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The Concise Encyclopedia of Western Philosophy and Philosophers
On its first appearance in 1960, J.O. Urmson's Concise encyclopedia of Western philosophy and philosophers established itself as a classic. Its contributors included many of the leading philosophers of the English-speaking Ryle, Hare, Strawson, Ayer, Dummett, Williams and many others. They wrote with an authority and individuality which made the Encyclopedia into a lively and engaging introduction to philosophy as well as a convenient reference work.
For this edition, supervised by Jonathan Rée, the original articles have been revised and updated, and eighty articles by thirty one new authors have been added. The additions take account of recent developments in philosophy, of literary, historical and political issues in philosophy, and of developments in continental thought, including in Marxism, psychoanalysis, phenomenology, existentialism, structuralism, post-structuralism and deconstruction. There is a clear, integral cross-referencing system which allows the reader to identify points of overlap between philosophical traditions and their personalities at a glance.
For this edition, supervised by Jonathan Rée, the original articles have been revised and updated, and eighty articles by thirty one new authors have been added. The additions take account of recent developments in philosophy, of literary, historical and political issues in philosophy, and of developments in continental thought, including in Marxism, psychoanalysis, phenomenology, existentialism, structuralism, post-structuralism and deconstruction. There is a clear, integral cross-referencing system which allows the reader to identify points of overlap between philosophical traditions and their personalities at a glance.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1960
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 13, 2025
How do you review an encyclopedia? Well, here's my crack at it.
The Concise Encyclopedia of Western Philosophy and Philosophers is shorter than I thought it would be, but still manages to work as a coffee table book. It covers Western Philosophy and Philosophers as stated on the cover. The entries are alphabetical, so it's better to look up information rather than read through the entire volume. I found the book at the library, and it has all of the entries I thought it would have.
Alongside those entries, the book has photographs and other images to demonstrate who is important. The book smells musty due to age. It is the 1960 edition, after all. I enjoyed the book. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.
The Concise Encyclopedia of Western Philosophy and Philosophers is shorter than I thought it would be, but still manages to work as a coffee table book. It covers Western Philosophy and Philosophers as stated on the cover. The entries are alphabetical, so it's better to look up information rather than read through the entire volume. I found the book at the library, and it has all of the entries I thought it would have.
Alongside those entries, the book has photographs and other images to demonstrate who is important. The book smells musty due to age. It is the 1960 edition, after all. I enjoyed the book. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.
March 25, 2021
Excellent overview of Western Philosophy as intended!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews