A Dictionary of philosophy

by Antony Flew

Book by Antony Flew

Genres: Philosophy, Reference, Nonfiction

380 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

Antony Garrard Newton Flew (11 February 1923 – 8 April 2010) was a British philosopher. Belonging to the analytic and evidentialist schools of thought, he was notable for his works on the philosophy of religion.

Flew was a strong advocate of atheism, arguing that one should presuppose atheism until empirical evidence of a God surfaces. He also criticised the idea of life after death, the free will defence to the problem of evil, and the meaningfulness of the concept of God. In 2003 he was one of the signers of the Humanist Manifesto. However, in 2004 he stated an allegiance to deism, more specifically a belief in the Aristotelian God, stating that in keeping his lifelong commitment to go where the evidence leads, he now believes in the existence of God.

He later wrote the book There is a God: How the World's Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind, with contributions from Roy Abraham Varghese. This book (and Flew's conversion itself) has been the subject of controversy, following an article in the New York Times magazine alleging that Flew had mentally declined, and that Varghese was the primary author. The matter remains contentious, with some commentators including PZ Myers and Richard Carrier supporting the allegations, and others, including Flew himself, opposing them.

Reviews

[W.E Cervantez · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books.

[Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's called a dictionary, and so it is, but it is also an encyclopedia, that serves as a fine primer on a comprehensive range of topics in philosophy. Easy to read while still being intelligent. Get it and read it through and you will have a fine introduction to the subject of philosophy.

[laurentiu]

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[James Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have only taken a few university philosophy courses but I have at least some interest in the subject. I love looking something up in this little book and having it lead me to another subject or reference. I can look up Kant, Immanuel and read 3 pages on him and be satisfied. I think it is a Beautiful book, but then.......

"Beauty in things exists in the mind which contemplates them." David Hume

[TR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shamefully inadequate by the standards of what a philosophical dictionary worthy of the name should be, but probably the least harmful of the six or so major ones in print now. The best of a bad lot, and the reader will at least have somewhat of an idea of the meanings of the common terms of philosophy.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book got me through graduate school. Thank God for Anthony Flew.

[sologdin · Rating 2 out of 5]

a bit brief and schematic, but that is perhaps the proper role for a dictionary aimed at undergraduates who don't know anything yet.

[Mckinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thia was the one mom gave me while I was in college. Quite helpful.
I will never forget that cover; I used this so much.

[J.M. Wang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Used this in my undergrad philosophy class. Helpful and interesting! :]

[Chuck]

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