Best History of Philosophy Books of 2025

Plato: Complete Works is a single edition that includes the entire surviving corpus of works attributed to Plato in antiquity. The translations, all relatively recent, reflect contemporary language use and terminology. The book contains useful notes and introductions, as well as a comprehensive index. The text itself is clearly printed and laid out. This edition is a worthy addition to most libraries and a definitive edition in English of the Platonic writings. The book is recommended for all libraries, and the price is reasonable.

A Guide to the Good Life by William B. Irvine is a refreshing take on the ancient philosophy of Stoicism, offering practical techniques for attaining tranquility and a better life. Irvine shares his own experiences practicing Stoicism and provides valuable advice for anyone seeking a joyful life. The book delves into various Stoic techniques for minimizing worry, letting go of the past, and dealing with life's challenges, providing a roadmap for personal transformation. Overall, A Guide to the Good Life is an insightful and thought-provoking read that offers a unique perspective on personal development.

The book "Plato: Five Dialogues: Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Meno, Phaedo (Hackett Classics)" is a second edition that presents G. M. A. Grube's translations revised by John Cooper for Plato, Complete Works. This edition includes new or expanded footnotes and an updated bibliography. The author, John M. Cooper, is a renowned professor of philosophy at Princeton University. The book belongs to the Greek & Roman Philosophy Books category and is published by Hackett Pub Co. Overall, this book is a must-read for philosophy enthusiasts who want to gain a deeper understanding of Plato's dialogues, and the updated footnotes and bibliography make it an even more valuable resource.

A New History of Greek Mathematics by Reviel Netz offers an insightful and comprehensive view of the rise and influence of Greek mathematics. The author explores the subject's beginnings in Greece, its antecedents in the Near East, and the social and intellectual developments underlying it. Netz leads the reader through the proofs and arguments of key figures like Archytas, Euclid, and Archimedes, and considers the totality of the Greek mathematical achievement. The book provides a pioneering, breathtakingly ambitious, and joyous reading experience. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of mathematics and its significance in world history.

The book "Phenomenology of Spirit" by G.W.F. Hegel is a challenging but essential study of the stages of the human mind's progress from immediate sense-consciousness to scientific philosophy. This classic literature and fiction book, published by Oxford University Press, includes an introductory essay and a paragraph-by-paragraph analysis of the text to help readers understand Hegel's most influential work. The author's grandest experiment is a dramatic and revolutionary contribution to the philosophical enterprise, changing our vision of the world. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in Western thought and philosophy.

"Think: A Compelling Introduction to Philosophy" is an excellent book that provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to Western philosophy for anyone who is interested in exploring the subject. The author, Simon Blackburn, approaches the fundamental themes of philosophy in a clear and concise way, making it easy for readers to understand how major philosophers have tackled the most pressing questions about human consciousness. The book dispels the myth that philosophy is purely academic and has no relevance to the real world, offering a springboard for all those who want to learn how the basic techniques of thinking shape every aspect of our existence. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to think philosophically and explore other philosophies with greater pleasure and understanding."

The Oxford English Dictionary, Volume 1-20, (20 Volume Set) is the ultimate reference work in English lexicography. It contains nearly 2.5 million quotations, illustrating over a half-million words, and has become the most venerated and most beloved English-language reference ever compiled. The book's unique historical focus is its key feature, with each definition accompanied by a chronologically arranged group of quotations that illustrate the evolution of meaning from the word's first recorded usage. The dictionary's authoritative definitions, detailed information on pronunciation, extensive treatment of etymology, and details of area of usage and regional characteristics make it a dictionary like no other in the world.

This edition of "Discourse on Method and Meditations on First Philosophy" is a classic teaching edition that maintains a clear and accessible style. Donald Cress's completely revised translation of the Meditations and recent corrections to Discourse on Method bring this version even closer to Descartes's original. The book is particularly suitable for classroom use, according to Roger Ariew, a professor at the University of South Florida. The combination of readability and fidelity to the original make this edition an excellent choice, and the price is fair, says Alan Soble, a professor at the University of New Orleans. Overall, this book is an excellent choice for anyone interested in the history and philosophy of science.

This edition of Augustine's Confessions is a remarkable spiritual autobiography translated by F.J. Sheed, with an introduction by Peter Brown, and notes by Michael P. Foley. The book features a glossary, a timeline, a map, and a thorough index, making it an excellent resource for both students and scholars. Sheed's translation captures the beauty and urgency of Augustine's original work, and Foley's notes offer valuable insights on literary, philosophical, biblical, historical, and liturgical topics. Overall, this edition is a faithful and modern echo of Augustine's passion and disquiet, making it an essential read for anyone interested in Christian autobiography.

The Nicomachean Ethics, edited by Terence Irwin, is an excellent resource for readers seeking a comprehensive analysis of Aristotle's philosophy of ethics. This edition includes a full glossary and explanatory notes, making it easier for readers to understand Aristotle's technical terms. Additionally, the third edition features revised translations and expanded notes, making it even more valuable than previous editions. The inclusion of translated selections from related texts of Aristotle is a unique feature that sets this edition apart. Overall, this book is a must-read for students and scholars of ancient philosophy.