A Dictionary of Continental Philosophy (Hardcover)

~ John Protevi (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Generous and readable. . . . A high-level convenience of the best kind in a world that more than threatens to exceed our information-gathering capacities. A reference tool that will be pulled off one''s shelf with affectionate regularity." -Joseph Margolis, Temple University (Joseph Margolis )

Product Description

With over 450 definitions and articles by an international team of specialists, this comprehensive dictionary covers the thinkers, topics, and technical terms associated with the many intersecting fields known as continental philosophy. Special care has been taken to explain complex ideas, methods, and figures. Entries strive for clarity and concision, offering helpful definitions and sober, reliable accounts of key concepts. Professionals, students, and general readers alike will find the dictionary an invaluable reference tool and a treasured addition to the library shelf.
 Key features include:
· in-depth entries on major figures and topics
· over 190 shorter articles on other figures and topics
· over 250 items on technical terms used by continental thinkers, from "abjection" (Kristeva) to "worldhood" (Heidegger)
· coverage of related subjects that use continental terms and methods
· extensive cross-referencing, allowing readers to relate and pursue ideas in depth

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 640 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press (March 8, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300116055
• ISBN-13: 978-0300116052
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #302,793 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good reference for students and teachers of philosophy; necessary for libraries, November 28, 2006

By	Shaun King.com - See all my reviews

From the Preface to the book it is noted that "Continental philosophy" has been difficult to define, Nietzsche said, "only that which is without history can be defined." However, the goal of this dictionary is to broaden familiarity and describe the diversity of continental thought. Examples of its diversity include entries on analytic philosophy, Donald Davidson, Richard Rorty, William James, and C.S. Peirce.
The book is dedicated more so to the actual philosophers from the European Continent. Moreover, important definitions and concepts like dromology, framing, and phallogocentrism go unrecorded by larger references like "The Oxford Companion to Philosophy New Edition" and The Cambridge Dictionary of Philosophy. I have all three of these references (by far the The Oxford Companion to Philosophy New Edition is best) yet I am glad I purchased "A Dictionary of Continental Philosophy" because in studying the creative and esoteric writings of Continental thinkers, these terms and concepts become essential to understand. So if you're looking for a quick reference source for words like "heterotopia" (a medical term Foucault used) or "interpellation" (introduced by Althusser) then this reference will be a meaningful addition even if you already own another good reference (like the Cambridge Dictionary of Philosophy) or even a great reference (like Oxford's Companion to Philosophy). One of the greatest benefits from this dictionary is the desire the editor and contributors have to giving "Accuracy without jargon or paraphrase and simplicity without superficiality" (from the Preface).

Probably the two main drawbacks are Yale UP's high price, and the lack of a substantive index and chronology.The Oxford Companion to Philosophy is so incredibly well cross-referenced in the index that it could have served as a reasonable model.