The Penguin Dictionary of Philosophy - 2nd Edition by Thomas Mautner (Paperback)

About the Book

Clear and concise definitions are given of key concepts, doctrines, and schools of thought in Western philosophy, from 600 B.C. to the present day. The dictionary offers numerous entries on major and lesser known philosphers, from Socrates to Thomas Aquinas, from Rousseau to Derrida. 27 tables, 12 figures.

Book Synopsis

Stimulating and authoritative, The Penguin Dictionary of Philosophy is the ideal reference work for anyone with an interest in the subject. Laid out simply for ease of use and put in straightforward language are definitions of terms from akrasia to zetetic. What do philosophers mean by absolute and prime matter? Is there any link between the gambler's fallacy and the uncertainty principle, or the barber paradox and Occam's razor? These questions and many more are answered in this illuminating dictionary.

The Penguin Dictionary of Philosophy features:

• Extensive coverage of the Western tradition in logic, metaphysics, ethics, and epistemology from c. 600 BC to the present day

• Incisive overviews of thinkers from Plato and Kant to Derrida and Habermas

• Powerful self-portraits by leading modern philosophers

• Contributions from more than a hundred leading philosophers

About the Author

Thomas Mautner is visiting fellow in the school of humanities at the Australian National University and has published papers in various academic journals. Among his teaching and research interests are seventeenth- and eighteenth-century philosophy, moral and political thought, natural law, and natural rights.