Philosophy A-Z – serie

Jacobs introduces the issues, language, concepts and positions central to ethical theorizing. Entries range from antiquity to the present and basic to advance. Cross-referencing allows readers to explore topics in depth. Items explain complex issues of normative ethics, metaethics and moral psychology in non-technical language.

This alphabetical handbook defines and explains key concepts in classical Indian philosophy, identifies controversial issues, describes major traditions of thought, and locates influential thinkers in their intellectual and religious contexts. Extensive cross-referencing provides users with an overview of systematic doctrines and disagreements. While many entries deal with fundamentals, others explain technicalities usually overlooked in Western writings about Indian thought, making Indian Philosophy A-Z a unique resource for both beginners and specialists in the fields of Indian religions and philosophies.Features* The only handbook of its kind* Written in non-technical language* Extensive cross-referencing

An alphabetically arranged guide to the philosophy of science.While philosophy of science has always been an integral part of philosophy, since the beginning of the twentieth century it has developed its own structure and its fair share of technical vocabulary and problems. Philosophy of Science A-Z gives concise, accurate and illuminating accounts of key positions, concepts, arguments and figures in the philosophy of science. It aids understanding of current debates, explains their historical development and connects them with broader philosophical issues. It presupposes little prior knowledge of philosophy of science and is equally useful to the beginner, the more advanced student and the general reader. Readers will find in it illuminating explanations, careful analysis, relevant examples, open problems and, last but not least, precise arguments. Philosophy of science is a flourishing discipline and Philosophy of Science A to Z is a practical and imaginative way into and through it.

A unique introductory guide to the rich, complex and diverse tradition of Islamic philosophy. Islamic Philosophy A-Z comprises over a hundred concise entries, alphabetically ordered and cross-referenced for easy access. All the essential aspects of Islamic philosophy are covered here: key figures, schools, concepts, topics, and issues. Articles on the Peripatetics, Isma‘ilis, Illuminationists, Sufis, kalam theologians and later modern thinkers are supplemented by entries on classical Greek influences as well as Jewish philosophers who lived and worked in the Islamic world. Topical entries cover various issues and key positions in all the major areas of philosophy, making clear why the central problems of Islamic philosophy have been, and remain, matters of rational disputation. This book will prove an indispensable resource to anyone who wishes to gain a better understanding of this fascinating intellectual tradition.

An alphabetically arranged guide to all the major epistemological debates and positions.Epistemology A-Z introduces undergraduate and post-graduate students in philosophy (and epistemology in particular) to the main problems and positions in epistemology. It shows where these problems and positions connect and where they part thereby providing a valuable resource both for following connections between ideas and for appreciating the place of key figures and concepts in the subject. The book includes entries on some of the most important historical and contemporary contributors to the field. And all the entries are cross-referenced so that each item is placed within the context of the wider debate, resulting in a multi-layered treatment of all of the main epistemological positions and figures.Key features* Coverage of all major positions and figures;* Clear and concise entries;* All entries are cross-referenced.

A comprehensive guide to the main positions, debates, key figures and problems as well as important terms in the philosophy of mind.Philosophy of Mind A-Z contains entries on historical and contemporary key figures, explaining the importance of the longstanding debates and how the contemporary field has been shaped. It covers both traditional and current topics, and even those topics that are only beginning to emerge. It includes a wide range of philosophy of mind, from Plato and Leibniz to externalism and the frame problem, from Husserl to neural Darwinism, from mental causation to the problem of consciousness. All of these issues are explained in compact clearly written entries where difficult topics are introduced with the help of numerous examples.Philosophy of Mind A-Z is a reliable and friendly guide for anyone studying philosophy of mind or cognitive science, or simply interested in the many sides and facets of our mental life.

A handy guide to the major figures and issues in Christian philosophy from Augustine to the present.This volume covers a broad historical sweep and takes into account those non-Christian philosophers that have had a great impact on the Christian tradition. However, it concentrates on the issues that perplex Christian philosophers as they seek to think through their faith in a philosophical way and their philosophical beliefs in the light of their faith. Examples of the topics discussed are the question of whether and how God knows the future, whether we actually know that God exists, and what Athens has to do with Jerusalem. The leaders of the recent revival of Christian analytic philosophy, especially Alvin Plantinga, Nicholas Wolterstorff, William Alston, and Robert Adams are also included.This book will be of interest to those studying Christian philosophy and to Christians seeking to think philosophically about their faith.

A concise alphabetical guide to the key terms, issues, theoretical approaches, projects and thinkers in feminist philosophy.Feminist Philosophies A-Z covers contemporary material in a number of feminist approaches. It illustrates the complexity, range and interconnectedness of issues in feminist philosophy while making clear the relationship of feminist philosophy to the rest of philosophy as a discipline (epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, social philosophy and metaphysics). Entries are pithy, detailed, informative and are cross-referenced to guide the reader through the lively debates in feminism.This volume is an indispensable resource for philosophers, students, and Women's Studies faculties as well as anyone with an interest in feminist philosophy.

A concise alphabetical guide to the major thinkers, concepts and issues in the history of Jewish philosophy from antiquity to the present.Jewish Philosophy A-Z covers the major traditions of thought from Philo to Levinas and, since Jewish philosophy has occurred in broader environments (e.g., Hellenistic Alexandria, Medieval Baghdad, Weimar Germany), non-Jewish thinkers who have had an important influence on Jewish philosophy are also included (e.g., Plotinus, Alfarabi, Heidegger). Extensive cross-references allows the reader to examine topics to the desired degree of depth, making it easy to follow connections and pursue larger themes.An important pedagogical resource, Jewish Philosophy A-Z is suitable for undergraduate or postgraduate students as well as the interested general reader.

Jacobs introduces the issues, language, concepts and positions central to ethical theorizing. Entries range from antiquity to the present and basic to advance. Cross-referencing allows readers to explore topics in depth. Items explain complex issues of normative ethics, metaethics and moral psychology in non-technical language.

A handy guide to the major figures and issues in Christian philosophy from Augustine to the present.This volume covers a broad historical sweep and takes into account those non-Christian philosophers that have had a great impact on the Christian tradition. However, it concentrates on the issues that perplex Christian philosophers as they seek to think through their faith in a philosophical way and their philosophical beliefs in the light of their faith. Examples of the topics discussed are the question of whether and how God knows the future, whether we actually know that God exists, and what Athens has to do with Jerusalem. The leaders of the recent revival of Christian analytic philosophy, especially Alvin Plantinga, Nicholas Wolterstorff, William Alston, and Robert Adams are also included.This book will be of interest to those studying Christian philosophy and to Christians seeking to think philosophically about their faith.

An alphabetically arranged guide to the philosophy of science.While philosophy of science has always been an integral part of philosophy, since the beginning of the twentieth century it has developed its own structure and its fair share of technical vocabulary and problems. Philosophy of Science A-Z gives concise, accurate and illuminating accounts of key positions, concepts, arguments and figures in the philosophy of science. It aids understanding of current debates, explains their historical development and connects them with broader philosophical issues. It presupposes little prior knowledge of philosophy of science and is equally useful to the beginner, the more advanced student and the general reader. Readers will find in it illuminating explanations, careful analysis, relevant examples, open problems and, last but not least, precise arguments. Philosophy of science is a flourishing discipline and Philosophy of Science A to Z is a practical and imaginative way into and through it.

A comprehensive guide to the main positions, debates, key figures and problems as well as important terms in the philosophy of mind.Philosophy of Mind A-Z contains entries on historical and contemporary key figures, explaining the importance of the longstanding debates and how the contemporary field has been shaped. It covers both traditional and current topics, and even those topics that are only beginning to emerge. It includes a wide range of philosophy of mind, from Plato and Leibniz to externalism and the frame problem, from Husserl to neural Darwinism, from mental causation to the problem of consciousness. All of these issues are explained in compact clearly written entries where difficult topics are introduced with the help of numerous examples.Philosophy of Mind A-Z is a reliable and friendly guide for anyone studying philosophy of mind or cognitive science, or simply interested in the many sides and facets of our mental life.

A unique introductory guide to the rich, complex and diverse tradition of Islamic philosophy. Islamic Philosophy A-Z comprises over a hundred concise entries, alphabetically ordered and cross-referenced for easy access. All the essential aspects of Islamic philosophy are covered here: key figures, schools, concepts, topics, and issues. Articles on the Peripatetics, Isma‘ilis, Illuminationists, Sufis, kalam theologians and later modern thinkers are supplemented by entries on classical Greek influences as well as Jewish philosophers who lived and worked in the Islamic world. Topical entries cover various issues and key positions in all the major areas of philosophy, making clear why the central problems of Islamic philosophy have been, and remain, matters of rational disputation. This book will prove an indispensable resource to anyone who wishes to gain a better understanding of this fascinating intellectual tradition.

A concise alphabetical guide to the key terms, issues, theoretical approaches, projects and thinkers in feminist philosophy.Feminist Philosophies A-Z covers contemporary material in a number of feminist approaches. It illustrates the complexity, range and interconnectedness of issues in feminist philosophy while making clear the relationship of feminist philosophy to the rest of philosophy as a discipline (epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, social philosophy and metaphysics). Entries are pithy, detailed, informative and are cross-referenced to guide the reader through the lively debates in feminism.This volume is an indispensable resource for philosophers, students, and Women's Studies faculties as well as anyone with an interest in feminist philosophy.

Philosophy of Language A-Z offers a broad coverage of theories, debates, concepts, problems and philosophers in the philosophy of language. It consists of concise and accessible entries on each of the key terms and issues in this area of philosophy. Whilst this book is primarily focused on contemporary philosophy of language as discussed within the tradition of analytic philosophy, it also includes entries on historical topics and on key terms and philosophers working in the continental tradition.

A concise alphabetic guide to the main concepts, figures, topics and important movements of thought that have shaped Chinese philosophy over the last three thousand years. The entries are concisely written, terms are cross-referenced and transcriptions are typically given in the pinyin system. Chinese Philosophy A-Z stresses philosophical relevance in choosing entries while paying due attention to historical links between relevant ideas and movements of thought. The volume also shows how some of the central ideas under discussion contribute to the philosophical enterprise as a whole. The book is aimed at students, teachers of philosophy, and educated non-specialists who are interested in Chinese philosophy, particularly those readers new to Chinese philosophy.

A comprehensive, up to date and concise guide to one of the most important branches of philosophy. Both topical and historical, Political Philosophy A-Z has entries on Hobbes, Marx, and Rorty, as well as entries which explain what ‘contract theory’ is, and gives an account of ‘multi-culturalism.’ This book guides the reader through the intricacies of political theory, enabling them to trace their way through a debate, fixing historical and theoretical points of reference along the way. It is well suited for students studying political philosophy at university.Political Philosophy A-Z links up positions, thinkers and theories without unnecessary technicality. It is a valuable guide to political theorising.

A comprehensive, up to date and concise guide to one of the most important branches of philosophy. Both topical and historical, Political Philosophy A-Z has entries on Hobbes, Marx, and Rorty, as well as entries which explain what ‘contract theory’ is, and gives an account of ‘multi-culturalism.’ This book guides the reader through the intricacies of political theory, enabling them to trace their way through a debate, fixing historical and theoretical points of reference along the way. It is well suited for students studying political philosophy at university.Political Philosophy A-Z links up positions, thinkers and theories without unnecessary technicality. It is a valuable guide to political theorising.

A concise yet thorough introduction to aesthetics in the form of an alphabetic guide.Written in a clear and engaging style, Aesthetics A-Z provides authoritative coverage of the main concepts, arguments, problems and key figures in aesthetics and the philosophy of art. Informative entries - extensively cross-referenced and supplemented with carefully chosen suggestions for further reading - provide a layered treatment of both historical background and contemporary debates in aesthetics, and underline points of intersection between aesthetics and other branches of philosophy or other fields that study the arts. Aesthetics A-Z is an ideal first guide for newcomers to the field of aesthetics, as well as a handy and useful reference work for more advanced students of philosophy, art history, education, media studies and the performing arts.

This alphabetical handbook defines and explains key concepts in classical Indian philosophy, identifies controversial issues, describes major traditions of thought, and locates influential thinkers in their intellectual and religious contexts. Extensive cross-referencing provides users with an overview of systematic doctrines and disagreements. While many entries deal with fundamentals, others explain technicalities usually overlooked in Western writings about Indian thought, making Indian Philosophy A-Z a unique resource for both beginners and specialists in the fields of Indian religions and philosophies.

This book is a valuable guide to ethical issues and the language, concepts, and positions central to ethical theorizing. Entries identify and explain complex issues of normative ethics, metaethics, and moral psychology without being technical. Clearly written, entries range from antiquity to the present, and from the basic to the more advanced. Extensive cross-references allow the reader easily to make and follow connections and pursue issues. Topics include Aristotle, virtue-centered theory, eudaimonism, hedonism, Bentham, naturalism, utilitarianism, and supervenience. The cross-references also enable the reader to follow through on topics to the desired degree of depth. Entries identify and explain complex issues of normative ethics, metaethics, and moral psychology without being technical. Ethics A-Z is for undergraduate and post-graduate students as well as the general reader. It is a valuable guide to ethical issues and the language, concepts, and positions central to ethical theorizing.

This book is a valuable guide to ethical issues and the language, concepts, and positions central to ethical theorizing. Entries identify and explain complex issues of normative ethics, metaethics, and moral psychology without being technical. Clearly written, entries range from antiquity to the present, and from the basic to the more advanced. Extensive cross-references allow the reader easily to make and follow connections and pursue issues. Topics include Aristotle, virtue-centered theory, eudaimonism, hedonism, Bentham, naturalism, utilitarianism, and supervenience. The cross-references also enable the reader to follow through on topics to the desired degree of depth. Entries identify and explain complex issues of normative ethics, metaethics, and moral psychology without being technical. Ethics A-Z is for undergraduate and post-graduate students as well as the general reader. It is a valuable guide to ethical issues and the language, concepts, and positions central to ethical theorizing.

In an accessible style and format, Jewish Philosophy A-Z covers everything from Philo to Levinas and explores non-Jewish thinkers, such as Plotinus and Heidegger, who have had an important influence on Jewish philosophy.

Philosophy of Religion A-Z provides an overview of the main themes, key figures, and issues in the subject. Both topical and historical, it examines key concepts from the Absolute and the Afterlife to World Religions and Yoga, as well as thinkers from Abraham to Wittgenstein. The relationship between philosophy and theology is examined as is that between religion, faith and belief. This reference guide will be useful for anyone interested in the philosophy of religion in philosophy and theology as well as in anthropology, cultural and religious studies, mythology, and the psychology and sociology of religion.

Philosophy of Religion A-Z provides an overview of the main themes, key figures, and issues in the subject. This reference guide will be useful for anyone interested in the philosophy of religion in philosophy and theology as well as in anthropology, cultural and religious studies, mythology, and the psychology and sociology of religion.

A concise alphabetical guide to the philosophical investigation of religion and the meaning of religious beliefs.Philosophy of Religion A-Z provides an overview of the main themes, key figures and issues in the subject. Both topical and historical, it examines key concepts from the Absolute and the Afterlife to World Religions and Yoga as well as thinkers from Abraham to Wittgenstein. The relationship between philosophy and theology is examined as is that between religion, faith and belief. Extensive cross-references demonstrate clear connections between entries.This reference guide will be useful for anyone interested in the philosophy of religion, in philosophy and theology as well as in anthropology, cultural and religious studies, mythology and the psychology and sociology of religion.Features* The alphabetical presentation of the issues and thinkers involved makes for ease of reading.* Philosophers' views on religion are objectively and sympathetically presented as are the various religious creeds discussed.

A concise alphabetical guide to the philosophical investigation of religion and the meaning of religious beliefs.Philosophy of Religion A-Z provides an overview of the main themes, key figures and issues in the subject. Both topical and historical, it examines key concepts from the Absolute and the Afterlife to World Religions and Yoga as well as thinkers from Abraham to Wittgenstein. The relationship between philosophy and theology is examined as is that between religion, faith and belief. Extensive cross-references demonstrate clear connections between entries.This reference guide will be useful for anyone interested in the philosophy of religion, in philosophy and theology as well as in anthropology, cultural and religious studies, mythology and the psychology and sociology of religion.Features* The alphabetical presentation of the issues and thinkers involved makes for ease of reading.* Philosophers' views on religion are objectively and sympathetically presented as are the various religious creeds discussed.

An alphabetically arranged guide to all the major epistemological debates and positions.Epistemology A-Z introduces undergraduate and post-graduate students in philosophy (and epistemology in particular) to the main problems and positions in epistemology. It shows where these problems and positions connect and where they part thereby providing a valuable resource both for following connections between ideas and for appreciating the place of key figures and concepts in the subject. The book includes entries on some of the most important historical and contemporary contributors to the field. And all the entries are cross-referenced so that each item is placed within the context of the wider debate, resulting in a multi-layered treatment of all of the main epistemological positions and figures.Key features* Coverage of all major positions and figures;* Clear and concise entries;* All entries are cross-referenced.