Philosophic Classics: From Plato to Derrida (5th Edition) [Paperback]

Forrest E. Baird (Author), Walter Kaufmann (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0131585916 | ISBN-13: 978-0131585911 | Publication Date: April 29, 2007 | Edition: 5

This anthology of readings in Western philosophy-from the Ancient Greeks to the 20th Century-is designed to be readable and accessible. Striking a balance between major and minor figures in philosophy, it features the best available translations of texts, while still being faithful to the original works. This anthology uses the best translations, drawings, diagrams, photographs, and a timeline to cover philosophy throughout the ages; and includes works by Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, Epictetus, Plotinus, Augustine, Boethius, Anselm, Maimonides, Aquinas, William of Ockham, Descartes, Hobbes, Pascal, Spinoza, Locke, Leibniz, Berkeley, Hume, Kant, Hegel, Mill, Kiegegaard, Marx, Nietzsche, Husserl, Russell, Heidegger, Wittgenstein, Sartre, and Derrida. For anyone wishing to own a fabulous, readable collection of some of the greatest philosophical works throughout the ages.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Students with little or no background in philosophy would likely find it difficult—if not impossible—to comprehend the works of many of the philosophers addressed in [each] volume on their own. However, this text's informative introductions and careful selection of readings make it possible for students to get a foothold in their primary texts....[S]tudents are afforded the opportunity to engage with the works of these illustrious but often inscrutable thinkers." — Jennifer McMahon, Centre College

"This collection is by far the best I have seen in this area....And I certainly prefer having all of my material together in one text rather than having students purchase half a dozen books, which then still require supplementation. I cannot imagine a better format or selection of materials that would tempt me away from this collection for another." — Ted Toadvine, Emporia State University

From the Back Cover

This anthology of readings in the survey of Western philosophy--from the Ancient Greeks to the 20th Century--is designed to be accessible to today's readers. Striking a balance between major and minor figures, it features the best available translations of texts--complete works or complete selections of works-- which are both central to each philosopher's thought and are widely accepted as part of the “canon.” The selections are readable and accessible, while still being faithful to the original. Includes Introductions to each historical period and to each philosopher, and an abundance of drawings, diagrams, photographs, and a timeline. This Combined Volume contains the most important works from Baird's Philosophic Classics, Volumes I- V. ANCIENT GREEK PHILOSOPHY. Plato. Aristotle. HELLENISTIC PHILOSOPHY. Epicurus. Epictetus. Plotinus. MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY. Augustine. Boethius. Anselm (and Guanilo). Moses Maimonides. Thomas Aquinas. William of Ockham. Pico Della Mirandola. MODERN PHILOSOPHY. Ren For anyone interested in Philosophy, History of Philosophy, or History of Intellectual Thought. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 1248 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 5 edition (April 29, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0131585916
• ISBN-13: 978-0131585911
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #88,567 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Introduction to Philosophy Text, June 13, 2000

By 

W. Jamison "William S. Jamison" (Eagle River, Ak United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Philosophic Classics: From Plato to Derrida (3rd Edition) (Paperback)

If you teach Introduction to Philosophy using a historical approach, this is the text I recommend. I used "The Philosophic Classics 2nd edition, From Plato to Nietzsche" for my classes and was looking for a text with the same basic works with some more contemporary materials. I find the updated 3rd edition, "From Plato to Derrida" the perfect solution. Instead of having to look through more textbooks for the right stuff, this is it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Who thought philosophy would be fun??, February 24, 2006

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E.Hess. - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Philosophic Classics: From Plato to Derrida (4th Edition) (Paperback)

Great study of major philosophies that have impacted our western culture. Very enjoyable and easy reading, yet stimulating and intellectual...Loved the book!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Philosophic Classics from Plato to Derida, February 13, 2009

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Timothy Smith - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Philosophic Classics: From Plato to Derrida (5th Edition) (Paperback)

Another master piece for your books shelf. This work is more in depth and delves into snippets of the various authors' works. We are assigned this book in a class for MTh. An excellent resource, a book shelf keeper.