The Sense of the Past: Essays in the History of Philosophy
"These discussions combine incisive authority and even a touch of technicality with Bernard Williams's characteristically urbane wit. A great intellectual wealth in which philosophy is made to show us how it thinks about philosophy."--George Steiner,Times Literary Supplement"Bernard Williams' contribution to philosophy is timeless. He has a voice that is both distinctively of our time and a reminder that the past can still be brought alive philosophically. Williams' belief in the importance of history to philosophy is readily apparent in this collection. If for no other reason, readers of philosophy should value this book highly."--Peter Johnson,European Legacy"Williams attempts to make strange what is familiar in our assumptions, and he admirably succeeds in this task. . . .The Sense the of the Pastis an excellent contribution to the field, and deserves a wide audience."--Basil Smith,Review of Metaphysics"The sheer variety of Williams's historical interests and the spontaneity with which he displays them give this collection a sense of vigor and dialectical fun that are characteristic of its author."--Nicholas White,Ethics"It is pleasing to have many of Williams' previously published meditations on Plato's thought--including those dealing with Plato's construction of intrinsic goodness, the analogy of city and soul in the Republic, and an introduction to the Theaetetus dialogue--gathered together in one place. . . . [T]his book represents an appropriate tribute to a philosopher of rare talents."--Jonathan Wright,Heythrop Journal