The Making of a Philosopher: My Journey Through Twentieth-Century Philosophy by Colin McGinn

My Journey Through Twentieth-Century Philosophy by Colin McGinn traces the development of philosophy from the early modern period through to the end of the 20th century. It is an invaluable resource for those looking to gain a better understanding of the breadth and complexity of philosophical thought in the modern era.

While McGinn does not pretend to be a historian of philosophy, his study nevertheless cuts through the historiography of the period to provide a clear and comprehensive overview. He begins with an examination of German Idealism, exploring the works of Kant, Fichte, and Hegel, before moving on to the English empiricists and Kantian idealists.

The book then shifts its focus to twentieth-century philosophy. Here, McGinn discusses the rise of the logical positivists, their subsequent defeat at the hands of Wittgenstein, and the subsequent development of existentialism and analytic philosophy. While these three disparate philosophical movements are examined independently, McGinn also delves into their interrelationship, thereby providing a unified assessment of the century's philosophical thought.

In My Journey Through Twentieth-Century Philosophy, McGinn identifies and explains the relationships between the various movements of twentieth-century philosophy. By doing so, he brings to life the ideas and arguments of such eminent thinkers as Russell, Moore, Wittgenstein, and Heidegger. He also expounds on the various interpretations of their work, demonstrating the underlying connections between their various positions.

The most impressive aspect of this book is McGinn's ability to provide a single coherent account of the development of twentieth-century philosophy. By combining these seemingly disparate streams of thought and theories, he produces a picture that is both informative and persuasive. Additionally, McGinn takes the time to discuss a variety of other topics, such as the emergence of philosophy as a profession and how philosophical texts have been received.

By approaching twentieth-century philosophy in terms of its genesis and evolution, My Journey Through Twentieth-Century Philosophy allows readers to gain a better understanding of the philosophical foundations of our current beliefs and to challenge their preconceptions. This book is an invaluable resource for those looking to gain a more thorough understanding of the development of twentieth-century philosophy.