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The Routledge Philosophers series, launched in 2005, is one of the leading examples of its kind. Edited by Brian Leiter (University of Chicago) each volume introduces and assesses the arguments of a major Western philosopher. One of the distinguishing features of the series is its roster of highly respected authors, which includes Jonathan Lear, Christopher Shields, Fred Beiser, Paul Guyer, Samuel Freeman and Don Garrett – several of whose work appears here. In this special Freebook we are delighted to present four chapters from four different volumes in the series, ranging from Aristotle’s theories of how to live well to Freud’s theories of morality and religion. We have tailored the selection around the general topic of ethics and moral philosophy, as this provides the best and most accessible way of showcasing the range of thinkers covered. However, each volume in the series also examines the contributions each figure has made to a much wider range of philosophical topics, such as metaphysics, epistemology, the nature of mind, religion, politics and art and aesthetics.

One of the notable features of the series is that it encompasses figures who, whilst not themselves philosophers, have nevertheless had significant influence on the development of philosophical ideas and theories of human nature, often radical and controversial. In this freebook we have selected a chapter from Jonathan Lear’s volume on Freud, which makes an interesting comparison when placed alongside the excerpts from Aristotle, Hume and Kant.

Looking further ahead we have many more exciting volumes to come, including Elizabeth Anscombe and Hannah Arendt, increasing the coverage of women philosophers; Adam Smith, Karl Marx and Soren Kierkegaard; and  W.E.B du Bois, pioneer of African-American philosophy.

We hope these selections provide an exciting taste of the range and quality of the Routledge Philosophers.

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