The unity of philosophical experience
Book • 1937
This book, resulting from the William James lectures at Harvard, critiques Western philosophy by examining medieval, Cartesian, and modern philosophical traditions.
Gilson argues that philosophy does not progress linearly but rather repeats similar themes, such as the problem of universals, due to either forgetting past lessons or making the same fundamental mistakes.
The book is structured around three historical 'experiments': medieval, Cartesian, and modern, concluding with an analysis of the nature and unity of philosophical experience.
Gilson's work emphasizes the significance of understanding philosophical knowledge through a historical lens and highlights the continuity of philosophical inquiry across different eras.
Gilson argues that philosophy does not progress linearly but rather repeats similar themes, such as the problem of universals, due to either forgetting past lessons or making the same fundamental mistakes.
The book is structured around three historical 'experiments': medieval, Cartesian, and modern, concluding with an analysis of the nature and unity of philosophical experience.
Gilson's work emphasizes the significance of understanding philosophical knowledge through a historical lens and highlights the continuity of philosophical inquiry across different eras.
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Mentioned by Elijah Millgram as an author whose book supports his view on philosophical cycles and predictable patterns in the evolution of ideas.
Elijah Millgram on the Philosophical Life
