REVIEW: "Aristotle for all" - the complex philosophical ideas in simple terms

Try simple words to explain what a physical object. Or who is a person. Philosophy enthuses me is this - the ability to explain complex things in simple terms. Although the last of many philosophers problem. Their work focused on the prepared audience that is ready to read a huge essay on the classification of physical objects or immateriality of mind.

An ordinary person does not have neither the time nor the desire to understand such things. Mortimer Adler, author of "Aristotle for all", understood this. And he knew how to fix it.

Mortimer Adler

American philosopher, teacher, editor and promoter of arts education. He organized two research institutions: in 1952 - Institute of Philosophical Studies, and in 1990, together with Max Weissman - Center for the Study of the great ideas in Chicago.

I find it hard to write this review. I usually read a book, write out and memorize the main points, and then I try to express the author's thoughts in a single article. If you want to after reading the reviews and read the book, so I did. If not - you need to work harder.

The problem is that Adler acted as an intermediary between the reader and Aristotle. So, my goal - to express the idea of ​​Aristotle that, I think, is impossible within the article. So I'll just tell you about what I remember this book.

Almost every page is riddled with problems, which, at first glance, seem to be commonplace. For instance:

What distinguishes the plant from the animal?

To answer this question is not difficult. Pets are not rooted in the ground, can move and get the nutrients from the air and not land, and eating plants or other animals. In addition, animals have senses. However, there are a number of plants, which, despite the fact that they have no sense organs are sensitive. And there are animals such as mollusks, which can not move and are fixed in one place. Does this mean that the selected animal - a plant, a plant elect - are animals?

Such incidents could be explained by Aristotle during his lifetime. And this, think about it, there was almost two and a half thousand years ago.

Much attention is given to the explanation Adler "politics" - Aristotle's treatise on the state's role in human life. This work is considered one of the most famous works of the philosopher. In it, he tries to describe the theory of an ideal society. Size "policy" - four volumes, Adler was able to collect all the basic ideas in several chapters of his book.

This does not mean that he was able to embrace everything. Although ancient philosophers were wordy and expressed quite flowery, fit four volumes of 50 pages impossible. And to tell the key thought - quite. And if these ideas will resonate in your head, only then you will be able to read and "politics".

At the end of the book Adler was second table of contents, in which the heads are connected with Aristotle's works. That is to say, after reading the book, you can go to one of the essays of the philosopher, to find out more.

No need to be a genius to figure out who needs this book. It is worth reading for all those who want to understand the basics of philosophy, but lost, seeing the number and volume of philosophical works. Adler was able to explain Aristotle's ideas in simple language. A book can not be called fun, but you definitely will not get bored reading it.

"Aristotle for all", Mortimer Adler

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