The book "The Problem of Human Life as Viewed by the Great Thinkers from Plato to the Present Time" by Rudolf Eucken, translated by Williston S. Hough and William Ralph Boyce Gibson, delves into the philosophical perspectives on the nature of human existence from ancient Greece to the early 20th century.
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The book begins with an exploration of the Greek character and the development of Hellenism, setting the stage for the philosophical discussions that follow. The first major thinker discussed is Plato, whose ideas on the nature of reality and the human experience are examined in detail. The concept of the Forms or Ideas, as well as Plato's views on the ultimate purpose of life and the pursuit of knowledge, are analyzed.
Plato's thoughts on asceticism and the transformation of the world are also explored, along with his views on the different aspects of human life such as religion, the state, art, and science. The book provides a comprehensive overview of Plato's philosophy and its implications for understanding the human condition.
The next major thinker discussed is Aristotle, whose ideas on ethics, politics, and metaphysics are examined in depth. Aristotle's concept of eudaimonia, or human flourishing, is explored, as well as his views on the role of virtue and reason in achieving a The book also delves into Aristotle's thoughts on the nature of the state, the importance of education, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Overall, "The Problem of Human Life as Viewed by the Great Thinkers from Plato to the Present Time" offers a comprehensive analysis of the philosophical perspectives on human existence from ancient Greece to the modern era. It provides valuable insights into the enduring questions about the meaning and purpose of life, and the ways in which different thinkers have grappled with these fundamental issues throughout history.