel Johnson did (by rolling a large stone into Berkeley's path). Although he does not consider any other 18th-century thinkers in detail (Adam Smith is briefly mentioned), Strathern does touch upon Berkeley's friendship with Jonathan Swift. Presumably intended for college students who can't be bothered to read primary sources, Strathern's quixotic portrait isn't likely to improve their grades—although it will certainly provide a laugh or two.
Editorials
Kirkus Reviews
paper: 1-56663-291-9 The very first sentence of this whimsical introduction to Irish philosopher Berkeley (1685-1753) gives away the game: Strathern (Foucault in 90 Minutes, see below) declares that Berkeley's work is "ludicrous" and "gives philosophy a bad name." Eventually he backpedals and finds a few positive insights lurking in the murk of Berkeley's tortured lucubrations, but he can't quite bring himself to take the bishop seriously all the same—which is just as well for us. In between amusing but unconnected anecdotes about Berkeley's life, Strathern does manage to touch on the philosopher's most famous idea (that "the material world didn't exist")—although he can't refute it quite so well as Samuel Johnson did (by rolling a large stone into Berkeley's path). Although he does not consider any other 18th-century thinkers in detail (Adam Smith is briefly mentioned), Strathern does touch upon Berkeley's friendship with Jonathan Swift. Presumably intended for college students who can't be bothered to read primary sources, Strathern's quixotic portrait isn't likely to improve their grades—although it will certainly provide a laugh or two.Boston Globe
Each of these little books is witty and dramatic and creates a sense of time, place, and character...I cannot think of a better way to introduce oneself and one's friends to Western civilization.— Katherine A. Powers
New York Times
A godsend in this era of the short attention span.— Daryl Royster Alexander
The Boston Globe
Each of these little books is witty and dramatic and creates a sense of time, place, and character...I cannot think of a better way to introduce oneself and one's friends to Western civilization.— Katherine A. Powers
The New York Times
A godsend in this era of the short attention span.— Daryl Royster Alexander
The Wall Street Journal
Witty, illuminating, and blessedly concise.— Jim Holt
Wall Street Journal
Witty, illuminating, and blessedly concise.— Jim Holt