In the opening chapter of his book, Durant sets the stage for the study of philosophy by discussing its importance and relevance to modern life. He argues that philosophy is not just an abstract field of study, but something that affects our everyday lives. He then outlines the four questions that philosophy attempts to answer: What is the world made of? What is the meaning or purpose of life? What is the nature of good and evil? What is the basis of knowledge? These questions have been central to philosophy since its inception and continue to be debated by philosophers today.
The ancient Greeks are often considered the founders of Western philosophy, and Durant examines the contributions of some of the most influential Greek philosophers in this chapter. He begins with Thales, who is known for his belief that everything in the universe is made of water. He then discusses Pythagoras, who is known for his contributions to mathematics and the idea that numbers are the basis of reality. Durant also explores the teachings of Heraclitus, Parmenides, and Democritus, and their contributions to metaphysics and epistemology. The chapter concludes with a detailed exploration of the works of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, perhaps the most well-known of all ancient Greek philosophers.
The Hellenistic period marked a time of great change and upheaval in the ancient world, and this chapter explores the philosophy that emerged during this period. Durant discusses Epicurus, who believed that the highest good was pleasure, and Zeno, the founder of Stoicism, who believed that we should live in harmony with nature. The chapter also examines the influence of Greek philosophy on Roman thought, including the works of Cicero and Seneca.
In the Middle Ages, philosophy became closely intertwined with Christian theology, and this chapter explores the contributions of some of the most important medieval philosophers. Durant begins with Augustine, who is known for his ideas about the nature of God and the problem of evil. He then discusses Anselm, who is known for his ontological argument for the existence of God, and Aquinas, who attempted to reconcile Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology. The chapter also explores the rise of universities in the Middle Ages, and the role they played in the development of philosophy.