The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy

by Simon Blackburn

Overview

This bestselling dictionary is written by one of the leading philosophers of our time, and it is widely recognized as the best dictionary of its kind. Comprehensive and authoritative, it covers every aspect of philosophy from Aristotle to Zen. With clear and concise definitions, it provides lively and accessible coverage of not only Western philosophical traditions, but also themes from Chinese, Indian, Islamic, and Jewish philosophy.

Entries include over 400 biographies of famous and influential philosophers, in-depth analysis of philosophical terms and concepts, and a chronology of philosophical events stretching from 10,000 BC to the present day. New entries on philosophy of economics, social theory, neuroscience, philosophy of the mind, and moral conceptions bring the third edition of this dictionary fully up to date.

Fully cross-referenced and containing over 3,300 alphabetical entries, it is the ideal introduction to philosophy for anyone with an interest in the subject, and it is an indispensable work of reference for students and teachers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198735304
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	05/01/2016
Series:	Oxford Quick Reference
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	544
Sales rank:	94,575
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 7.60(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

Simon Blackburn is one of the UK's leading twenty-first century philosophers. He retired as professor of philosophy at the University of Cambridge in 2011 and is now Collegial Professor at the New College of the Humanities. He remains a distinguished research professor of philosophy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is also a Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. He was previously a Fellow of Pembroke College, Oxford and has taught full-time at the University of North Carolina as an Edna J. Koury Professor.

Table of Contents

Preface to the Second Edition
Preface to the First Edition
The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy
Appendix 1: Logical Symbols
Appendix 2: Key Introductory Terms
Appendix 3: Specialist Terms
Chronology

Editorial Reviews

Almost 3000 entries-many extensively cross-referenced-cover Eastern and Western philosophy (with emphasis on the latter), all the main subdivisions of philosophy, terminology from other disciplines that is significant in philosophical discussion, and major historical figures. Occasionally, information in a definition coupled with its cross references make the term's meaning unnecessarily murky (e.g., compare the "validity"-"follow"-"entailment" sequence to the definition of "validity" in a standard elementary logic text). Some definitions are idiosyncratic (e.g., that of "straw man"), and some omit something necessary for correctness (e.g., the common knowledge condition in defining D. Lewis's "convention"). On the whole, however, the definitions are clear, correct, and useful, and the subjects of biographical entries are generally chosen sensibly. Blackburn covers more than A.R. Lacey in A Dictionary of Philosophy (Routledge, 1990) and a bit more than Antony Flew in A Dictionary of Philosophy (St. Martin's, 1984. 2d ed.), though Flew is somewhat clearer. Since these three dictionaries have different emphases, they complement one another nicely. Recommended for academic libraries.-Robert Hoffman, York Coll., CUNY

Library Journal

YA-A wondrous study of the concepts that structure our thinking. The 25,000 entries include the traditional ancient Eastern and Western philosophers, statesmen, and theologians as well as the modern influences in literary, social, political, math, and scientific movements. From Plato to Turing, this dictionary explains the ideas in language that students can understand and enjoy. Each definition explores the origin, current thought, and philosophers most associated with the concept. Cross-references are included. At just over 400 pages, this volume is easily used and not as intimidating as many specific-knowledge dictionaries. Blackburn describes his dictionary as a ``playground for browsers and a resource for anyone interested in general intellectual movements...'' YAs are likely to find themselves browsing compulsively day after day.-Cecelia Blotkamp, R.E. Lee High School, Springfield, VA

School Library Journal

Reprint of the 1994 edition with a new chronology. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

"The most comprehensive dictionary of philosophy in English."—Times Literary Supplement

"This is a marvellous book. Breathtaking in scope and yet rich in detail, it is not only an excellent reference work but a tremendous read. I cannot recommend it highly enough..."—Australasian Journal of Philosophy

"A wondrous study of the concepts that structure our thinking."—School Library Journal

From the Publisher