📖 Overview
The Cambridge Dictionary of Philosophy serves as a comprehensive reference work covering philosophical concepts, figures, and movements from ancient times through the present day. The volume contains over 4,000 entries written by more than 300 contributors who are experts in their respective fields.
The dictionary presents clear explanations of technical terminology, major philosophical problems, and significant theoretical frameworks. Each entry includes cross-references to related topics and suggestions for further reading to facilitate deeper exploration.
This reference work balances accessibility with scholarly rigor, making it useful for both students and advanced researchers in philosophy. The entries range from brief definitions to extended discussions of complex philosophical issues, with particular attention given to contemporary developments in the field.
The Cambridge Dictionary of Philosophy represents a significant contribution to philosophical scholarship by providing a systematic overview of Western and non-Western philosophical traditions. Its organization and scope reflect the interconnected nature of philosophical inquiry and the ongoing evolution of the discipline.
👀 Reviews
Philosophy students and professors appreciate this dictionary as a quick reference tool for philosophical concepts and thinkers. Readers note its clear explanations of complex ideas and comprehensive coverage of both Western and non-Western philosophy.
Likes:
- Clear, concise definitions without oversimplification
- Strong coverage of logic and contemporary philosophy
- Cross-references help connect related concepts
- Entries include suggested further reading
Dislikes:
- Some entries lack sufficient depth for advanced study
- Limited coverage of non-Western philosophy compared to Western
- Small print size makes extended reading difficult
- Index could be more detailed
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.2/5 (187 ratings)
Amazon: 4.5/5 (89 ratings)
Sample review: "The entries strike a good balance between accessibility and rigor. Perfect for undergrads but might leave graduate students wanting more detail." - Philosophy professor on Amazon
Several readers mentioned using it alongside the Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy for more complete coverage.
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The Blackwell Dictionary of Western Philosophy by Nicholas Bunnin, Jiyuan Yu A reference work that focuses on the Western philosophical tradition from ancient Greece to modern times with emphasis on conceptual analysis.
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The Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy by Edward Craig A multi-volume philosophical reference that covers both Western and non-Western philosophical traditions with contributions from subject experts.
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Dictionary of World Philosophy by A. Pablo Iannone A cross-cultural philosophical dictionary that incorporates terms and concepts from Eastern, Western, and indigenous philosophical traditions.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔹 The Cambridge Dictionary of Philosophy has gone through three editions (1995, 1999, 2015), with each new version substantially expanding its coverage of non-Western philosophy and emerging philosophical fields.
🔹 Editor Robert Audi is a renowned philosopher who has made significant contributions to epistemology, ethics, and the philosophy of mind and action. He served as the President of the American Philosophical Association (Central Division).
🔹 The dictionary features contributions from over 400 scholars and experts worldwide, making it one of the most collaborative philosophical reference works available.
🔹 Unlike many philosophy dictionaries, it includes detailed entries on living philosophers who have made substantial contributions to the field, providing contemporary context alongside historical perspectives.
🔹 The work has become a standard reference in philosophy departments globally and is unique in providing both quick definitions and in-depth analytical essays, with some entries extending to several thousand words.