What Is Philosophy
📘 About This Book
Explore some of the most fundamental questions of philosophy in this short but powerful book. Originally published in 1905, Edward Gore Alexander Holmes' What is Philosophy is the author's essay on the nature of philosophical discourse. Holmes was an educator, a poet, and a philosopher, and was well-regarded in his time for the contributions he made to the educational-sphere, where his views were considered progressive. In this book's 83 pages Holmes attempts to answer some of the biggest, but also most fundamental, questions about philosophy. For example, the essay opens with a discussion of the nature of truth, and the suitability for the philosopher to seek out truth. Frequent comparisons are made between the scientist, the artist, and the philosopher, and the strengths and limitations of each in the pursuit of greater understanding. It is a refreshing viewpoint assumed by Holmes, one that lends an air of weight to the work of artists and academics. There are many questions posed in What is Philosophy, and any student of philosophy will see value in its study. This essay would in fact make for an excellent Philosophy 101, as it serves as an excellent introductory point to modern philosophical thought, while still remaining interesting for those with a broader background in the topic. Even those not keenly interested in the study of philosophy may enjoy this read, primarily as an extended thought exercise. For while Holmes poses many questions, there are fewer answers. "There are no indisputable premises in Philosophy," Holmes says. "What is indisputable for one man, is doubtful for another, meaningless for a third, incredible for a fourth. The personal element is sure to assert itself, and cannot be eliminated." Whether you are a seasoned student of philosophy or somebody looking for their introduction into philosophical readings, What is Philosophy is a worthwhile read. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.
📖 Summary
Edmond Holmes presents a compelling and concise exploration of the nature and purpose of philosophical discourse in his classic essay, What Is Philosophy. Originally published in 1905 and made available again in 2015, this slim volume of under one hundred pages captures the thoughts of a writer who was equally celebrated as an educator, poet, and philosopher. Holmes approaches his subject with a profound sense of inquiry, attempting to answer some of the most fundamental questions that have perplexed thinkers across the ages. The book opens with a rigorous discussion concerning the nature of truth itself, prompting readers to consider whether humanity is truly suited to seek out and comprehend ultimate truths. Throughout the essay, Holmes does not examine philosophy in isolation; instead, he frequently compares the philosopher to the scientist and the artist. By drawing these distinctions and parallels, the author carefully maps out the respective strengths and limitations of each discipline. He investigates how scientists and artists approach the world around them, using these observations to highlight what makes the philosophical mindset unique. Readers are invited to look past rigid academic definitions and instead engage with philosophy as a living, breathing pursuit of understanding. Despite its brief page count, the book packs a powerful intellectual punch, reflecting Holmes's progressive educational background and his deep-seated belief in intellectual liberation. The author encourages his audience to look beyond the surface of everyday reality and question the assumptions that govern human thought. By contrasting the empirical measurements of science with the emotional and creative expressions of art, Holmes carves out a distinct space for philosophy as a holistic quest for meaning. The resulting essay is both an introduction to abstract thinking and a personal reflection on the human condition, making it a timeless piece of writing for anyone curious about the foundational motives behind human thought and inquiry.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Provides a concise and accessible introduction to deep philosophical concepts
Written by a multi-talented author with a progressive background in education
Engages readers by comparing philosophy to the more familiar fields of science and art
Offers a powerful, thought-provoking exploration of the nature of truth in a very short read
⚠️ Cons
The brief page count means complex ideas are not explored in exhaustive detail
The early twentieth-century prose style may feel slightly dated to modern readers
❓ FAQ
Who is the author of What Is Philosophy? +
The book was written by Edward Gore Alexander Holmes, a well-regarded educator, poet, and philosopher.
When was the book originally published? +
The essay was originally published in 1905, with later editions released around 2015.
How long is the book? +
It is a short read, spanning around 83 to 92 pages depending on the specific edition.
What major comparisons does the author make? +
Holmes frequently compares the philosopher to the scientist and the artist, evaluating their respective strengths and limitations.
What is the primary topic discussed at the beginning of the book? +
The essay opens with a discussion on the nature of truth and whether humans are truly suited to seek it out.
