Philosophical Dictionary (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781591020370)

This lexicon of modern Western philosophical concepts, problems, principles, and theories may well be the shortest dictionary of philosophy in the English language, but one of the most useful. Organized by internationally recognized philosopher Mario Bunge, this indispensable volume, directed to general and university audiences, elucidates and evaluates many contemporary philosophical ideas from a humanist and scientifically oriented perspective.From A to Z, most entries are brief and nontechnical in nature, highlighting useful philosophical terms rather than trendy ones. Placing emphasis on "living" philosophy, Bunge has deliberately excluded many of the archaic terms and philosophical curios of other dictionaries. He has incorporated a number of "minipapers," or longer definitions of some terms, and he critically analyzes such influential doctrines as existentialism, phenomenology, idealism, materialism, pragmatism, deontological ethics, utilitarianism, and many others. Constructive alternatives are offered to all philosophical approaches criticized.This is a superb reference work for both students and professional philosophers.

Author: Mario Augusto Bunge
ISBN-10: 1591020379
ISBN-13: 9781591020370
Publisher: Prometheus Books
Language: English
Published: 01/01/2003
Pages: 330
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.93lbs
Size: 9.18h x 6.04w x 0.66d

Review Citation(s):
Booklist 08/01/2002 pg. 1998