Economist HENRY GEORGE (1839-1897) was, at the height of his popularity in the 1880s and 1890s, considered the third most famous American, behind Mark Twain and Thomas Edison, and his liberal philosophies on taxation, copyrights, poverty issues, and more continue to influence progressive movements today.Here, in this 1892 work, George takes on Herbert Spencer, the English political theorist best remembered as the father of the concept of social darwinism... and a philosopher whose basic stance on numerous economic issues differed greatly from George's. From property rights to the nature of the battle between individuals and the state, George reexamines Spencer's writings from his own humanistic perspective, echoing debates we continue to hear today.ALSO FROM COSIMO: George's Progress and Poverty, The Science of Political Economy, The Condition of Labor, Protection of Free Trade, and Social Problems.

A student guide to the philosophy of Plato, one of the most widely-studied yet notoriously challenging thinkers. Covers the full range of Plato's works and ideas, providing a detailed examination of all the key Platonic dialogues.

The author of the world wide best-seller, Small Is Beautiful, now tackles the subject of Man, the World, and the Meaning of Living. Schumacher writes about man's relation to the world. man has obligations -- to other men, to the earth, to progress and technology, but most importantly himself. If man can fulfill these obligations, then and only then can he enjoy a real relationship with the world, then and only then can he know the meaning of living. Schumacher says we need maps: a "map of knowledge" and a "map of living." The concern of the mapmaker--in this instance, Schumacher--is to find for everything it's proper place. Things out of place tend to get lost; they become invisible and there proper places end to be filled by other things that ought not be there at all and therefore serve to mislead. A Guide for the Perplexed teaches us to be our own map makers. This constantly surprising, always stimulating book will be welcomed by a large audience, including the many new fans who believe strongly in what Schumacher has to say.

Schopenhauer: A Guide For The Perplexed is a clear and thorough introduction To The work and thought of this important but often difficult thinker.