A Critical History of Western Philosophy [Paperback]

D.J. O'Connor (Editor)

Product Details

• Paperback: 612 pages
• Publisher: Free Press (August 1, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0029238404
• ISBN-13: 978-0029238400
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,009,992 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great guide for the intellectual beginner, April 17, 2008

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Catholic book friend (N. NJ) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: A Critical History of Western Philosophy (Paperback)

If you are studying theology or some other field where you need to have a good basic command of the history of philosophy, or just want a readable but sophisticated intro, this could be the book for you. It was first published in 1964 with undergraduate philosophy majors as the intended audience, but with the decline of philosophical literacy and the trendiness of contemporary programs, it should be useful for graduate students who are either beginning to study philosophy or have just enough exposure to be confused.

There are about 20 authors including some big names like MacIntyre, Flew and Danto. The general approach is critical more than historical with impressive analytical commentary. The book covers an amazing amount of ground in a relatively short space (about 550 pages of text, but it covers over 20 centuries). To have this kind of overview from the hands of top contemporary philosophers is a real treat.

The only downside is that it doesn't include all the moderns it might -- e.g., only a page or so on Husserl. The editor chose quality over quantity. You can always go elsewhere for the missing philosophers. If that is a possible concern, check the index before buying. No one overview can do it all. This is easily the best one I've seen. I just wish I had found it sooner. I read a chapter in the library today and was delighted to find the book is still available.