About This Book
A Brief History of the Soul by Stewart Goetz and Charles Taliaferro is a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the concept of the soul in Western philosophy. This book is perfect for students and scholars interested in the historical development of philosophical ideas about the soul, from ancient thinkers like Plato to contemporary debates in philosophy of mind.
Who Uses It?
Primarily, this book is used by students and educators in philosophy courses, particularly those focusing on the history of ideas and contemporary debates in philosophy of mind. It is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the evolution of philosophical thought regarding the nature of the soul.
History and Editions
The first edition of A Brief History of the Soul was published in 2011 by Wiley-Blackwell. This edition has been widely praised for its clear and concise presentation of complex philosophical arguments. The book addresses essential issues such as mind-body interaction, the causal closure of the physical world, and the implications of brain sciences for the soul's existence. It provides a unique blend of historical analysis and contemporary philosophical inquiry.
Author and Other Works
Stewart Goetz is the Ross Frederick Wicks Distinguished Professor in Philosophy and Religion at Ursinus College. He is known for his work in philosophy of mind and his ability to present complex ideas in an accessible manner. Charles Taliaferro, the co-author, is a Professor of Philosophy at St. Olaf College. Together, they bring a wealth of expertise to the subject matter, ensuring that the book remains both historically grounded and philosophically rigorous.
Key Features
- Comprehensive Coverage: The book covers a wide range of historically significant philosophies of the soul, including theories from key figures like Plato, Aquinas, Locke, Hume, and Descartes.
- Historical Context: It provides a detailed exploration of the development of philosophical ideas about the soul over time.
- Contemporary Relevance: The book addresses contemporary debates in philosophy of mind, making it relevant to modern discussions in the field.
- Unique Perspective: It offers a non-reductionist, non-materialist account of the soul, which sets it apart from other works on the subject.
Detailed Information
ISBNs and Formats
- Paperback: ISBN-13: 9781405196321
- Other Editions: The book is available in paperback format with no other editions listed.
Publication Details
- Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
- Publication Date: 2011
- Number of Pages: 240 pages
- Language: English
- Item Weight: 0.65 pounds
- Dimensions: Not specified
Other ISBNs
- Hardcover: Not available
- eTextbook: Not available
- Loose-leaf: Not available
Related ISBNs (for other works by the authors)
- Unfortunately, there are no other ISBNs available for books written by Stewart Goetz and Charles Taliaferro that are directly related to this specific book. However, their contributions to the field of philosophy are well-documented through various academic publications and scholarly articles.
This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for A Brief History of the Soul, making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.






