The Eighth Edition of Steven M. Cahn's Classics of Western Philosophy offers the same exacting standard of editing and translation that made earlier editions of this anthology the most highly valued and widely used volume of its kind. But the Eighth Edition offers exciting new content as well: Plato's Laches (complete), new selections from Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics (on courage), Descartes' Discourse on Method (complete), all previously omitted sections of Berkeley's A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge , Kant's Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysics (complete). These additions-with no offsetting deletion of content of the Seventh Edition-yield an anthology of unrivaled versatility, the only one to offer the complete texts of: both Descartes' Discourse on Method and Meditations on First Philosophy , both Berkeley's A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge and Three Dialogues between Hylas and Philonous , Kant's Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysics and selections from the Critique of Pure Reason .

This highly anticipated anthology, compiled by noted author and scholar Steven Cahn, presents the seven major works central to any introductory philosophy course in their entirety. Each work has had a profound influence on philosophical thought, and the authors are generally regarded as among the worlds greatest philosophers. Seven Masterpieces in Philosophy features the most well-respected and admired translations, and offers introductions and annotations by Steven Cahn. Anyone seeking to understand the challenges of philosophy could hardly do better than concentrate attention on these seven masterpieces. A great alternative to larger tomes, this book allows the instructor to supplement these works with additional materials of their choosing.

This highly anticipated anthology, compiled by noted author and scholar Steven Cahn, presents the seven major works central to any introductory philosophy course in their entirety. Each work has had a profound influence on philosophical thought, and the authors are generally regarded as among the world's greatest philosophers. "Seven Masterpieces in Philosophy "features the most well-respected and admired translations, and offers introductions and annotations by Steven Cahn. Anyone seeking to understand the challenges of philosophy could hardly do better than concentrate attention on these seven masterpieces, presented here in this accessible and very affordable volume. A great alternative to larger, more expensive tomes, this book allows the instructor to supplement these works with additional materials of their choosing.

The Meaning of Life is the preeminent anthology on the topic. Featuring twenty-five insightful selections by prominent philosophers, it serves as an ideal core text for courses on the meaning of life and introduction to philosophy courses where the topic is emphasized. In Part I the articles defend the view that without faith in God, life has no meaning or purpose. In Part II the selections oppose this claim, defending instead a nontheistic, humanistic alternative-that life can have meaning even in the absence of theistic commitment. In Part III the readings address whether the question of the meaning of life is itself meaningful. A new Part IV on the end of life raises issues about how understanding death affects our understanding of the meaning of life.

How should we evaluate the success of each person's life? Countering the prevalent philosophical perspective on the subject, Steven M. Cahn and Christine Vitrano defend the view that our well-being is dependent not on particular activities, accomplishments, or awards but on finding personal satisfaction while treating others with due concern. The authors suggest that moral behavior is not necessary for happiness and does not ensure it. Yet they also argue that morality and happiness are needed for living well, and together suffice to achieve that goal. Cahn and Vitrano link their position to elements within both the Hellenistic and Hebraic traditions, in particular the views of Epicurus and lessons found in the Book of Ecclesiastes. Written in an accessible style and illustrated with incisive vignettes drawn from history, literature, films, and everyday life, Happiness and Goodness is a compelling work of philosophy for anyone who seeks to understand the nature of a good life.

The book Fate, Time, and Language: An Essay on Free Will, published in 2010 by Columbia University Press, presented David Foster Wallace's challenge to Richard Taylor's argument for fatalism. In this anthology, notable philosophers engage directly with that work and assess Wallace's reply to Taylor as well as other aspects of Wallace's thought. With an introduction by Steven M. Cahn and Maureen Eckert, this collection includes essays by William Hasker (Huntington University), Gila Sher (University of California, San Diego), Marcello Oreste Fiocco (University of California, Irvine), Daniel R. Kelly (Purdue University), Nathan Ballantyne (Fordham University), Justin Tosi (University of Arizona), and Maureen Eckert. These thinkers explore Wallace's philosophical and literary work, illustrating remarkable ways in which his philosophical views influenced and were influenced by themes developed in his other writings, both fictional and nonfictional. Together with Fate, Time, and Language, this critical set unlocks key components of Wallace's work and its traces in modern literature and thought.

Philosophical Adventures is an accessible, engaging introduction to philosophical issues falling under six broad themes: reasoning, free will, religious belief, ethics, well-being, and society. Each topic is thoughtfully introduced and discussed in a way that is easily intelligible and relatable yet philosophically rigorous. Steven M. Cahn's clear style and vivid examples provide a welcoming path to these often-difficult issues, encouraging readers to begin their own philosophical adventures. Key Features An unusually clear and accessible introduction to many of the central topics of philosophy. Vivid examples are used to illustrate key points. Addresses a number of engaging issues that are relevant inside and outside of academia, such as the possibility of free will, religious belief with and without God, and democracy vs. its alternatives. Written by one of the discipline's pre-eminent teachers, author of numerous widely-used textbooks.

How should we evaluate the success of each person's life? Countering the prevalent philosophical perspective on the subject, Steven M. Cahn and Christine Vitrano defend the view that our well-being is dependent not on particular activities, accomplishments, or awards but on finding personal satisfaction while treating others with due concern. The authors suggest that moral behavior is not necessary for happiness and does not ensure it. Yet they also argue that morality and happiness are needed for living well, and together suffice to achieve that goal. Cahn and Vitrano link their position to elements within both the Hellenistic and Hebraic traditions, in particular the views of Epicurus and lessons found in the Book of Ecclesiastes. Written in an accessible style and illustrated with incisive vignettes drawn from history, literature, films, and everyday life, Happiness and Goodness is a compelling work of philosophy for anyone who seeks to understand the nature of a good life.

The difference in the practical approach to teaching philosophy can mean the difference between an engaging class and an excruciating one. In this expanded edition of In the Socratic Tradition (1997) Kasachkoff adds new sections on teaching philosophy with computers, teaching philosophical explanation, and teaching philosophy of gender. Chapters in the collection share the pedagogical insights of more than two dozen distinguished philosophers, offering practical suggestions on such issues as how to motivate students, construct syllabi and creative examinations for specific courses, and teach complex philosophical concepts. Like its predecessor, Teaching Philosophy will be an indispensable resource for teachers of all levels and fields of philosophy, and will be particularly helpful in lending inspiration to graduate students and professors called upon to teach courses outside of their specialty areas.

This new, complete translation of Immanuel Kant's Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals provides the most accessible version of this challenging foundational work in moral philosophy. Calling on the insights of a team of noted scholar-teachers, The Annotated Kant renders the text as clearly as possible, supplementing it with an inviting introduction, clarifying running commentary, and a helpful glossary. Annotations are presented on facing pages to provide support for readers and room for their note-taking. Remaining true to the intricacies of the original German text, this presentation of Kant's masterpiece enables all to appreciate the powerful vision it offers.

The book Fate, Time, and Language: An Essay on Free Will, published in 2010 by Columbia University Press, presented David Foster Wallace's challenge to Richard Taylor's argument for fatalism. In this anthology, notable philosophers engage directly with that work and assess Wallace's reply to Taylor as well as other aspects of Wallace's thought. With an introduction by Steven M. Cahn and Maureen Eckert, this collection includes essays by William Hasker (Huntington University), Gila Sher (University of California, San Diego), Marcello Oreste Fiocco (University of California, Irvine), Daniel R. Kelly (Purdue University), Nathan Ballantyne (Fordham University), Justin Tosi (University of Arizona), and Maureen Eckert. These thinkers explore Wallace's philosophical and literary work, illustrating remarkable ways in which his philosophical views influenced and were influenced by themes developed in his other writings, both fictional and nonfictional. Together with Fate, Time, and Language, this critical set unlocks key components of Wallace's work and its traces in modern literature and thought.

This new, complete translation of Immanuel Kant's Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals provides the most accessible version of this challenging foundational work in moral philosophy. Calling on the insights of a team of noted scholar-teachers, An Annotated Kant renders the text as clearly as possible, supplementing it with an inviting introduction, clarifying running commentary, and a helpful glossary. Annotations are presented on facing pages to provide support for readers and room for their note-taking. Remaining true to the intricacies of the original German text, this presentation of Kant's masterpiece enables all to appreciate the powerful vision it offers.

An all-star cast of philosophical thinkers about higher education, more than half women, offers new essays exploring major ethical problems facing American higher education today. Among the crucial topics discussed are free speech on campus, challenges to the tenure system, the proliferation of adjunct faculty, historical injustices, affirmative action, admission policies, opportunities for applicants from the working-class, faculty and administrative responsibilities, student life, threats to privacy, treatment of those with disabilities, the impact of technology on teaching and learning, curricular controversies, the impact of unions, philanthropy, sports and intercollegiate athletics, and the aims of liberal education. The authors are leading researchers and teachers, many with extensive administrative experience, and they are members of the faculties at public and private institutions throughout the country. The essays are jargon-free and address the most pressing problems for higher education, weigh alternative policies, and assess future prospects for overcoming present challenges. Philosopher, scholar, teacher, and novelist Rebecca Newberger Goldstein provides a foreword to this unique collection.

An all-star cast of philosophical thinkers about higher education, more than half women, offers new essays exploring major ethical problems facing American higher education today. Among the crucial topics discussed are free speech on campus, challenges to the tenure system, the proliferation of adjunct faculty, historical injustices, affirmative action, admission policies, opportunities for applicants from the working-class, faculty and administrative responsibilities, student life, threats to privacy, treatment of those with disabilities, the impact of technology on teaching and learning, curricular controversies, the impact of unions, philanthropy, sports and intercollegiate athletics, and the aims of liberal education. The authors are leading researchers and teachers, many with extensive administrative experience, and they are members of the faculties at public and private institutions throughout the country. The essays are jargon-free and address the most pressing problems for higher education, weigh alternative policies, and assess future prospects for overcoming present challenges. Philosopher, scholar, teacher, and novelist Rebecca Newberger Goldstein provides a foreword to this unique collection.

This timely anthology gathers forty historical and contemporary treatments of democracy. Short introductions precede each reading and a general introduction increase student comprehension across the spectrum of readings. The volume is ideal for both the undergraduate and graduate students in political theory and philosophy courses.

In Portraits of American Philosophy eight of America's leading philosophers offer autobiographical narratives, reminding us that the life of a scholar is both a personal struggle and an adventure in ideas. Selected from the prestigious John Dewey Lectures, these reminiscences provide personal perspectives on how a generation of scholars faced barriers built on prejudices of religion, race, gender, and sexual orientation, while being affected by the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and feminism. Also explored are the major themes of post-World War II American philosophy, including the temporary dominance of logical positivism and then ordinary language philosophy; the animus between some supporters of the so-called analytic and Continental traditions; new approaches to a variety of subfields; and a deepened understanding of how the history of philosophy can be enriched through concentration on textual and contextual study. These unique remembrances of people, institutions, and issues not only chart the history of recent American philosophy but also present incisive accounts of the trajectory of American intellectual life as seen through the eyes of some of its most influential thinkers. Contributions by Nicholas Wolterstorff, J.B. Schneewind, Judith Jarvis Thomson, Ruth Barcan Marcus, Richard J. Bernstein, Harry Frankfurt, Marilyn McCord Adams, and Claudia Card.

In Portraits of American Philosophy eight of America's leading philosophers offer autobiographical narratives, reminding us that the life of a scholar is both a personal struggle and an adventure in ideas. Selected from the prestigious John Dewey Lectures, these reminiscences provide personal perspectives on how a generation of scholars faced barriers built on prejudices of religion, race, gender, and sexual orientation, while being affected by the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and feminism. Also explored are the major themes of post-World War II American philosophy, including the temporary dominance of logical positivism and then ordinary language philosophy; the animus between some supporters of the so-called analytic and Continental traditions; new approaches to a variety of subfields; and a deepened understanding of how the history of philosophy can be enriched through concentration on textual and contextual study. These unique remembrances of people, institutions, and issues not only chart the history of recent American philosophy but also present incisive accounts of the trajectory of American intellectual life as seen through the eyes of some of its most influential thinkers.

Saints and Scamps has been widely acclaimed as one of the best academic ethics books in print. In its 25th anniversary edition, Steven M. Cahn has updated and expanded upon his critical look at the duties and responsibilities of college professors; presenting us with a masterfully decisive and learned probe into the ethical standards and practices of the academic world and bringing Saints and Scamps to a new generation. Cahn discusses every issue, from grades to degree requirements, from tenure to the ethics of teaching. For Cahn, being a professor is so much more than research and scholarship; it is also about being a good teacher and shepherding in the next generation of students. He shows us what makes a wonderful professor and what constitutes professorial malpractice, and he does so with a wit and charm that is both entertaining and convincing. This is not just a book for college professors, but a book that should be read by parents, students, school administrators, and anyone interested in what teachers do and how they should do it. In this new edition, Cahn continues to do what he has done so brilliantly in the past; he shows us the ethical guidelines that every professor should follow.

Steven Cahn belongs to that exclusive class of professors who have not only contributed influentially to the leading debates of their discipline, but have also written insightfully about the academic vocation itself. This volume comprises 13 essays, authored by Cahn's colleagues and former students, presented in his honor on the occasion of his 25th year as Professor of Philosophy at the City University of New York. The chapters focus on topics that have been central to Cahn's philosophical work, such as the teaching of Philosophy, the responsibilities of Philosophy professors, the nature of happiness, and the concept of the good life.

The thirty articles in Puzzles and Perplexitie, displaying clarity and acumen, present a balanced picture of Steven M. Cahn's wide-ranging work over more than four decades. Taken together, the signal essays in this volume guide the reader on a journey through Cahn's remarkable career as a philosopher and educator.

From young children, with their guileless, searching questions, to the recently bereaved, trying to make sense of tragic loss, humans wrestle with our relationship to God--and with God's essence, motivations, and power--throughout our lives: Why does God permit catastrophe and senseless tragedy, again and again? Is God's power limited in any way? Can He change the past? Does He know the future? Why does God require prayer? Why does He not provide stronger evidence of His presence? Whom does God consign to hell, and why? Does God change? Suffer? What can we make of the conflicting diversity within world religions, of the many gods of different religious traditions? Such questions engage, confront, and perplex us on a daily basis. In this rich, concise volume, leading philosophers who have long pondered God's nature and ways take on these core problems.