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A Philosophical Enquiry into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful
by Edmund Burke • 1757
Terror produces the sublime. Smoothness and delicacy produce the beautiful. Two instincts, not one.
3.69
3k+
A Philosophical Enquiry into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful Summary
A Philosophical Enquiry into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful 92%
Terror produces the sublime. Smoothness and delicacy produce the beautiful. Two instincts, not one.
by Edmund Burke 1757
3.69
3k+ ratings
Beauty
by Roger Scruton • 2009
From dinner tables to galleries, beauty is a rational demand we are ignoring.
3.95
3k+
Beauty Summary
Beauty 90%
From dinner tables to galleries, beauty is a rational demand we are ignoring.
by Roger Scruton 2009
3.95
3k+ ratings
Introductory Lectures on Aesthetics
by Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel • 2004
Art makes truth visible, but the age when it could fully satisfy the spirit is over.
3.89
1k+
Introductory Lectures on Aesthetics Summary
Introductory Lectures on Aesthetics 90%
Art makes truth visible, but the age when it could fully satisfy the spirit is over.
by Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel 2004
3.89
1k+ ratings
Principles of Human Knowledge / Three Dialogues Between Hylas and Philonous
by George Berkeley • 1988
Tables vanish when you look away, but God keeps watching. A bishop's case against matter.
3.83
1k+
Principles of Human Knowledge / Three Dialogues Between Hylas and Philonous Summary
Principles of Human Knowledge / Three Dialogues Between Hylas and Philonous 90%
Tables vanish when you look away, but God keeps watching. A bishop's case against matter.
by George Berkeley 1988
3.83
1k+ ratings
Critique of Judgment
by Immanuel Kant • 1790
Beauty demands universal agreement from nothing more than your own private feeling.
4.10
10k+
Critique of Judgment Summary
Critique of Judgment 90%
Beauty demands universal agreement from nothing more than your own private feeling.
by Immanuel Kant 1790
4.10
10k+ ratings
Observations on the Feeling of the Beautiful and Sublime
by Immanuel Kant • 2004
Kant's early map: everything in human life divides between awe and joy, from love to nations.
3.53
1k+
Observations on the Feeling of the Beautiful and Sublime Summary
Observations on the Feeling of the Beautiful and Sublime 90%
Kant's early map: everything in human life divides between awe and joy, from love to nations.
by Immanuel Kant 2004
3.53
1k+ ratings
An Essay Concerning Human Understanding
by John Locke • 1690
Words name ideas, not things. Philosophy's longest arguments begin with confusing the two.
3.86
17k+
An Essay Concerning Human Understanding Summary
An Essay Concerning Human Understanding 90%
Words name ideas, not things. Philosophy's longest arguments begin with confusing the two.
by John Locke 1690
3.86
17k+ ratings
Hume
by Alfred Jules Ayer • 1980
Hume's demolition: what we can know without a self, a cause, or a moral law.
3.14
375
Hume Summary
Hume 89%
Hume's demolition: what we can know without a self, a cause, or a moral law.
by Alfred Jules Ayer 1980
3.14
375 ratings
Philosophy of Art
by Noël Carroll • 1999
Art defies every definition. A tour through the best philosophical attempts, and what survives.
3.88
204
Philosophy of Art Summary
Philosophy of Art 89%
Art defies every definition. A tour through the best philosophical attempts, and what survives.
by Noël Carroll 1999
3.88
204 ratings
The Problems of Philosophy
by Bertrand Russell • 1912
Your senses are private. Matter is an inference. Timeless universals hold the rest.
3.90
19k+
The Problems of Philosophy Summary
The Problems of Philosophy 89%
Your senses are private. Matter is an inference. Timeless universals hold the rest.
by Bertrand Russell 1912
3.90
19k+ ratings
The Philosophy of the Enlightenment
by Ernst Cassirer • 1932
The Enlightenment remade reason: not a storehouse of truths, but a way of discovering them.
4.11
258
The Philosophy of the Enlightenment Summary
The Philosophy of the Enlightenment 89%
The Enlightenment remade reason: not a storehouse of truths, but a way of discovering them.
by Ernst Cassirer 1932
4.11
258 ratings
The Man Without Content
by Giorgio Agamben • 1970
Plato banished poets for their power. Aesthetics made art safe, and the artist empty.
4.15
383
The Man Without Content Summary
The Man Without Content 89%
Plato banished poets for their power. Aesthetics made art safe, and the artist empty.
by Giorgio Agamben 1970
4.15
383 ratings
A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge
by George Berkeley • 1710
Things exist only while perceived. So what keeps the universe intact when no one is watching?
3.71
3k+
A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge Summary
A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge 89%
Things exist only while perceived. So what keeps the universe intact when no one is watching?
by George Berkeley 1710
3.71
3k+ ratings
Three Dialogues Between Hylas and Philonous
by George Berkeley • 1713
Matter is a useless hypothesis. Two men argue, and by the end, the physical world vanishes.
3.74
2k+
Three Dialogues Between Hylas and Philonous Summary
Three Dialogues Between Hylas and Philonous 89%
Matter is a useless hypothesis. Two men argue, and by the end, the physical world vanishes.
by George Berkeley 1713
3.74
2k+ ratings
An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding
by David Hume • 1748
If a book contains neither math nor experiment, it is worthless. A philosopher explains why.
3.94
23k+
An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding Summary
An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding 89%
If a book contains neither math nor experiment, it is worthless. A philosopher explains why.
by David Hume 1748
3.94
23k+ ratings
The Substance of Style
by Virginia Postrel • 2003
The sensory qualities of things now rival price and performance as economic forces.
3.49
527
The Substance of Style Summary
The Substance of Style 88%
The sensory qualities of things now rival price and performance as economic forces.
by Virginia Postrel 2003
3.49
527 ratings
Doorway to Artistry
by Esther Lightcap Meek • 2023
Reality isn't a dead object to control; it's extending an invitation, and your art proves it.
4.67
21
Doorway to Artistry Summary
Doorway to Artistry 88%
Reality isn't a dead object to control; it's extending an invitation, and your art proves it.
by Esther Lightcap Meek 2023
4.67
21 ratings
History of Beauty
by Umberto Eco • 2004
Beauty was never absolute. Every era invents its own: from sacred light to industrial symmetry.
3.82
68k+
History of Beauty Summary
History of Beauty 88%
Beauty was never absolute. Every era invents its own: from sacred light to industrial symmetry.
by Umberto Eco 2004
3.82
68k+ ratings
What Is Art?
by Leo Tolstoy • 1897
Real art does one thing: transmit a feeling from artist to stranger. Everything else is decoration.
3.73
4k+
What Is Art? Summary
What Is Art? 88%
Real art does one thing: transmit a feeling from artist to stranger. Everything else is decoration.
by Leo Tolstoy 1897
3.73
4k+ ratings
Astrazione e empatia
by Wilhelm Worringer • 1907
Primitive art wasn't clumsy. It was fleeing from the terror of space into geometry.
3.83
192
Astrazione e empatia Summary
Astrazione e empatia 88%
Primitive art wasn't clumsy. It was fleeing from the terror of space into geometry.
by Wilhelm Worringer 1907
3.83
192 ratings
Think
by Simon Blackburn • 1999
Your concepts are a house you never inspected. Philosophy walks you through the foundation.
3.73
5k+
Think Summary
Think 88%
Your concepts are a house you never inspected. Philosophy walks you through the foundation.
by Simon Blackburn 1999
3.73
5k+ ratings
Lost in Math
by Sabine Hossenfelder • 2018
Theoretical physics is stuck. The culprit isn't bad math, but a fixation on elegant theories.
4.05
3k+
Lost in Math Summary
Lost in Math 88%
Theoretical physics is stuck. The culprit isn't bad math, but a fixation on elegant theories.
by Sabine Hossenfelder 2018
4.05
3k+ ratings
The Longing for Less
by Kyle Chayka • 2020
The clean lines of minimalism hide a messy history: Zen monks, art rebels, and $8,200 stereos.
3.45
1k+
The Longing for Less Summary
The Longing for Less 88%
The clean lines of minimalism hide a messy history: Zen monks, art rebels, and $8,200 stereos.
by Kyle Chayka 2020
3.45
1k+ ratings
Language, Truth and Logic
by Alfred Jules Ayer • 1936
A single test separates meaningful statements from nonsense, and most of philosophy fails it.
3.75
4k+
Language, Truth and Logic Summary
Language, Truth and Logic 88%
A single test separates meaningful statements from nonsense, and most of philosophy fails it.
by Alfred Jules Ayer 1936
3.75
4k+ ratings
The Strength to Dream
by Colin Wilson • 1962
The crisis of modern literature is a failure of imagination, and the cost is human freedom.
3.93
123
The Strength to Dream Summary
The Strength to Dream 88%
The crisis of modern literature is a failure of imagination, and the cost is human freedom.
by Colin Wilson 1962
3.93
123 ratings
The Great Guide
by Julian Baggini • 2021
The philosopher who said reason is only passion's servant also had a recipe for a good life.
3.86
197
The Great Guide Summary
The Great Guide 88%
The philosopher who said reason is only passion's servant also had a recipe for a good life.
by Julian Baggini 2021
3.86
197 ratings
The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction
by Walter Benjamin • 1936
Why does a perfect copy feel less real? Benjamin's answer upends art and politics.
4.08
25k+
The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction Summary
The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction 88%
Why does a perfect copy feel less real? Benjamin's answer upends art and politics.
by Walter Benjamin 1936
4.08
25k+ ratings
Heaven and Hell
by Aldous Huxley • 1956
Art transports us because it mirrors visionary depths, and fear can turn heaven into hell.
3.52
1k+
Heaven and Hell Summary
Heaven and Hell 88%
Art transports us because it mirrors visionary depths, and fear can turn heaven into hell.
by Aldous Huxley 1956
3.52
1k+ ratings
Philosophy Bites
by David Edmonds • 2012
The big questions of philosophy, served in bite-sized interviews with today's leading thinkers.
3.69
371
Philosophy Bites Summary
Philosophy Bites 88%
The big questions of philosophy, served in bite-sized interviews with today's leading thinkers.
by David Edmonds 2012
3.69
371 ratings
Fearless
by Max Lucado • 2009
Ten philosophers, ten arguments that still govern how we think about truth, justice, and ourselves.
4.16
13k+
Fearless Summary
Fearless 88%
Ten philosophers, ten arguments that still govern how we think about truth, justice, and ourselves.
by Max Lucado 2009
4.16
13k+ ratings
Tragedy and Hope
by Carroll Quigley • 1966
Art turned ugly, stopped making sense, and became useless. That was its last honest act.
4.32
917
Tragedy and Hope Summary
Tragedy and Hope 88%
Art turned ugly, stopped making sense, and became useless. That was its last honest act.
by Carroll Quigley 1966
4.32
917 ratings
Phenomenology of Perception
by Maurice Merleau-Ponty • 1945
Perception doesn't start in the mind. Your body inhabits the world before thinking ever arrives.
4.18
6k+
Phenomenology of Perception Summary
Phenomenology of Perception 88%
Perception doesn't start in the mind. Your body inhabits the world before thinking ever arrives.
by Maurice Merleau-Ponty 1945
4.18
6k+ ratings
Letters on Cézanne
by Rainer Maria Rilke • 1907
One poet's letters on Cézanne: how seeing becomes the artist's hardest and most honest work.
4.16
957
Letters on Cézanne Summary
Letters on Cézanne 88%
One poet's letters on Cézanne: how seeing becomes the artist's hardest and most honest work.
by Rainer Maria Rilke 1907
4.16
957 ratings
The Theory of Moral Sentiments
by Adam Smith • 1759
Before he explained markets, Adam Smith explained why you want a promotion more than a full pantry.
4.06
5k+
The Theory of Moral Sentiments Summary
The Theory of Moral Sentiments 88%
Before he explained markets, Adam Smith explained why you want a promotion more than a full pantry.
by Adam Smith 1759
4.06
5k+ ratings
The Wisdom of the Heart
by Henry Miller • 1941
Modern men are half-alive and call it progress. The cure starts when the thinking stops.
4.03
663
The Wisdom of the Heart Summary
The Wisdom of the Heart 88%
Modern men are half-alive and call it progress. The cure starts when the thinking stops.
by Henry Miller 1941
4.03
663 ratings
The Collapse of the Fact/Value Dichotomy and Other Essays
by Hilary Putnam • 2002
The wall between facts and values was a mistake; taking it down reshapes science and ethics.
3.98
176
The Collapse of the Fact/Value Dichotomy and Other Essays Summary
The Collapse of the Fact/Value Dichotomy and Other Essays 87%
The wall between facts and values was a mistake; taking it down reshapes science and ethics.
by Hilary Putnam 2002
3.98
176 ratings
A History of Western Philosophy
by Bertrand Russell • 1945
A history of philosophy that reads not like a textbook but like a three-thousand-year argument.
4.13
42k+
A History of Western Philosophy Summary
A History of Western Philosophy 87%
A history of philosophy that reads not like a textbook but like a three-thousand-year argument.
by Bertrand Russell 1945
4.13
42k+ ratings
Hertzian Tales
by Anthony Dunne • 1999
Electronic objects are behavioral scripts and portals to a hidden electromagnetic world.
4.26
125
Hertzian Tales Summary
Hertzian Tales 87%
Electronic objects are behavioral scripts and portals to a hidden electromagnetic world.
by Anthony Dunne 1999
4.26
125 ratings
On Quality
by Robert M. Pirsig • 2021
Value isn't a judgment we add to reality. It is reality, and everything else follows.
3.64
387
On Quality Summary
On Quality 87%
Value isn't a judgment we add to reality. It is reality, and everything else follows.
by Robert M. Pirsig 2021
3.64
387 ratings
Shakespeare's Freedom
by Stephen Greenblatt • 2010
Shakespeare dreamed of absolute freedom; his entire career became a record of its limits.
3.83
175
Shakespeare's Freedom Summary
Shakespeare's Freedom 87%
Shakespeare dreamed of absolute freedom; his entire career became a record of its limits.
by Stephen Greenblatt 2010
3.83
175 ratings
How Proust Can Change Your Life
by Alain de Botton • 1998
The practical life advice hidden inside a 3,000-page French novel about memory and jealousy.
3.76
19k+
How Proust Can Change Your Life Summary
How Proust Can Change Your Life 87%
The practical life advice hidden inside a 3,000-page French novel about memory and jealousy.
by Alain de Botton 1998
3.76
19k+ ratings
The Philosophy of 'as If '
by Hans Vaihinger • 1911
Thought runs on conscious falsehoods: the harder the contradiction, the sharper the tool.
4.00
72
The Philosophy of 'as If ' Summary
The Philosophy of 'as If ' 87%
Thought runs on conscious falsehoods: the harder the contradiction, the sharper the tool.
by Hans Vaihinger 1911
4.00
72 ratings
The Arts and the Creation of Mind
by Elliot W. Eisner • 2002
Schools treat art as a break from thinking. It's the most demanding thinking students do.
4.32
191
The Arts and the Creation of Mind Summary
The Arts and the Creation of Mind 87%
Schools treat art as a break from thinking. It's the most demanding thinking students do.
by Elliot W. Eisner 2002
4.32
191 ratings
Introduction to Phenomenology
by Robert Sokolowski • 1999
Consciousness is always reaching toward the world; phenomenology maps the structures of that reach.
4.03
541
Introduction to Phenomenology Summary
Introduction to Phenomenology 87%
Consciousness is always reaching toward the world; phenomenology maps the structures of that reach.
by Robert Sokolowski 1999
4.03
541 ratings
Truth and Method
by Hans-Georg Gadamer • 1960
Understanding is an event language and tradition perform through you, not a method you apply.
4.17
4k+
Truth and Method Summary
Truth and Method 87%
Understanding is an event language and tradition perform through you, not a method you apply.
by Hans-Georg Gadamer 1960
4.17
4k+ ratings
Knowledge
by Jennifer Nagel • 2014
A concise tour of what it means to know, from Descartes's demon to the broken clock.
3.85
1k+
Knowledge Summary
Knowledge 87%
A concise tour of what it means to know, from Descartes's demon to the broken clock.
by Jennifer Nagel 2014
3.85
1k+ ratings
Rational Choice and Security Studies
by Michael E. Brown • 2000
Two visions of political science: one builds mathematical temples, the other wants to stop war.
3.78
9
Rational Choice and Security Studies Summary
Rational Choice and Security Studies 87%
Two visions of political science: one builds mathematical temples, the other wants to stop war.
by Michael E. Brown 2000
3.78
9 ratings
Concerning the Spiritual in Art
by Wassily Kandinsky • 1912
Abstract painting is not emptiness but a spiritual language more direct than any image.
3.83
93k+
Concerning the Spiritual in Art Summary
Concerning the Spiritual in Art 87%
Abstract painting is not emptiness but a spiritual language more direct than any image.
by Wassily Kandinsky 1912
3.83
93k+ ratings
The Birth of Tragedy
by Friedrich Nietzsche • 1871
Greek tragedy died of rationalism, a suicide a culture is still paying for.
3.98
22k+
The Birth of Tragedy Summary
The Birth of Tragedy 87%
Greek tragedy died of rationalism, a suicide a culture is still paying for.
by Friedrich Nietzsche 1871
3.98
22k+ ratings
Critique of Pure Reason
by Immanuel Kant • 1781
The mind's hidden architecture makes experience possible and certain questions unanswerable.
3.96
43k+
Critique of Pure Reason Summary
Critique of Pure Reason 87%
The mind's hidden architecture makes experience possible and certain questions unanswerable.
by Immanuel Kant 1781
3.96
43k+ ratings
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