The Consequences of Ideas: Understanding the Concepts That Shaped Our World

Plato. Aquinas. Descartes. Kant. Freud. These great thinkers are still impacting the culture today—from public-policy decisions to world events, theology, the arts, education, and even everyday conversations. In this classic book, the late R. C. Sproul expertly surveys history’s most influential streams of thought, proving that ideas are not just passing fads—they have consequences for generations to come. Helping readers better understand how many of these ideas have shaped their own thinking, this book will empower Christians to be a Christlike influence in the world.

• Comprehensive: Traces the thought and historical significance of philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Descartes, Locke, Hume, Kant, Marx, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Sartre, Darwin, and Freud
• Accessible: Includes over 20 tables and diagrams
• A Great Resource for Students and Anyone Who Enjoys Philosophy: Explores the ideas that have shaped foundational beliefs and assumptions in modern culture

Content

Introduction: Why Philosophy?

Chapter 1: The First Philosophers
Chapter 2: Plato: Realist and Idealist
Chapter 3: Aristotle: The Philosopher
Chapter 4: Augustine: Doctor of Grace
Chapter 5: Thomas Aquinas: Angelic Doctor
Chapter 6: René Descartes: Father of Modern Rationalism
Chapter 7: John Locke: Father of Modern Empiricism
Chapter 8: David Hume: Skeptic
Chapter 9: Immanuel Kant: Revolutionary Philosopher
Chapter 10: Karl Marx: Utopian
Chapter 11: Søren Kierkegaard: Danish Gadfly
Chapter 12: Friedrich Nietzsche: Atheistic Existentialist
Chapter 13: Jean-Paul Sartre: Litterateur and Philosopher
Chapter 14: Darwin and Freud: Influential Thinkers

Conclusion: Gilson’s Choice
Notes
For Further Reading
Index