12 Modern Philosophers
1. Edition January 2009
264 Pages, Softcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
Short Description
12 Modern Philosophers explores the ideas of twelve of the most influential contemporary thinkers tackling the fundamental concerns of philosophy. Each major figure-from Quine, Rawls, Parfit, and Rorty to Singer, Fodor, and Nagel-is examined by a specialist in the field offering an overview of their key ideas, works, and influences. What emerges is a rich and illuminating portrait of the current state of academic philosophy in the broadly Anglo-American, or 'analytic', tradition. Stimulating and challenging, this text is an important and timely guide to some of the most influential thinkers of the late 20th Century.
12 Modern Philosophers explores the ideas of twelve of the most influential contemporary thinkers tackling the fundamental concerns of philosophy, from logic and metaphysics to ethics and political philosophy. Each major figure is examined by a specialist in the field, offering an accessible overview of their key ideas, works, and influences. What emerges is a rich and illuminating portrait of the current state of academic philosophy in the broadly Anglo-American, or "analytic," tradition.
With a careful and critical assessment of modern philosophers' ideas about truth, morality, logic, and meaning, we see how contemporary philosophical thought has drawn from, and contributes to, the broader intellectual and cultural milieu. Stimulating and challenging, 12 Modern Philosophers is an important and timely guide to some of the most influential thinkers of the late twentieth century.
Notes on Contributors.
Introduction (Christopher Belshaw, Open University and Gary Kemp, University of Glasgow).
1. Quine (A. W. Moore, University of Oxford).
2. Rawls (Thomas Baldwin, University of York).
3. Davidson (Ernie Lepore, Rutgers University and Kirk Ludwig, University of Florida).
4. Williams (Catherine Wilson, City University of New York).
5. Rorty (Alan Malachowski, University of East Anglia).
6. Fodor (José Luis Bermúdez, Washington University, St Louis).
7. Nagel (Sonia Sedivy, University of Toronto).
8. Kripke (Alexander Bird, University of Bristol).
9. Nozick (A. R. Lacey).
10. Parfit (Jacob Ross, University of Southern California).
11. McDowell (Marie McGinn, University of York).
12. Singer (Lori Gruen, Wesleyan University).
Index.
"It is recommended not only to readers not yet familiar with philosophical discourse and concerns, but also to 'insiders' who wish to get a clearer view of the various debates and discussions that are taking place in philosophy today." (Metapsychology, August 2009)
Gary Kemp is Senior Lecturer in the Philosophy Department at the University of Glasgow. He works in the philosophy of logic and language, on Frege, Russell, Quine, and Davidson, and on aesthetics and philosophical themes in literature. He is the author of Quine: A Guide for the Perplexed (2005) and, with Tracy Bowell, of Critical Thinking: A Concise Guide (3rd edn. 2009).
