review of ' what is Philosophy by kirilenko and korshunova


"What Is Philosophy?" by Galina Kirilenko and Lydia Korshunova is part of the ' abc of political and social knowledge' by progressive publisher, Moscow. I was given a copy by my grandfather in 1985 and it cost rs 5.50/- in those days. Presently it is in a sense a collectors edition after the fall of the mighty soviet union. 
The book a philosophical text that explores the core concepts and principles of philosophy from a Marxist-Leninist perspective. The book delves into the nature of knowledge, the relationship between thought and reality, and the role of philosophy in shaping human understanding of the world. It examines various philosophical schools of thought, including materialism, idealism, and dialectical materialism, and critiques their strengths and weaknesses. The authors argue that dialectical materialism provides the most comprehensive and accurate framework for understanding the world and guiding human action. The book also discusses the historical development of philosophy and its connection to social and political movements.
These books from USSR, either from progressive publisher or Mir publisher, both state owned have wonderful translation of their content. Their text is lucid and yet presents the point well enough.
It is interesting to note in the book the idea of dialectical materialism as written by academics who work within a system which predetermined commitment and truthfulness as a part of human quality. However, it remaing a great and disappointing truth that both the above factors are nearly never present. 
The book is worth reading since it starts with basics and argues it's way towards a particular way of thinking. 

I have this book and can be borrowed for a read.

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