Question Is it possible that a person of modest intelligence could learn the whole history of philosophy, in terms of knowing every notable philosopher (from Thales to, say, Rorty), having read a few of their books or at least knowing and being able to expand upon their positions ... or is it simply outside the scope of a person, any less than a genius to have the time to gain such knowledge? It seems to me that there is not more than a couple of hundred such philosophers, and as such could be accomplished, at least superficially. Or is it more efficient to decide outright to miss some philosophers out?

Accepted:
June 8, 2010

Comments

Well, I'd say philosophy is pretty infinitely deep -- there could be no such thing for any ordinary mortal to learn "the whole history of philosophy" -- not least because there wouldn't be agreement on just who the "notable" philosophers are (so you'd have to study EVERY philosopher to learn the "whole" history), and also because there's no clear distinction between who counts as a "philosopher" and who doesn't (so you'd have to study every thinker in every field ....) -- in fact what's most important is to recognize that philosophy is a process or activity, it's the act of philosophizing itself, and so it's not all that important to learn the "whole history" as to engage in the process -- and that you could do by studying, in depth, even just one or a few great thinkers .... spend your life studying just Plato (say), and you will be well-served, and probably end up being a better philosopher (and better served philosophically) than someone who has read hundreds of books by hundreds of different authors ....

Great question! By the way you pose the question (Thales to Rorty) I assume you mean western philosophy. Yes, I think you can carry out such a project, reading a bit of each of the major philosophers and then relying on a good history as a guide. I would highly recommend Anthony Kenny's multi-volume Oxford University Press books as lively and engaging. Copleston's history of philosophy is perhaps less engaging but it is reliable and a good companion. Speaking of Companions, Blackwell, Oxford, Cambridge, and Routledge each have massive Companion series that would also be helpful in filling out your reading. You might want to set as a goal an overall grasp of the history of philosophy and then dig in to a few areas and thinkers so as to deepen your understanding of philosophy and also to engage more in the practice of philosophy (wrestling with arguments and counter-arguments) in reference to a specific area or philosopher.