The Oxford Companion to Philosophy

Contemporary Review, July, 2005

The Oxford Companion to Philosophy. Ted Honderich, editor. Second Edition. Oxford University Press. [pounds sterling]30.00. xx 1056 pages. ISBN 0-19-926479-1. The first edition of this companion, published in 1995, was highly praised for its width of coverage and balanced presentation. The new model is bigger and better: instead of 249 contributors there are now 291; instead of 1,932 entries there are now 2,230.

In addition, many of the original entries have been expanded, updated and revised. Beside the greats of philosophy (Aristotle, Aquinas et al) the text describes the history of philosophy in England, looks in on some foreigners such as Descartes or Hegel and gives summations of 'national philosophies' from other countries. There are also about 150 entries on contemporary philosophers. What was a valuable reference work is now even more useful. As the editor writes, 'the book is for all those who want authoritative enlightenment, judgement by good judges'. The index is particularly helpful because of its sub-entries, but on whose authority has David Hume become 'the blessed Hume'? His beatification can surely not be among those of the late Pope or has the editor assumed powers hitherto not used by philosophers? (J.M.)