The Cambridge Companion to Locke (Cambridge Companions to Philosophy) [Paperback]

Vere Chappell (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521387728 | ISBN-13: 978-0521387729 | Publication Date: June 24, 1994

The essays in this volume provide a systematic survey of Locke's philosophy informed by the most recent scholarship. They cover Locke's theory of ideas, his philosophies of body, mind, language, and religion, his theory of knowledge, his ethics, and his political philosophy. There are also chapters on Locke's life and subsequent influence. New readers and nonspecialists will find this the most convenient, accessible guide to Locke currently available.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

"No one ever had common sense before John Locke," said Bertrand Russell, chauvinistically adding, "and no one but Englishmen have ever had it since." Commonsensical or not, Locke produced two masterpieces of profound importance: An Essay Concerning Human Understanding and Two Treatises of Government. In The Cambridge Companion to Locke, 10 eminent Locke scholars systematically survey his philosophy, amply demonstrating (as editor Vere Chappell remarks) "the vitality and quality of current Locke scholarship." No student of Locke will want to ignore it.

The first essay discusses Locke's life and times; the last essay discusses his far-reaching influence. In between, fully half of the essays are devoted to topics discussed in Locke's Essay. Locke's theory of ideas is expounded by Chappell, who hints at its importance by remarking that the word idea is the most frequently used noun in the Essay. It is puzzling that there is no complete essay here on the renowned distinction between primary and secondary qualities; fortunately, the concept is clearly explained in Edwin McCann's excellent essay on Locke's philosophy of body. Jonathan Bennett struggles valiantly to squeeze as much of Locke's philosophy of mind as he can into one essay; the result is useful if cramped. Other aspects of Locke's thought are not neglected; in particular, his moral thought and political theory receive careful treatment from J.B. Schneewind and the late Richard Ashcraft. His philosophy of religion is discussed by Nicholas Wolterstorff, who continues his discussion in his monograph John Locke and the Ethics of Belief. --Glenn Branch

Review

"All clearly written, [the chapters] cover fundamentals of Locke's positions as well as discussions of recent shcolarly disputes. Chappell's chapter on Locke's theory of ideas, McCann's on bodies, substance, and issues surrounding Locke's atomism, and Schneewind's discussion of the moral philosophy are just outstanding. The book is an exceptional research tool." --Choice

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Product Details

• Paperback: 344 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (June 24, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521387728
• ISBN-13: 978-0521387729
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #205,494 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good introduction to a great thinker, February 13, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Cambridge Companion to Locke (Cambridge Companions to Philosophy) (Paperback)

I just wanted to counter the review of the first writer on this book - this companion to Locke's thought is pitched extremely well between the needs of the new reader and a Locke scholar. Each of the articles are accessible, providing an interesting take on each of the subjects tackled. They are certainly not a simple read, however, and the reader is required to make an effort to understand the different strands of argument being discussed. The difficulties of understanding are far from insurmountable and the reader is provided with a sense of achievement in reaching a useful understanding of each subject under discussion. The articles cover all the major areas of Locke's philosophical work (with perhaps an emphasis on his epistemology and metaphysics) and there is an excellent biographical sketch. There is also a fine bibliography of Locke's works and related scholarly material. This book is a useful and informative introduction to Locke's thought. It does require an effort of understanding, but this effort is well-rewarded.

4 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Too ambitious to be good, April 21, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Cambridge Companion to Locke (Cambridge Companions to Philosophy) (Paperback)

Like others books in the Collection of Cambridge Companion, this volume on Locke's philosophy is too difficult to for new readers and too simple and general for scholars that already knows the basics of Locke's thought. Moreover, of the diffeents essays pubblied in this Companion, some are very usefull for a wide and general look. I think it's a good tool to graduate students looking for exapnding their knows on the political theory of XVIII century.