Oxford University Press presents a major new edition of the definitive philosophical reference work for readers at all levels. For ten years the original volume has served as a stimulating introduction for general readers and as an indispensable guide for students; its breadth and depth of coverage have ensured that it is also read with pleasure and interest by those working at a higher level in philosophy and related disciplines. A distinguished international assembly of 249 philosophers contributed almost 2,000 entries, and many of these have now been considerably revised and updated; to these are added over 300 brand-new pieces on a fascinating range of current topics. This new edition offers enlightening and enjoyable discussions of all aspects of philosophy, and of the lives and work of the great philosophers from antiquity to the present day.

Ted Honderich's profile page

Ted Honderich is Emeritus Grote Professor of the Philosophy of Mind and Logic at University College London. He was born in Canada and educated in Toronto and London. His major work is A Theory of Determinism: The Mind, Neuroscience, and Life-Hopes, published by the Clarendon Press in 1988 and subsequently issued in two paperback volumes. He addresses the same subject for a more general readership in How Free are You? (1993). He is also known for his writings on political philosophy, and for the widely successful philosophy readers which he has edited.

'the "Oxford Companion" is rewarding to browse through.' Economist

'that rarest of things: a philosophical work that is genuinely entertaining ... by far the best - and best value - philosophical reference book on the market.'' Observer

'the "Oxford Companion" is probably the best introductory guide' Economist

'I am a second year university student studying Philosophy and after an exhaustive search for an extended general reference aid to the subject, I believe that the Oxford Companion to Philosophy is head and shoulders above similar texts on the market (e.g. Cambridge Dictionary of Philosophy, The Concise Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy). It is not only informative, but in an easy to understand and accessable format, which lends itself equally well to the beginner as to the more advanced philosophy student. In my opinion this constitutes an indispensible reference to anyone interested in the subject of philosophy. ' Amazon reader review

'I recommend this as one of my books of the year: it offers philosophy in a form that's digestible' Peter Mullen, Yorkshire Evening Press

'Review from previous edition a triumph, on which everyone concerned deserves to be congratulated ... if I have ever seen better value for money, at least I cannot remember having done so' Hugo Meynell, The Tablet

'the only reference work on the subject that communicates the sheer oddball fun of hard thinking' Steven Poole, The Guardian