Western Philosophy: An Anthology

I'm instructing an Intro to Philosophy course and chose Cottingham's anthology for the textbook based on the TOC.Overall, the book hasn't disappointed. The selections are generally solid, with clear translations and just enough content to get a sense of the text. Many selections skip parts of the text to focus on the highlights from each work. That's expected in an anthology. It's up to the instructor to fill in the gaps.This makes my life as an instructor far easier. When I assign a short reading, I know that the students will be more focused on what's in the text (and perhaps more likely to complete the reading at all). Each reading could be covered in 50 minutes to 1:20, depending on depth. In that regard, this book was well designed for actual use in the classroom. I can't praise that enough.Cottingham's introductions to each selection are good for a quick sense of context, though I rarely assign or use that part. Students may find it useful. But Cottingham does not do the work for you, which is what makes this anthology great. You, as an instructor, still have as much latitude to present these readings in the way you'd like without sparring with the editor.For an independent student, though, I would not recommend this text as a starting point for philosophy. It is designed to support an experienced instructor who can illuminate and explain the texts. Diving into an original work of philosophy or a book designed to introduce an area you're interested in (Ethics, Politics, Logic, etc) is a better way in. The Cambridge Very Short Introductions series is great for that.

This book is amazing for anyone wanting to dip their toes into philosophy. The explanations at the beginning of the extracts are excellent; they explain the following extracts in simple terms. I skipped through some sections which were of no interest to me (atoms and more scientific theories) but I loved reading the political and moral sections.

I got the book

This is a brilliant anthology that gives you exactly what you need. It weaves effortlessly from reading to reading and topic to topic. The unit questions are also fantastic for guiding the readings and help readers to focus on what really matters in each text. The introductions and suggested readings are also great as they push further inquiry with a wide variety of relevant readings that enhance learning rather than bog down those who wish to study the subjects. I highly recommend this

I'm majoring in Philosophy at school because I don't care and I just want to get out at this point. But I gotta know a bit about philosophers in order to justifyingly say I know a bit about philosophy! If you want to seem like a real philosophy nerd, get this book, take notes, and you can bullshit your way out of any philosophical conversation. And since I've had this book, I've been really engaged in reading more philosophy books anyway.

Book arrived on time and was cheaper than Chegg. Only complaint is the book is in ehh condition. I feel like I have to be really really gentle with it because it may split or something. This stinks, especially with a book this thick! Hopefully I won't miss it up before its due back.

received in 2 days lots earlier than expected. much appreciated.

Book got to me in great condition. Got it on time, no complaints only that this class sucks

Arrived fast with Amazon Prime. Book in good condition. Required text for a course that's ~$10 off regular price.Also a good read judging from the first chapter haha.

Bought as the textbook for my OU module and I want to read it all. It is very clearly structured by topic and in chronological order within the topics which gives a good overview of the conversations that have been going on. There are also useful questions at the end of the chapters which can help for revisions in an academic context. That said, I would have loved to come across it were I not studying the subject and I will read the extracts that are not mentioned in the course in my own time.

Received the book but disappointed to find that large quantities of pages were very damp.Checked the plastic packaging and found no signs of holes or water and was dry to touch on the inside. Can only assume it was packed in this condition. Taking ages to dry them out!

An excellent anthology, covers all major philosophical ideas, theories, and thinkers. Would highly recommend to A-Level Theology/RS/Philosophy students and Undergraduate Philosophy/PPE students.

Great anthology. A bit dense unless you have a tutor to guide you to a particular text or are a keen encyclopedia reader anyway! But once into it, it is actually very readable