Materialism: A Historical and Philosophical Inquiry

Book Details

• Publisher: Routledge

• Author: Robin Gordon Brown

• Language: English

• Edition: 1st Edition

• ISBN: 9780367201340

• Pages: 142

• Cover: Paperback

• Release Date: 10-05-2019

• Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.0 x 0.6 inches

About The Book
Materialism: A Contemporary Philosophical Perspective by Robin Gordon Brown and James Ladyman offers a deep and thought-provoking exploration into the doctrine of materialism, a concept that has ignited passion and debate throughout the history of philosophy. The book traces the evolution of materialism from its roots in ancient thinkers like Epicurus and Lucretius, through the contributions of Hobbes, Hume, Darwin, and Marx, to its modern incarnation as physicalism.

Brown and Ladyman examine how materialism began as an early form of naturalistic explanation and evolved through scientific advancements that reshaped its meaning. Despite the challenges posed by modern physics, which reveals a microscopic world that defies traditional materialist views, the authors argue that materialism’s humanism and commitment to naturalistic explanation and the scientific method remain a guiding philosophical framework.

This book is highly recommended for those interested in the history and contemporary applications of materialism, and for those curious about how philosophical materialism and modern physicalism intersect. With clear and accessible prose, the authors make the complexities of materialism both engaging and relevant for readers today.