The word “philosophy” comes from the Greek words philos and sophia, which together mean “the love of wisdom.” This love has ignited the curiosity and critical thinking of philosophers and readers throughout human civilization. To celebrate this passion for intellectual challenge, Adaptive Reader organizes a collection of diverse philosophical texts that span cultures and centuries.
The history of Western philosophy traces the evolution of human thought from ancient times to the present, beginning with early theoretical inquiries in ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece. Greek philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle laid foundational concepts in ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology, influencing subsequent generations.
The Hellenistic period introduced schools of thought such as Stoicism and Epicureanism, while medieval philosophy, shaped by Christian, Islamic, and Jewish thinkers, explored the relationship between faith and reason.
During the Renaissance period, thinkers revived and innovated classical ideas, paving the way for modern philosophy which emphasized individualism and empirical inquiry through figures like Descartes, Locke, and Kant. The 19th and 20th centuries saw the rise of existentialism, pragmatism, and postmodernism, reflecting the complexities of contemporary thought.
In the East, Chinese philosophy has a rich history that spans over two millennia, beginning with key figures like Confucius and Laozi in the 6th century BC. Confucius emphasized ethics, social harmony, and moral leadership, while Laozi, the founder of Daoism, advocated for living in accordance with the Dao (the Way). During the Han Dynasty, Confucianism became the state philosophy, further evolving into Neo-Confucianism in the Tang and Song dynasties, which integrated Daoist and Buddhist elements.
In the modern era, Chinese philosophy has engaged with Western thought, leading to movements like New Confucianism and Marxism, continuing to influence both Chinese society and global philosophical discourse.
The Adaptive Reader’s editorial team has worked tirelessly to select and adapt pertinent texts that represent their respective schools, countries, and historical periods. Our collection not only illuminates the philosophical landscape but also encourages personal introspection, fostering a deeper appreciation for the intricate web of ideas that connects us all.