Classics of Western Philosophy

by Steven M. Cahn (Editor)

This new edition features several additions, including selections from the 'Enneads' of Plotinus, Schopenhauer's 'The World as Will and Representation', Husserl's Paris lectures, Wittgenstein's 'Philosophical Investigations', & a new selection from Hegel's 'Phenomenology of Spirit'.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Reference, Classics, Textbooks, School, Essays

1237 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

Steven M. Cahn, Ph.D. (Philosophy, Columbia University, 1966; A.B., Columbia College, 1963), teaches academic ethics, philosophy of religion, and philosophy of education at the Graduate Center and has published widely in the field of philosophy and education.

Cahn joined the Graduate Center as professor of philosophy and dean of graduate studies in 1983. He was named provost and vice president for academic affairs in 1984, remaining in that position until 1992. He previously taught at Dartmouth College, Vassar College, the University of Rochester, New York University, and the University of Vermont, where from 1973 to 1980 he headed the department of philosophy. He held executive positions with the Exxon Education Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Humanities, and he is longtime president of the John Dewey Foundation.

Reviews

[B. P. Rinehart · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had originally gave this book 4stars but I have to give it 3 because I am not a big fan of the way they chose to edit these works.

[Rebester]

I read this ages ago, when I was 19; I'm reading it again to see what's happened to my brain in the 8 years. More to follow...

[John Turlockton · Rating 1 out of 5]

Can't recommend since it's a random hodge-podge of European philosophers with huge gaping holes in between.

First of all I would question the value of a book which excludes the great philosophers of India and China who brought great insight to similar topics that were discussed in Europe.

Second, if we begin 'western' philosophy with ancient Greece, then it makes no sense to exclude that huge chunk of the world which was also inspired by ancient Greece and which also greatly influenced European thought, namely the Islamic world. eg. Ibn Sina, Ibn al-Haytham, Maimonedes, etc

Thirdly, even by the book's own very narrow and inadequate scope, it leaves out hugely important philosophers like Francis Bacon, Voltaire, Montesqieu, Karl Popper, Jeremy Benthem and more besides.
It focuses too much on individual philosophers, sidelining the debates containing various viewpoints in exchange for singular systems.
The emphasis is also strange, he lists 4 ancient Greeks and 2 early Christian thinkers. Really only one text on the hellenistic period and at most one on Christianity is necessary. I understand these two were hugely influential in the past but they have minimal influence on the modern science and philosophy.
Another example of the strange choices made, he has one philosopher best known for his political philosophy, Hobbes, but omits the long lineage of political philosophers who came after.

Unfortunately I can't recommend an alternative since most philosophical textbooks also fall into pitfalls one and two, but at least for the primary sources, they are usually fairly easy to find online.

[Julian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection is great as an introduction to Western philosophy. The introductions to each philosopher are particularly valuable, especially for students, because they explain the philosopher's beliefs in terms that are easy to understand (without the language loops that are common in some of the books). This collection can easiliy be read by jumping around to different books, and I found it most rewarding to read it this way. Highly recommended for those looking for an easy (and big) introduction to Western philosophy.

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm working slowly through this massive anthology of Philosophers from Plato to Kant and beyond. So far I've read several of Plato's plays, and I have to say, that Plato's Apology is an incredible piece of literature! Socrates' defence and the accusations levelled against him for teaching on foreign gods, or that they do not exist, is truly a classic in the writings of the ancient philosophers.

[Regan Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer- I read the pieces I wanted to read and skipped the others. Somehow I couldn't bring myself to read Schopenhauer's "Emptiness of Existence" after trudging through the Communist Manifesto. Plato and Locke didn't disappoint however.

[Hakija · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book but long!

[Chris]

1400 pages, working front to back.

[Jonathan]

None

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the book we used for Philosophy. We read The Meno, The Apology, The Republic, The Nicomachean Ethics, The Meditations, A Treatise on Human Nature, and The Enquiry.