Abstract

This work is a critical examination of philosophical and historical works of Will Durant, and also serves as an intellectual biography. Chapter One traces his early intellectual development in college and seminary and his subsequent rejection of Catholicism to his studies under John Dewey at Columbia University, to Durant's dismissal from the faculty of Columbia in 1917. Chapter Two examines his philosophical writings, especially The Story of Philosophy. The third chapter closely explores the historigraphical method exmployed in the Story of Civilization, his main historical work, and in addition assesses the contribution of Ariel Durant to the execution of these works. The critical reception of each volume as they were published is also discussed. Chapter Four outlines Durant's political philosophy, from his early days as an ardent socialist to his visit to Russia and his subsequent rethinking of socialism, to his attempt to outline a program of economic and political reform in Depression-era America. Chapter Five concludes the dissertation with critical reappraisal of his life and work