Philosophy Library

Utilitarianism by John Stuart Mill. John Stuart Mill's book Utilitarianism is one of the most influential and widely-read philosophical defenses of utilitarianism in ethics. The essay first appeared as a series of three articles published in Fraser's Magazine in 1861; the articles were collected and reprinted as a single book in 1863. It went through four editions during Mill's lifetime with minor...

Critique of Practical Reason by Immanuel Kant. The Critique of Practical Reason ( Kritik der praktischen Vernunft ) is the second of Immanuel Kant's three critiques, first published in 1788. It follows on from his Critique of Pure Reason and deals with his moral philosophy. The second Critique exercised a decisive influence over the subsequent development of the field of ethics and moral philosoph...

American Philosophy Collection Vol. 1. This collection of articles in early 20th Century American philosophy focuses on the topics of realism, experience, and ideas, with particular attention to the pragmatic naturalism of John Dewey. In tracks 1-5, Dewey responds to critics of his famous article “The Postulate of Immediate Empiricism” (available in Short Nonfiction Collection Vol.034) . Tracks 6-...

Proposed Roads to Freedom by Bertrand Russell. Bertrand Russell, 3rd Earl Russell (1872 – 1970) was a British philosopher, logician, mathematician, political activist and Nobel laureate. He led the British "revolt against idealism" in the early 1900s and is considered one of the founders of analytic philosophy along with his predecessor Gottlob Frege and his protégé Ludwig Wittgenstein. In this bo...

Introduction to Mathematical Philosophy by Bertrand Russell. Bertrand Russell wrote 'Introduction to Mathematical Philosophy' while imprisoned for protesting Britain's involvement in World War I. Russell summarizes the significance of the momentous work of mathematicians in the late nineteenth-century. He further describes his own philosophy of mathematics, Logicism (the view that all mathematical...

Some Turns of Thought in Modern Philosophy by George Santayana. Before the beginning of World War II, during the time of the Modernist movement in philosophy, George Santayana wrote these five descriptive essays. He examined John Locke’s sensationalism, British Idealism, the “Theory of Relativity”, Freud’s psychology, and Julien Benda’s preachment on the relations between God and the world. Featur...

Our Knowledge of the External World As a Field for Scientific Method in Philosophy by Bertrand Russell. Featured on Philosophy Library. This episode includes AI-generated content.

Mysticism and Logic and Other Essays by Bertrand Russell. This anthology collects a number of fascinating strands of Bertrand Russell's thought. "Mathematics and the Metaphysicians" details the impact of the 1900 World Congress of Philosophers on Russell's development and the hope that new methods in mathematics could be applied to the solution of ancient philosophical problems. Many of the subseq...

Philosophy of Logical Atomism by Bertrand Russell. This episode includes AI-generated content.

What I Believe by Bertrand Russell. This episode includes AI-generated content.

Selections from the Principles of Philosophy by René Descartes. This episode includes AI-generated content.

"Home-Maker" by Dorothy Canfield Fisher explores the intricacies of domestic life and the profound impact of home on personal identity and fulfillment. This timeless narrative delves into the challenges and triumphs of managing a household while emphasizing the importance of nurturing relationships and self-discovery. Its themes of family dynamics and the pursuit of happiness within the confines o...

"Path to Prosperity" by James Allen is a profound exploration of the principles that govern success and fulfillment in life. Allen emphasizes the power of thought and the importance of a positive mindset in shaping one's destiny, making it a timeless guide for anyone seeking personal growth and prosperity. The themes of self-discipline, responsibility, and the transformative potential of our thoug...

"Child of the Dawn" by Arthur Christopher Benson invites listeners into a contemplative exploration of existence and the human spirit. This thought-provoking work delves into profound themes of faith, identity, and the search for meaning, making it a timeless piece that resonates with anyone grappling with their place in the world. Benson's eloquent prose and philosophical insights encourage refle...

"Backwash of War" offers a poignant glimpse into the harrowing aftermath of battle, as witnessed by American hospital nurse Ellen Newbold La Motte. Through her firsthand accounts, La Motte reveals the profound human wreckage left in the wake of conflict, capturing the physical and emotional scars borne by soldiers and caregivers alike. This powerful narrative resonates today, reminding us of the e...

"Finland and the Tsars, 1809-1899" by Joseph R. Fisher delves into the complex relationship between Finland and the Russian Empire during a transformative century. This period saw Finland navigate its identity under Tsarist rule, grappling with issues of autonomy, cultural preservation, and political change. The book offers insights into how Finland's historical struggles for self-determination an...

"On Liberty" by John Stuart Mill is a profound exploration of the principles of individual freedom and the limits of authority. Mill argues for the importance of personal autonomy and the necessity of protecting individual rights against societal pressures. This timeless work remains relevant today as it addresses the balance between liberty and social control, urging listeners to reflect on the v...

"Spirit of the Curé of Ars" by Alfred Monnin delves into the profound spiritual journey of the Curé of Ars, showcasing his unwavering faith and dedication to his parishioners. This work captures the essence of a life devoted to service, highlighting themes of compassion, humility, and the transformative power of belief. The story resonates deeply in today's world, where the search for meaning an...

"Thomas Hobbes-Alfred Edward Taylor" explores the profound philosophical contributions of Thomas Hobbes, whose ideas on human nature and social contract theory have shaped modern political thought. This audiobook delves into Hobbes's views on the necessity of a strong central authority to prevent chaos and maintain order, themes that remain relevant in today's discussions about governance and indi...

"Priest and His Disciples," translated by Shaw, presents a compelling exploration of the dynamic between a spiritual leader and his followers, delving into themes of faith, guidance, and the quest for understanding. This work invites listeners to reflect on the enduring questions of belief and the nature of mentorship, making it particularly relevant in today's world where individuals seek connect...

"My Confession" by Leo Tolstoy is a profound exploration of faith, morality, and the search for meaning in life. In this introspective work, Tolstoy candidly shares his struggles with existential questions, grappling with the purpose of existence and the nature of happiness. The themes of inner conflict and the quest for truth resonate deeply, making this reflection not only timeless but also rele...

"Problem of Truth" by Herbert Wildon Carr delves into the intricacies of truth and its philosophical implications, exploring how our understanding shapes reality. This work challenges readers to consider the nature of truth, its relation to belief, and the impact of perception on our grasp of reality. As contemporary society grapples with issues of misinformation and subjective interpretations, Ca...

As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner is a profound exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of mortality, family, and the struggle for meaning in the face of loss. The narrative unfolds through the voices of multiple characters, each offering a unique perspective on their journey to honor a dying matriarch, revealing the complexities of their relationships and inner turmoil. This time...

"Selected Poems of John Drinkwater" presents a curated collection of the poet's work, showcasing his unique voice and perspective. Drinkwater's poetry delves into themes of nature, humanity, and the complexities of existence, inviting listeners to reflect on their own lives and the world around them. The lyrical beauty and emotional depth of his verses resonate with timeless relevance, making this...

"History of Modern Philosophy" by Alfred William Benn delves into the evolution of philosophical thought from the Renaissance to contemporary times, exploring the ideas that have shaped modern intellectual landscapes. This insightful work examines the contributions of key philosophers and the cultural contexts that influenced their theories, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding o...