Plato Etc: The Problems of Philosophy and their Resolution - Clear

In this review of Plato Etc: The Problems of Philosophy and their Resolution, the bottom line is straightforward: this concise book is best for readers who want a focused, critical treatment of central philosophical problems without wading through lengthy historical tomes. Roy Bhaskar aims to diagnose and resolve core issues across epistemology, logic, metaphysics and social philosophy, making this work useful as a compact companion for advanced undergraduates, graduate students and thoughtful general readers. The single biggest reason to buy is its synoptic reach combined with a resolute critical realism perspective that ties problems together across domains.

Key Features

• Comprehensive scope: Covers theory of knowledge, philosophy of science, logic and language, and the philosophies of space, time and causality, giving readers a broad map of the discipline.
• Critical realism approach: Offers diagnosis and proposed resolutions rooted in a critical realist stance, which helps integrate debates about science, society and ontology.
• Focused length: A concise text that distils major problems like induction, universals and relativism, allowing efficient study and classroom use.
• Engages classic and modern issues: Discusses topics from the scandal of philosophy about the external world to free will and determinism, tying historical concerns to contemporary debates.
• Synthetic final chapters: The last chapters provide a synoptic account of Western philosophys development, aiding readers who want a big-picture narrative.

Who It's For

This work will suit advanced undergraduates, graduate students and independent readers who already have some background in philosophy and want a compact, critical overview that connects epistemology, metaphysics and social theory. In particular, those interested in philosophy of science and the social sciences will find Bhaskars framing helpful for linking methodological and ontological questions.

Readers seeking an introductory textbook with pedagogical exercises or a purely historical survey might want a more expansive or classroom-oriented volume instead. Likewise, those looking for an accessible popular introduction with minimal technical terminology should expect a denser, theory-driven read.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Concise synthesis: brings a wide range of philosophical problems into a single, focused presentation.
• Theoretical integration: uses critical realism to connect issues in science, society and ontology.
• Broad coverage: addresses epistemology, logic, metaphysics, ethics and the history of philosophy.

Cons

• Not an introductory primer: assumes some prior familiarity with philosophical debates and terminology.

Specifications

Title	Plato Etc: The Problems of Philosophy and their Resolution
Author	Roy Bhaskar
Series	Classical Texts in Critical Realism (Routledge Critical Realism)
Coverage	Epistemology, philosophy of science, logic, metaphysics, social philosophy, ethics
Notable topics	Induction, universals, relativism, external world, free will and determinism
Final chapters	Synoptic account of the development of Western philosophy

Our Verdict

Plato Etc is a valuable, compact resource for readers who want a critical realist synthesis of core philosophical problems; it rewards those with some prior exposure to philosophy and is a good value for its concentrated treatment and wide thematic reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book cover the history of philosophy?
Yes; the final chapters offer a synoptic account of Western philosophys development, though the work is primarily problem-focused rather than a full historical survey.

Is this suitable for beginners?
It is better suited to readers with some background in philosophy; beginners may find its theoretical density challenging without supplemental introductions.

Which philosophical areas does it address?
The book addresses knowledge and science, logic and language, space and time, causality, social and life sciences, dialectic, ethics, politics and aesthetics.