An overview of philosophy, you just wouldn't get this content all in one book., good run through if you are new to the subject and then pick the areas or eras of interest. Took me a while to get through this book and kept restarting it, the subject was the issue rather than the writing. Thank you #NetGalley for the audiobook to review.

I enjoyed listening to the narrator in this very concise chronology of philosophy through time. It was interesting, but very dense, and I think I would benefit from listening to it again. Thank you to Net Galley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Focusing on western philosophy, this audiobook delivers big ideas at pace. Starting from the earliest thinkers in Ancient Greece to the modern day, A Short History of Philosophy discusses the 'thinker', when they were working and how political and sociological events impacted their work. A lot is packed into this audiobook and the narrator's voice comes across as knowledgable, authoritative but also engaging. It does what it says it would do but I found I needed to take small breaks to process the information.

A brief summary of philosophical arguments from Ancient Greece all the way to modern philosophy. The subject matters can get a bit tricky to wrap ones' head around at first, but this book does genuinely summarise them in a fairly easy to understand way. Some arguments may be seen as slightly _undersimplified_ but I truly don't know how a full account could be accomplished given the ambitious scope of the book. Overall a good read. I think I would have read it in paperback as well as audio just to help me be 'grounded' in the theories as it were because I'm more of a paper gal when it comes to theoretical stuff, but the audiobook was very clear and well-paced, good work on the narrator's part!

If you're interested in a succinct overview of philosophy, this book does an excellent job!

<i>Many thanks to Arcturus Digital Audio who provided me with a complimentary copy of this audiobook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, which I leave voluntarily</i>

Format: audiobook ~ Narrator: India Shaw Smith
Content: 4 stars ~ Narration: 4.5 stars

Influential thinkers shaped Western philosophy, each contributing their unique perspectives and theories. This brief audiobook lays out a timeline with key figures and concepts, and we can clearly see how philosophy developed through time. It is intriguing how philosophy links to other areas, like science, ethics, politics, mathematics, and others.

This book is a well-written and easy-to-understand short history of Western philosophy. I recommend it to all interested who don’t know where to start with philosophy.

The narration by India Shaw Smith is very good, but it could be a bit slower. For me, it was the right speed, but I think some readers would prefer slower reading. A very short accompanying pdf with the key facts and a timeline would be welcome. It would be easier to follow the audiobook.

Thanks to Arcturus Digital Audio for the advanced copy and this opportunity! This is a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.

I’m afraid I couldn’t finish this book as the voice chosen for audio was dull and uninspiring. I had no inclination or encouragement to keep listening. This is the first audio book I’ve not been able to complete.

When I went into this book, my knowledge of philosophy was mostly drawn from that one university class on Wagner, and extensive re-watches of The Good Place. It’s a topic that I’ve always had an interest but that seems quite intimidating to a newbie, so I was glad for this book which gave me a good introduction.

Starting in Ancient Greece, we get a whistle-stop tour of the key figures in Western philosophy. I do think the audiobook format was, on the whole, very helpful in understanding the different people and schools of thought over time. While some things, such as timelines, were difficult to keep track of in audio form, it was very helpful in understanding the different concepts to hear everything explained out loud.

What I found particularly fascinating is how philosophy as a discipline has changed over time. For example, I came across Aristotle’s ideas many times in my education, both in science and music as well as in ethics. It was really helpful to read a book like this, which places everything in its chronological context and lays out how the field has evolved over time.

It is worth noting that this book exclusively discusses European philosophy. I do think this should be clarified in the title, and while I’m by no means an expert I did feel that something was lost by glossing over Eastern influences on Western philosophers post-enlightenment era.

Overall, this was a fascinating read and a great introduction for anyone wanting to get started in learning about philosophy, or in looking at the field with a more holistic viewpoint.

I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.

This is a well written, concise history of Western philosophy. It does what it says on the tin. I'm afraid what it doesn't account for are people like me who know a tiny bit about philosophy and some philosophers but not enough big words to really understand.

I have to admit I was probably hopelessly lost for around a third of this book. That is not the book's fault, it is mine. What I actually need is an idiot's guide.

What I did understand was very well explained. The basic tenets only are mentioned and the history of the philosopher and how they fit into the progression of certain philosophies.

I listened to the audiobook which had an excellent narration by India Shaw Smith. She enunciated very well and if I'd actually understood the theories I would have been delighted.

I would certainly recommend this book if you are interested in this subject. You do have to have a rudimentary knowledge of philsophy but this puts a bit more meat on the bones. I just needed the bones. My fault not the fault of the book.

There were a lot of interesting parts though it was a little bit dry, but maybe it was partly the reading rather than just the content. It has given me some ideas and individuals to research for further reading. I think this would be good as a textbook. Overall a good starting point.

This book is crammed full of interesting information. From gods to the patriarchy - this book links phases in history with current thoughts and thinking. Such a lot to take in, but totally fascinating. I enjoyed listening to this as an audiobook as the narrator helped me get my head round all the pronunciations of names and theories. Fantastic! I’m feeling quite clever and informed right now.