The History of Continental Philosophy

The History of Continental Philosophy examines the development of philosophical thought in continental Europe from the late 18th century through the present day. The eight-volume series covers major philosophical movements including German Idealism, Phenomenology, Critical Theory, and Post-structuralism. The work features contributions from over 100 scholars who analyze key thinkers like Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche, Husserl, Heidegger, Sartre, and Foucault. Each volume places philosophical developments within their historical and cultural contexts while tracing the evolution and interaction of ideas across different traditions. Schrift organizes the material chronologically and thematically, examining how continental philosophers engaged with questions of knowledge, ethics, politics, art, and human existence. The series includes detailed discussions of philosophical texts and arguments while remaining accessible to readers at various levels of philosophical background. This comprehensive overview reveals the ongoing influence of continental philosophy on contemporary thought and culture. The work emphasizes connections between philosophical ideas and broader intellectual movements that shaped European society and continue to impact global discussions.

This appears to be a primarily academic text with limited public reader reviews available online. The few reviews from academic philosophers and graduate students highlight its value as a comprehensive reference work across the continental philosophy tradition. Readers praised: - Clear organization and structure across multiple volumes - Coverage of lesser-known philosophers alongside major figures - Helpful introductions to complex topics - Value as a teaching resource Common criticisms: - High price point (~$1000 for full set) - Some chapters are dense and require prior knowledge - Uneven depth of coverage across different philosophers Available Ratings: Goodreads: 4.33/5 (3 ratings) No Amazon reviews found One professor noted: "The chapters work well as standalone introductions while maintaining coherent themes across volumes." A graduate student remarked that "the price makes it inaccessible to many who would benefit from its content."

A History of Western Philosophy by Bertrand Russell This comprehensive survey traces philosophical thought from ancient Greece through modern times with connections to cultural and political contexts.

European Intellectual History from Rousseau to Nietzsche by Frank M. Turner The text examines the development of continental thought through major philosophical movements and their historical circumstances.

Modern European Thought: Continuity and Change in Ideas by Franklin L. Baumer This work maps the evolution of European philosophical concepts from the 17th to 20th centuries with emphasis on intellectual transitions and transformations.

The Oxford History of Western Philosophy by Anthony Kenny The volume presents philosophical developments through distinct historical periods while highlighting connections between philosophers and their influences.

German Philosophy 1760-1860: The Legacy of Idealism by Terry Pinkard This book explores the foundational period of German philosophy through its key figures and their impact on continental thought.

🔹 Continental Philosophy emerged as distinct from Analytic Philosophy during a significant split in the early 20th century, with Continental focusing more on human experience and interpretation rather than logical analysis. 🔹 Alan D. Schrift, as editor of this comprehensive work, brought together over 50 leading scholars to contribute to its eight volumes, making it one of the most collaborative efforts in philosophical publishing. 🔹 The term "Continental Philosophy" originally arose as a somewhat dismissive label used by British philosophers to describe the philosophical work being done on the European continent, particularly in France and Germany. 🔹 The book covers philosophical developments from Kant to Derrida, spanning approximately 200 years of European thought and its influence on global philosophical discourse. 🔹 This work stands as the first English-language reference of its scope to comprehensively trace the development of Continental Philosophy through its various movements, including phenomenology, existentialism, critical theory, and post-structuralism.