Customer Reviews
Indispensable - By: , 08 Mar 2004 
This book is remarkably useful as an aid to the study of philosophy. Its huge range of entries include short biographies of important philosophers, definitions of terms, full descriptions of key arguments including problems with them, & very useful cross-references. The articles, though short, manage to be impressively detailed & informative in the short spaces afforded each of them. Some of them, though, are a little too technical, without giving a good enough general explanation - the entry on QUANTUM THEORY is a prime example, & many of the entries on subjects to do with logic or the forms of arguments are also offenders. In addition, while the original works of philosophers are mentioned, rarely if ever are suggestions made for further reading - something that would have been very welcome. For slightly more easy to understand, longer entries, including more general essays & excellent references to further reading, I recommend The Oxford Companion to Philosophy, edited by Ted Honderich. Impressively, though, A Dictionary of Philosophy does not only include philosophical entries, but also mentions several areas of mathematics & the sciences. In summary, then, it is an excellent reference text, & at the price one that every student of philosophy should own, but one which is not sufficient on its own to learn the subject from.
Pan Dictionary Of Philososphy - By: , 26 Sep 2003 
Many years ago as an undergrad studying Literature & Philosophy I encountered this book. It is probably one of the better philosophy dictionaries on the market. The explanations are clear & concise (and for a philosophy dictionary that is high praise indeed!) Whilst it is in need of updating to embrace current trends (and it would be nice to have an hardback edition) it is a must-have on the shelf next to the more modern philosophical reference books.
Compact but packed with useful details - By: , 08 Jan 2003 As a mature philosophy student this book has been invaluable in my studies. With clear & relevant cross-references it guides the user easily to alll relevant information on any philosophical subject. Patience is needed sometimes, though, when a cross-reference directs the user to a very lengthy piece, usuallly biographical, in order to find the material being sought.
On the whole a valuable reference book for any budding philosopher & for those more experienced in the discipline.
Good value for money, & even an interesting book to dip into with a cuppa to find out just 'what it's alll about'!!
