The author argues against the idea that history is bunk and suggests that today is only possible because of the changes that took place yesterday. His philosophy of history is supported by examples drawn from a wide variety of disciplines. From the author of the Psychoanalytic Movement.
Ernest Gellner Books
Ernest Gellner was a distinguished British-Czech philosopher, social anthropologist, and writer on nationalism. His work delves deeply into the nature of modern societies and the genesis and functioning of nationalism. Gellner's analytical approach and his ability to bridge philosophy, sociology, and history allowed him to offer unique insights into the complexities of human culture and politics. His writings remain essential for understanding the formation of nations and the modern state.







How did the language of psychoanalysis become the dominant idiom in which the middle classes of the industrialized West speak about their emotions? Ernest Gellner offers a forceful and complex answer to this intriguing question in The Psychoanalytic Movement.
Nationalism
- 128 pages
- 5 hours of reading
A provocative essay on a subject that, since the collapse of the Soviet empire, has become once again, a central subject of contemporary politics. Lucid, witty and brilliant, Gellner's essay combines the perspectives of politics, history, philosophy and anthropology with the multidisciplinary flair for which he is renowned
Cause and Meaning in the Social Sciences
- 240 pages
- 9 hours of reading
Key conceptual issues in the social sciences are explored, highlighting Winch's perspective on social science, structuralism, and the contributions of Malinowski and Evans-Pritchard. The volume delves into the intricate concept of kinship, offering insights into how these foundational ideas shape the understanding of social structures and relationships.
The Concept of Kinship
And Other Essays on Anthropological Method and Explanation
Previously published under the title "Cause and Meaning in the Social Sciences", this collection of essays ranges widely in philosophy, sociology and social anthropology, and the relationships and interaction between the three.
Words and Things
- 416 pages
- 15 hours of reading
First published in 1959, this classic challenge to the prevailing philosophical orthodoxy of the day, remains the most devastating attack on a conventional wisdom in philosophy to this day.
This collection of essays addresses critical issues within philosophy, politics, and society, offering insightful analysis and perspectives. It explores fundamental questions and challenges, encouraging readers to reflect on the interplay between these disciplines. Each essay contributes to a deeper understanding of contemporary societal problems, making it a valuable resource for those interested in the complexities of human thought and governance.