The Columbia History of Western Philosophy

Book Overview

Richard Popkin has assembled 63 leading scholars to forge a highly approachable chronological account of the development of Western philosophical traditions. From Plato to Wittgenstein and from Aquinas to Heidegger, this volume provides lively, in-depth, and up-to-date historical analysis of all the key figures, schools, and movements of Western philosophy. The Columbia History significantly broadens the scope of Western philosophy to reveal the influence of Middle Eastern and Asian thought, the vital contributions of Jewish and Islamic philosophers, and the role of women within the tradition. Along with a wealth of new scholarship, recently discovered works in 17th- and 18th-century philosophy are considered, such as previously unpublished works by Locke that inspire a new assessment of the evolution of his ideas. Popkin also emphasizes schools and developments that have traditionally been overlooked. Sections on Aristotle and Plato are followed by a detailed presentation on Hellenic philosophy and its influence on the modern developments of materialism and scepticism. A chapter has been dedicated to Jewish and Moslem philosophical development during the Middle Ages, focusing on the critical role of figures such as Averro s and Moses Maimonides in introducing Christian thinkers to classical philosophy. Another chapter considers Renaissance philosophy and its seminal influence on the development of modern humanism and science. Turning to the modern era, contributors consider the importance of the Kaballah to Spinoza, Leibniz, and Newton and the influence of popular philosophers like Moses Mendelssohn upon the work of Kant. This volume gives equal attention to both sides of the current rift in philosophy between continental and analytic schools, charting the development of each right up to the end of the 20th century. Each chapter includes an introductory essay, and Popkin provides notes that draw connections among the separate articles. The rich bibliographic information and the indexes of names and terms make the volume a valuable resource. Combining a broad scope and penetrating analysis with a keen sense of what is relevant for the modern reader, The Columbia History of Western Philosophy will prove an accessible introduction for students and an informative overview for general readers.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0231101287
• ISBN13: 9780231101288
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Length: 864 Pages
• Weight: 3.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 2.5" x 7.6" x 10.4"
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Destined to become a classic

The Columbia History is destined to become a classic. Richard Popkin assembled a small army of experts to write this history. The result is a text that is useful not only to the scholar, but to the general reader and student as well. Although a book like this suffers the danger that it will be simply a collection of unrelated essays on each philosopher or school of philosophy, Popkin provides notes that connect the separate articles. The thorough bibliography and index make this book particularly useful. Every student of philosophy should own a copy. Highly recommended.

Destined to be the subject's definitive treatment.

This book could have been just another collection of essays on Western philosophy. Instead, Popkin's masterful organization, editing and commentary produced a lucid, well-integrated work. Ideas are presented and developed in the context of their times and mirrored against similar and contrasting ones. The result, in my view, is as seamless as a treatment of this vast subject could possibly be. Any future attempt to tackle this area will have to contend with this superb benchmark.

The most up-to-date and inclusive history of philosophy.

In the line of one-volume histories of philosophy, Popkin's History will immediately take its place as a classic.He includes not only the latest scholarship on the familiar figures and debates, but we also broadens the scope of what ought to be considered and studied in the canon of Western philosophy. This is a summa for the end of the 20th-century. The chapter on analytic philosophy is the most lucid treatment of that difficult topic I have ever read.Popkin has given us a gift in this volume. If you need a basic introduction to the field or if you need a large angle sub specie aeternatis view of philsophy, this is the book to buy.