western


“In this one volume is found an extraordinary distillation of the whole history of Western thought. It’s hard to conceive of a better resource for anyone who is either approaching this material anew or seeking to fill old gaps in their knowledge”
Robert Pasnau, University of Colorado Bolder


Western Philosophy: An Anthology provides the most comprehensive and authoritative survey of the Western philosophical tradition from ancient Greece to the leading philosophers of today. With 144 substantial and carefully chosen extracts, the volume covers all the main branches of philosophy – theory of knowledge and metaphysics, logic and language, philosophy of mind, religion and science, moral philosophy (theoretical and applied), political theory, aesthetics and the meaning of life. Chronologically and thematically arranged, the readings are introduced and linked together by a lucid philosophical commentary which guides the reader through the key arguments. The third edition of this established classic, now over two decades in print, incorporates some seminal texts not previously included, and now provides focus questions and suggestions for further reading after each individual extract. Available digitally for the first time, this edition also features updated links to online resources, and a new original essay by the editor, offering guidance to the student on how best to read a philosophical text and how to write about it.


“This anthology is distinguished from its competitors by its emphasis on the history of Western philosophy, with strong representation from Ancient, Medieval and Modern periods alongside contemporary work. The book’s scope is remarkable - 144 entries and 12 general topic areas. This breadth is made possible by each selection being short and to the point, so that not a page is wasted”
James Baillie, University of Portland

Third edition, release date May 2021
with revised contents, and including substantially augmented reading lists and additional guidance for students
(Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Blackwell, 2021). xxxvii + 908pp. £27.99 (pb)
ISBN 978-1-119-16572-9 (pb); 978-1-119-16573-6 (pdf);
978-1-119-16574-3 (epub); 978-1-119-16575-0 (ebook other).


[First edition, (Oxford: Blackwell, 1996) xxiii+626pp. ISBN 978-0-631-18626-7 (hb); 978-0-631-18627-4 (pb). Second edition, revised and augmented (Oxford: Blackwell, 2008) xxxii + 849 pp.  ISBN 978-1-4051-2478-2 (hb); 978-1-4051-2478-2 (pb).]

Praise for the First Edition
“It is difficult to imagine how this volume could be improved upon as the very best historically based anthology of the essential philosophical writings. Cottingham’s commentary and introductions are extremely clear and helpful. It will provide an ideal text for an excellent introductory course in philosophy.”
Christopher Hookway, University of Sheffield

“This volume is a superb resource for beginning students and their teachers. Not only is it an excellent anthology – a comprehensive, well-chosen, well-edited collection of classic texts, from Plato to Sartre, Aristotle to Rawls – it is also a perspicuous systematic presentation of the subject, owing to the editor's skilful provision of introductory material and notes. Judiciously annotated lists of supplementary readings further enhance the value of this outstanding volume.”
Vere Chappell, University of Massachusetts

“In this anthology the highly respected philosopher John Cottingham has assembled 100 classic selections from Plato to Parfit. Done with care and considerable expertise the result is arguably the best single-volume introduction to the writings of Western philosophy.”
John Haldane, University of St Andrews


“A truly outstanding collection. An excellent course book which doubles as a solid reference volume. The clarity of the commentary makes these classic readings vivid and accessible to students.”
George Graham, University of Alabama

“By providing the means to appreciate philosophy as
the great historical odyssey of the human intellect, this ambitious anthology makes philosophy come alive for students and general readers alike.”
David Cooper, University of Durham