Philosophy and the Social Problem
Jul 2025 · BEYOND BOOKS HUB
Ebook
177
Pages
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About this ebook
Philosophy and the Social Problem by Will Durant is an insightful exploration of how philosophy has historically engaged with and sought solutions to pressing social issues. The book opens with a profound discussion of Socratic ethics, emphasizing virtue, reason, and the secularization of morals, and proceeds to analyze the political dimensions of philosophy through Plato’s vision of philosopher-kings and the complexities of justice and democracy. Durant further examines the social possibilities unlocked by the scientific revolution through Francis Bacon, highlighting the transformative potential of knowledge and the socialization of science. The work then delves into the political ethics of Spinoza, focusing on freedom, democracy, and the power of virtue, followed by a critical study of Nietzsche’s philosophy and its relevance to social challenges. In the second part, Durant proposes constructive solutions, emphasizing the reconstructive function of philosophy as a mediator between science and statesmanship, and the need for organized intelligence in social reform. Topics like education, culture, and the democratization of knowledge are discussed as vital components of social reconstruction. Brimming with historical insight and philosophical analysis, Durant’s Philosophy and the Social Problem offers a compelling framework for understanding the role of philosophical thought in addressing societal crises and advancing human progress.
About the author
Will Durant (1885–1981) was a renowned American historian and philosopher known for his accessible writings on philosophy and history. He dedicated his career to synthesizing complex ideas and making them understandable to a broad audience, emphasizing the importance of culture, ethics, and intellectual inquiry in human progress.
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