Plato. Aquinas. Descartes. Kant. Freud. These great thinkers are still impacting the culture today—from public-policy decisions to world events, theology, the arts, education, and even everyday conversations. In this classic book, the late R. C. Sproul expertly surveys history’s most influential streams of thought, proving that ideas are not just passing fads—they have consequences for generations to come. Helping readers better understand how many of these ideas have shaped their own thinking, this book will empower Christians to be a Christlike influence in the world.
Introduction: Why Philosophy?
1. The First Philosophers
2. Plato: Realist and Idealist
3. Aristotle: The Philosopher
4. Augustine: Doctor of Grace
5. Thomas Aquinas: Angelic Doctor
6. René Descartes: Father of Modern Rationalism
7. John Locke: Father of Modern Empiricism
8. David Hume: Skeptic
9. Immanuel Kant: Revolutionary Philosopher
10. Karl Marx: Utopian
11. Søren Kierkegaard: Danish Gadfly
12. Friedrich Nietzsche: Atheistic Existentialist
13. Jean-Paul Sartre: Litterateur and Philosopher
14. Darwin and Freud: Influential Thinkers
Conclusion: Gilson’s Choice
Notes
For Further Reading
Index
