The Collected Philosophical Papers of G.E.M. Anscombe

The Collected Philosophical Papers of G.E.M. Anscombe brings together key writings from one of the 20th century's most influential moral philosophers. This collection spans multiple decades of Anscombe's work and includes her contributions to ethics, philosophy of mind, action theory, and philosophical logic. The papers address fundamental questions about intention, causation, facts, and truth through Anscombe's distinctive analytical approach. Her essays on topics like war, euthanasia, and contraception demonstrate the application of philosophical reasoning to concrete moral problems. The collection preserves Anscombe's direct engagement with other major philosophers including Wittgenstein, whose work she translated, and Thomas Aquinas, whose ethical framework influenced her thought. Her critiques of prominent modern philosophers reveal her commitment to clear thinking and precise argumentation. This compilation represents Anscombe's lasting impact on multiple branches of philosophy, particularly her emphasis on the relationship between practical reason and moral action. The papers show her methodical development of concepts that continue to shape contemporary philosophical debates.

Readers value this collection for Anscombe's clear analysis of causation, intention, and facts vs values. Multiple reviewers note her direct writing style and precise arguments, particularly in the essays on Wittgenstein's philosophy. Likes: - Makes complex philosophical ideas accessible - Strong historical context for each paper - Quality of translation from earlier works - Rigorous examination of practical ethics Dislikes: - Some essays require extensive background knowledge - Dense academic language in certain sections - Lack of connecting material between papers - Print quality issues in some editions Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (23 ratings) Amazon: No ratings available WorldCat: 4/5 (7 ratings) A philosophy graduate student on Goodreads wrote: "Her analysis of intentional action remains unmatched in its clarity and applicability." Another reviewer noted: "The essays on causation alone justify the collection, though the formatting could be improved."

Ethics: Inventing Right and Wrong by J. L. Mackie This text examines moral philosophy through skeptical analysis of objective values and challenges traditional ethical frameworks with arguments that parallel Anscombe's critiques of modern moral philosophy.

Modern Moral Philosophy by Philippa Foot The work builds upon Anscombe's insights regarding virtue ethics and provides systematic treatment of moral absolutes and practical reasoning in ethics.

Natural Goodness by Philippa Foot This book develops a naturalistic account of moral philosophy that connects with Anscombe's work on intention and practical reason.

From Morality to Virtue by Michael Slote The text presents agent-based virtue ethics as an alternative to traditional moral theory, following Anscombe's call to move beyond obligation-centered ethics.

Intention by Ludwig Wittgenstein and G.H. von Wright This collection of writings explores the philosophy of action and intention, themes central to Anscombe's philosophical work and methodology.

★ Elizabeth Anscombe was one of the most influential female philosophers of the 20th century and was a student of Ludwig Wittgenstein. She became his literary executor and translated many of his works from German to English. ★ The book includes her famous essay "Modern Moral Philosophy," which introduced the term "consequentialism" and helped revive interest in virtue ethics as an alternative to utilitarian moral theories. ★ Anscombe's work on intention and action, featured in these papers, revolutionized the field of philosophical psychology and continues to influence contemporary discussions of human agency and free will. ★ Despite being a woman in a male-dominated field in the 1950s and 60s, Anscombe was known for her forceful debate style and once famously challenged C.S. Lewis in an Oxford Socratic Club debate, leading him to revise a chapter in his book "Miracles." ★ Many of the papers in this collection emerged from Anscombe's practical ethical concerns, including her controversial opposition to Harry Truman receiving an Oxford honorary degree due to his decision to use atomic weapons - a stance that showcased her commitment to applying philosophical principles to real-world issues.