Voices of Wisdom: A Multicultural Philosophy Reader

by Gary E. Kessler

First published in 1992 this anthology quickly became the standard for multicultural introductions to philosophy. Composed of a group of culturally diverse readings addressing a selection of seminal philosophical questions in ethics, epistemology, and metaphysics, VOICES OF WISDOM introduces students to the traditional terrain of philosophy as developed in the European tradition, yet in a manner that embraces significant philosophical insights borne out of different cultural legacies.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Textbooks, School, Reference

550 pages, Paperback

First published December 12, 1992

Reviews

[Davina Herondale]

I read this for my ethics class. Philosophy makes me want to gouge out my eyes.

[Brittany Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contains a wide variety of pieces from various philosophers, from ancient to present-day. Spans a breadth of worldviews and perceptions on an endless array of topics. Comforting, puzzling, irritating, fascinating, inspiring, humbling, amusing...You will feel it all if you peruse multiple stories/essays. I love that I can open it at random and almost always find something enjoyable to read and ponder. The piece by Reginald Williams about immigration is so valuable, important, and eye-opening that I wish it was required reading for all Americans (or humans?). It is a perspective desperately needed--Our society needs more empathetic voices like his. Aside from Williams, who is a modern-day philosopher/intellectual, it contains excerpts from all the greats and all the classics. This was the textbook for a philosophy course I took a few years ago, but it has remained one of my favorite books. I just bought it as a gift for somebody--It provides far more value, inspiration, and enjoyment than most textbook authors could even dream of providing. It will enrich your mind and your life, making you think, feel, and contemplate deeply at every turn. Even the authors that make you think, "oh, god...I'm glad I don't think like this guy" allow you to clarify further who you do not want to be. This is a life-changer and a dynamic, mind-expander, for certain. I can't recommend it highly enough! Pick up a copy of this compilation immediately.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most philosophy, especially introductory philosophy, is very Eurocentric, and male dominated. This book is less so, yet still has everything you need to get started philosophy. The edition I had didn't have the feminist epistemology part, but the instructor handed Patricia Hill Collins, and I think it is in a different edition of it. Regardless, it's way less Eurocentric than these things normally are. It's really good at explaining the societal factors and values needed before diving into philosophy from a culture you aren't familiar with.

Now, from just this review it seems glowing, but I couldn't make myself give it more than three stars since I haven't actually read all of it. The class didn't require all of it, because we spent so much time discussing probably, since it's just filled with stuff. I might go back to it one day, but I doubt it. If I take philosophy again I might, just to have more stuff to compare to the new stuff, but as it is now I won't be finishing the parts we skipped.

So, not so interesting that I'll put effort outside of class, but definitely a likeable book (assuming you are at least somewhat interested in the subject).

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my textbook for my Intro to Philosophy class at CalState San Bernardino. If you are a student there, I recommend that you take Lou Reich for the Phil 190 class. I thought that he was very good.

[Jaclyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

my official introduction to philosophy! :/

[Kathleen Gear · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful overview of cross-cultural philosophical traditions. For all serious students.