From the Tree to the Labyrinth by Eco, Umberto
From the Tree to the Labyrinth by Eco, Umberto

From the Tree to the Labyrinth

The way we create and organize knowledge is the theme of From the Tree to the Labyrinth,...
$228.66 AUD
$228.66 AUD
SKU: 9780674049185
Product Type: Books
Please hurry! Only 459 left in stock
Author: Umberto Eco
Format: Hardcover
Language: English
Subtotal: $228.66
From the Tree to the Labyrinth by Eco, Umberto

From the Tree to the Labyrinth

$228.66
From the Tree to the Labyrinth by Eco, Umberto

From the Tree to the Labyrinth

$228.66
Author: Umberto Eco
Format: Hardcover
Language: English
Description

The way we create and organize knowledge is the theme of From the Tree to the Labyrinth, a major achievement by one of the world's foremost thinkers on language and interpretation. Umberto Eco begins by arguing that our familiar system of classification by genus and species derives from the Neo-Platonist idea of a "tree of knowledge." He then moves to the idea of the dictionary, which--like a tree whose trunk anchors a great hierarchy of branching categories--orders knowledge into a matrix of definitions. In Eco's view, though, the dictionary is too rigid: it turns knowledge into a closed system. A more flexible organizational scheme is the encyclopedia, which--instead of resembling a tree with finite branches--offers a labyrinth of never-ending pathways. Presenting knowledge as a network of interlinked relationships, the encyclopedia sacrifices humankind's dream of possessing absolute knowledge, but in compensation we gain the freedom to pursue an infinity of new connections and meanings.

Moving effortlessly from analyses of Aristotle and James Joyce to the philosophical difficulties of telling dogs from cats, Eco demonstrates time and again his inimitable ability to bridge ancient, medieval, and modern modes of thought. From the Tree to the Labyrinth is a brilliant illustration of Eco's longstanding argument that problems of interpretation can be solved only in historical context.

Author: Umberto Eco
Publisher: Harvard University Press
Published: 02/24/2014
Pages: 640
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 2.48lbs
Size: 9.51h x 6.44w x 1.73d
ISBN: 9780674049185


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 12/15/2013
Publishers Weekly 02/03/2014
Choice 09/01/2014 pg. 57
Shipping & Return

Returns Policy

You may return most new, unopened items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. We'll also pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.).

You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).

If you need to return an item, simply login to your account, view the order using the "Complete Orders" link under the My Account menu and click the Return Item(s) button. We'll notify you via e-mail of your refund once we've received and processed the returned item.

Shipping

We can ship to virtually any address in the world. Note that there are restrictions on some products, and some products cannot be shipped to international destinations.

When you place an order, we will estimate shipping and delivery dates for you based on the availability of your items and the shipping options you choose. Depending on the shipping provider you choose, shipping date estimates may appear on the shipping quotes page.

Please also note that the shipping rates for many items we sell are weight-based. The weight of any such item can be found on its detail page. To reflect the policies of the shipping companies we use, all weights will be rounded up to the next full pound.

Review