The publication in 1632 of Galileo's Dialogue on the Two Chief World Systems, Ptolemaic and Copernican marked a crucial moment in the 'scientific revolution' and helped Galileo become the 'father of modern science'. The Dialogue contains Galileo's mature synthesis of astronomy, physics, and methodology, and a critical confirmation of Copernicus's hypothesis of the earth's motion. However, the book also led Galileo to stand trial with the Inquisition, in what became known as 'the greatest scandal in Christendom'. In The Routledge Guidebook to Galileo's Dialogue, Maurice A. Finocchiaro introduces and analyzes: the intellectual background and historical context of the Copernican controversy and Inquisition trial; the key arguments and critiques that Galileo presents on both sides of the 'dialogue'; the Dialogue's content and significance from three special points of view: science, methodology, and rhetoric; the enduring legacy of the Dialogue and the ongoing application of its approach to other areas. This is an essential introduction for all students of science, philosophy, history, and religion wanting a useful guide to Galileo's great classic.

John Stuart Mill's On Liberty is widely regarded as one of the most influential and stirring pieces of political philosophy ever written. Ever relevant in our increasingly surveillance dominated culture, the essay argues strongly in favour of the moral rights of individuality, including rights of privacy and of freedom of expression. The Routledge Guidebook to Mill's On Liberty introduces the major themes in Mill's great book and aids the reader in understanding this key work, covering: the context of Mill's work and the background to his writing each separate part of the text in relation to its goals, meanings and impact the reception the book received when first seen by the world the relevance of Mill's work to modern philosophy. With further reading included for each chapter, this text is essential reading for all students of philosophy and political theory, and all those wishing to get to grips with this classic work of political philosophy.

Albert Einstein, one of the most prolific scientists of the twentieth century, developed the theory of relativity which was crucial for the advancement of modern physics. Young Einstein identified a paradox between Newtonian Mechanics and Maxwell's equations which pointed to a flawed understanding of space and time by the scientists of the day. In Relativity, Einstein presents his findings using a minimal amount of mathematical language, but the text can still be challenging for readers who lack an extensive scientific background. The Routledge Guidebook to Einstein's Relativity expands on and supplements this seminal text, by exploring: the historical context of Einstein's work and the background to his breakthroughs details of experimental verification of special and general relativity the enduring legacy of Einstein's theories and their implications for future scientific breakthroughs. This is an essential introduction for students of physics, philosophy and history in understanding the key elements of the work and the importance of this classic text to society today.

Descartes is widely regarded to be the father of modern philosophy and his Meditations is among the most important philosophical texts ever written. The Routledge Guidebook to Descartesa (TM) Meditations introduces the major themes in Descartesa (TM) great book and acts as a companion for reading this key work, examining:

• The context of Descartesa (TM) work and the background to his writing
• Each separate part of the text in relation to its goals, meanings and impact
• The reception the book received when first seen by the world
• The relevance of Descartesa (TM) work to modern philosophy, ita (TM)s legacy and influence

With further reading included throughout, this text follows Descartesa (TM) original work closely, making it essential reading for all students of philosophy, and all those wishing to get to grips with this classic work.

Hobbes is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of ideas and political thought, and his seminal text Leviathan is widely recognised as one of the greatest works of political philosophy ever written.

The Routledge Guidebook to Hobbes' Leviathan introduces the major themes in Hobbes' great book and acts as a companion for reading this key work, examining:

• The context of Hobbes' work and the background to his writing
• Each separate part of the text in relation to its goals, meanings and impact
• The reception the book received when first seen by the world
• The relevance of Hobbes' work to modern philosophy, it's legacy and influence

With further reading included throughout, this text follows Hobbes' original work closely, making it essential reading for all students of philosophy and politics, and all those wishing to get to grips with this classic work.

John Locke is widely acknowledged as the most important figure in the history of English philosophy and "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding" is his greatest intellectual work, emphasising the importance of experience for the formation of knowledge. The "Routledge Guidebook to Locke s Essay Concerning Human Understanding" introduces the major themes of Locke s great book and serves as a companion to this key work, examining:

• The context of Locke s work and the background to his writing
• Each part of the text in relation to its goals, meaning and impact
• The reception of the book when it was first seen by the world
• The relevance of Locke s work to philosophy today, its legacy and influence

With further reading suggested throughout, this text follows Locke s original work closely, making it essential reading for all students of philosophy, and all those wishing to get to grips with this classic work."

Mary Wollstonecraft was one of the greatest philosophers and writers of the Eighteenth century. During her brief career, she wrote novels, treatises, a travel narrative, a history of the French Revolution, a conduct book, and a children's book. Her most celebrated and widely-read work is A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. This Guidebook introduces:

• Wollstonecraft s life and the background to A Vindication of the Rights of Woman
• The ideas and text of A Vindication of the Rights of Woman
• Wollstonecraft s enduring influence in philosophy and our contemporary intellectual life

It is ideal for anyone coming to Wollstonecraft s classic text for the first time and anyone interested in the origins of feminist thought. "

The publication in 1632 of Galileo's Dialogue on the Two Chief World Systems, Ptolemaic and Copernican marked a crucial moment in the 'scientific revolution' and helped Galileo become the 'father of modern science'. The Dialogue contains Galileo's mature synthesis of astronomy, physics, and methodology, and a critical confirmation of Copernicus's hypothesis of the earth's motion. However, the book also led Galileo to stand trial with the Inquisition, in what became known as 'the greatest scandal in Christendom'. In The Routledge Guidebook to Galileo's Dialogue, Maurice A. Finocchiaro introduces and analyzes: the intellectual background and historical context of the Copernican controversy and Inquisition trial; the key arguments and critiques that Galileo presents on both sides of the 'dialogue'; the Dialogue's content and significance from three special points of view: science, methodology, and rhetoric; the enduring legacy of the Dialogue and the ongoing application of its approach to other areas. This is an essential introduction for all students of science, philosophy, history, and religion wanting a useful guide to Galileo's great classic.

As part of the Christian canon of scripture, the New Testament is one of the most influential works in history. Its impact can be seen in many different fields, but without an awareness of the historical, cultural, social, and intellectual context of early Christianity, it can be difficult for modern-day readers to fully understand what the first-century authors were trying to say and how the first readers of the New Testament would have understood these ideas. The Routledge Guidebook to the New Testament offers an academic introduction to the New Testament examining: The social and historical context in which the New Testament was written The primary text, supporting students in close analysis from a range of consensus positions The contemporary reception and ongoing influence of the New Testament With further reading suggestions, this guidebook is essential reading for all students of religion and philosophy, and all those wishing to engage with this important work.

As part of the Christian canon of scripture, the New Testament is one of the most influential works in history. Its impact can be seen in many different fields, but without an awareness of the historical, cultural, social, and intellectual context of early Christianity, it can be difficult for modern-day readers to fully understand what the first-century authors were trying to say and how the first readers of the New Testament would have understood these ideas. The Routledge Guidebook to the New Testament offers an academic introduction to the New Testament examining: The social and historical context in which the New Testament was written The primary text, supporting students in close analysis from a range of consensus positions The contemporary reception and ongoing influence of the New Testament With further reading suggestions, this guidebook is essential reading for all students of religion and philosophy, and all those wishing to engage with this important work.

Albert Einstein, one of the most prolific scientists of the twentieth century, developed the theory of relativity which was crucial for the advancement of modern physics. Young Einstein identified a paradox between Newtonian Mechanics and Maxwell's equations which pointed to a flawed understanding of space and time by the scientists of the day. In Relativity, Einstein presents his findings using a minimal amount of mathematical language, but the text can still be challenging for readers who lack an extensive scientific background. The Routledge Guidebook to Einstein's Relativity expands on and supplements this seminal text, by exploring: the historical context of Einstein's work and the background to his breakthroughs details of experimental verification of special and general relativity the enduring legacy of Einstein's theories and their implications for future scientific breakthroughs. This is an essential introduction for students of physics, philosophy and history in understanding the key elements of the work and the importance of this classic text to society today.

Since its publication in 1849, Henry David Thoreau's Civil Disobedience has influenced protestors, activists and political thinkers all over the world. Including the full text of Thoreau's essay, The Routledge Guidebook to Thoreau's Civil Disobedience explores the context of his writing, analyses different interpretations of the text and considers how posthumous edits to Civil Disobedience have altered its intended meaning. It introduces the reader to: the context of Thoreau's work and the background to his writing the significance of the references and allusions the contemporary reception of Thoreau's essay the ongoing relevance of the work and a discussion of different perspectives on the work. Providing a detailed analysis which closely examines Thoreau's original work, this is an essential introduction for students of politics, philosophy and history, and all those seeking a full appreciation of this classic work.

Descartes is widely regarded to be the father of modern philosophy and his Meditations is among the most important philosophical texts ever written. The Routledge Guidebook to Descartesa (TM) Meditations introduces the major themes in Descartesa (TM) great book and acts as a companion for reading this key work, examining:

• The context of Descartesa (TM) work and the background to his writing
• Each separate part of the text in relation to its goals, meanings and impact
• The reception the book received when first seen by the world
• The relevance of Descartesa (TM) work to modern philosophy, ita (TM)s legacy and influence

With further reading included throughout, this text follows Descartesa (TM) original work closely, making it essential reading for all students of philosophy, and all those wishing to get to grips with this classic work.

Hobbes is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of ideas and political thought, and his seminal text Leviathan is widely recognised as one of the greatest works of political philosophy ever written.

The Routledge Guidebook to Hobbes Leviathan introduces the major themes in Hobbes great book and acts as a companion for reading this key work, examining:

• The context of Hobbes work and the background to his writing
• Each separate part of the text in relation to its goals, meanings and impact
• The reception the book received when first seen by the world
• The relevance of Hobbes work to modern philosophy, it s legacy and influence

With further reading included throughout, this text follows Hobbes original work closely, making it essential reading for all students of philosophy and politics, and all those wishing to get to grips with this classic work."

The Phenomenology of Spirit is arguably Hegela (TM)s most influential and important work, and is considered to be essential in understanding Hegela (TM)s philosophical system and his contribution to western philosophy. The Routledge Guidebook to Hegela (TM)s Phenomenology of Spirit introduces the major themes in Hegela (TM)s great book and aids the reader in understanding this key work, examining:

• The context of Hegela (TM)s work and the background to his writing
• Each separate part of the text in relation to its goals, meanings and impact
• The reception the book received when first seen by the world
• The relevance of Hegela (TM)s work to modern philosophy

With a helpful introductory overview of the text, end of chapter summaries and further reading included throughout, this text is essential reading for all students of philosophy, and all those wishing to get to grips with this classic work of philosophy.

The Routledge Guidebook to Heidegger s Being and Time examines the work of one of the most controversial thinkers of the twentieth century. Heidegger s writings are notoriously difficult, requiring careful reading. This book analyses his first major publication, "Being and Time," which to this day remains his most influential work.

"

The Routledge Guidebook to Heidegger s Being and Time" explores:

• The context of Heidegger s work and the background to his writing
• Each separate part of the text in relation to its goals, meanings and impact
• The reception the book received when first seen by the world
• The relevance of Heidegger s work to modern philosophy, its legacy and influence.

Following Heidegger s original work closely, this guidebook examines the two central themes of scepticism and death. Mulhall skilfully examines the relationship between the book s two parts, making it essential reading for all students of philosophy, and all those wishing to get to grips with this classic work.

Plato, often cited as a founding father of Western philosophy, set out ideas in the "Republic" regarding the nature of justice, order, and the character of the just individual, that endure into the modern day. "The" "Routledge Guidebook to Plato s Republic" introduces the major themes in Plato s great book and acts as a companion for reading the work, examining:

• The context of Plato s work and the background to his writing
• Each separate part of the text in relation to its goals, meanings and impact
• The reception the book received when first seen by the world
• The relevance of Plato s work to modern philosophy, its legacy and influence.

With further reading included throughout, this text follows Plato s original work closely, making it essential reading for all students of philosophy, and all those wishing to get to grips with this classic work.

One of the most important founding figures of Western philosophy, Aristotlea (TM)s Nicomachean Ethics represents a critical point in the study of ethics which has influenced the direction of modern philosophy. The Routledge Guidebook to Aristotlea (TM)s Nicomachean Ethics introduces the major themes in Aristotlea (TM)s great book and acts as a companion for reading this key work, examining:

• The context of Aristotlea (TM)s work and the background to his writing
• Each separate part of the text in relation to its goals, meanings and impact
• The reception the book received when first seen by the world
• The relevance of Aristotlea (TM)s work to modern philosophy, ita (TM)s legacy and influence

With further reading included throughout, this text is essential reading for all students of philosophy, and all those wishing to get to grips with this classic work.

One of the most important founding figures of Western philosophy, Aristotlea (TM)s Nicomachean Ethics represents a critical point in the study of ethics which has influenced the direction of modern philosophy. The Routledge Guidebook to Aristotlea (TM)s Nicomachean Ethics introduces the major themes in Aristotlea (TM)s great book and acts as a companion for reading this key work, examining:

• The context of Aristotlea (TM)s work and the background to his writing
• Each separate part of the text in relation to its goals, meanings and impact
• The reception the book received when first seen by the world
• The relevance of Aristotlea (TM)s work to modern philosophy, ita (TM)s legacy and influence

With further reading included throughout, this text is essential reading for all students of philosophy, and all those wishing to get to grips with this classic work.

John Locke is widely acknowledged as the most important figure in the history of English philosophy and "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding" is his greatest intellectual work, emphasising the importance of experience for the formation of knowledge. The "Routledge Guidebook to Locke s Essay Concerning Human Understanding" introduces the major themes of Locke s great book and serves as a companion to this key work, examining:

• The context of Locke s work and the background to his writing
• Each part of the text in relation to its goals, meaning and impact
• The reception of the book when it was first seen by the world
• The relevance of Locke s work to philosophy today, its legacy and influence

With further reading suggested throughout, this text follows Locke s original work closely, making it essential reading for all students of philosophy, and all those wishing to get to grips with this classic work.

Mary Wollstonecraft was one of the greatest philosophers and writers of the Eighteenth century. During her brief career, she wrote novels, treatises, a travel narrative, a history of the French Revolution, a conduct book, and a children's book. Her most celebrated and widely-read work is A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. This Guidebook introduces:

• Wollstonecraft s life and the background to A Vindication of the Rights of Woman
• The ideas and text of A Vindication of the Rights of Woman
• Wollstonecraft s enduring influence in philosophy and our contemporary intellectual life

It is ideal for anyone coming to Wollstonecraft s classic text for the first time and anyone interested in the origins of feminist thought.

The Routledge Guidebook to Heidegger s Being and Time examines the work of one of the most controversial thinkers of the twentieth century. Heidegger s writings are notoriously difficult, requiring careful reading. This book analyses his first major publication, "Being and Time," which to this day remains his most influential work.

"

The Routledge Guidebook to Heidegger s Being and Time" explores:

• The context of Heidegger s work and the background to his writing
• Each separate part of the text in relation to its goals, meanings and impact
• The reception the book received when first seen by the world
• The relevance of Heidegger s work to modern philosophy, its legacy and influence.

Following Heidegger s original work closely, this guidebook examines the two central themes of scepticism and death. Mulhall skilfully examines the relationship between the book s two parts, making it essential reading for all students of philosophy, and all those wishing to get to grips with this classic work."

Plato, often cited as a founding father of Western philosophy, set out ideas in the "Republic" regarding the nature of justice, order, and the character of the just individual, that endure into the modern day. "The" "Routledge Guidebook to Plato s Republic" introduces the major themes in Plato s great book and acts as a companion for reading the work, examining:

• The context of Plato s work and the background to his writing
• Each separate part of the text in relation to its goals, meanings and impact
• The reception the book received when first seen by the world
• The relevance of Plato s work to modern philosophy, its legacy and influence.

With further reading included throughout, this text follows Plato s original work closely, making it essential reading for all students of philosophy, and all those wishing to get to grips with this classic work."

So indeed it would prove, a single cup of hemlock robbing the western philosophical tradition of its founding father. Yet Socrates' influence was not so easily to be done away with. His words were lovingly recorded by his devoted disciple Plato, and his teachings have survived for twenty-seven centuries.

His sense of education as self-discovery and his view of philosophy as preparation for life have been the stuff of western thought at its best. So completely did Socrates embody these values, he was prepared to die in their defence.

The Phenomenology of Spirit is arguably Hegela (TM)s most influential and important work, and is considered to be essential in understanding Hegela (TM)s philosophical system and his contribution to western philosophy. The Routledge Guidebook to Hegela (TM)s Phenomenology of Spirit introduces the major themes in Hegela (TM)s great book and aids the reader in understanding this key work, examining:

• The context of Hegela (TM)s work and the background to his writing
• Each separate part of the text in relation to its goals, meanings and impact
• The reception the book received when first seen by the world
• The relevance of Hegela (TM)s work to modern philosophy

With a helpful introductory overview of the text, end of chapter summaries and further reading included throughout, this text is essential reading for all students of philosophy, and all those wishing to get to grips with this classic work of philosophy.