A History of Ideas

by Kevin O’Donnell

Publisher:

Lion

, 2003

Overview

Humans have determinedly sought answers to why we are here and how we should live. The study of the history of ideas is of central importance for understanding how we have become who we are. O'Donnell presents an excellent overview of the major philosophers and movements from the ancient times to the present day, blending philosophy, religion, ethics and spirituality, and showing how they have influenced society and history. Beginning with the Greeks, the author covers eastern philosophy, the birth of Christianity, the medieval period, the enlightenment, the modern age and the postmodern condition. The book also explores how concepts of God have changed as different world-views have developed. Major thinkers covered include: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Descartes, Kant, Newton, Nietzsche and Einstein.

Product Details

• Title: A History of Ideas
• Author: Kevin O’Donnell
• Series: Lion Access Guides Series
• Publisher: Lion Hudson
• Publication Date: 2003
• Pages: 160

About Kevin O’Donnell

Kevin O’Donnell, an Anglican priest, has two books in this series: Postmodernism and A History of Ideas. With a degree in Biblical Studies from the University of Manchester, he trained for ordination at St. Stephen’s House, Oxford, and is now Rector of St. Mary’s Church, West Chiltington. Before and after his theological training he taught religious education (RE) in English schools and was chaplain at Heathfield School, Ascot. He is the author of a number of RE text books and a contributor to many others. Having studied philosophy as part of his theology degrees, he taught philosophy at sixth-form level, which is the final two years students spend in a secondary school. He is the author of Descartes and Their Hearts Burned, an excursion through the Old Testament based on the Emmaus Road discussion.