The Cambridge Companion to Locke (Cambridge Companions to Philosophy)

I just wanted to counter the review of the first writer on this book - this companion to Locke's thought is pitched extremely well between the needs of the new reader and a Locke scholar. Each of the articles are accessible, providing an interesting take on each of the subjects tackled. They are certainly not a simple read, however, and the reader is required to make an effort to understand the different strands of argument being discussed. The difficulties of understanding are far from insurmountable and the reader is provided with a sense of achievement in reaching a useful understanding of each subject under discussion. The articles cover all the major areas of Locke's philosophical work (with perhaps an emphasis on his epistemology and metaphysics) and there is an excellent biographical sketch. There is also a fine bibliography of Locke's works and related scholarly material. This book is a useful and informative introduction to Locke's thought. It does require an effort of understanding, but this effort is well-rewarded. Each volume of this series of companions to major philosophers contains specially commissioned essays by an international team of scholars, together with a substantial bibliography, and will serve as a reference work for students and non-specialists. One aim of the series is to dispel the intimidation such readers often feel when faced with the work of a difficult and challenging thinker. The essays in this volume provide a systematic survey of Locke's philosophy informed by the most recent scholarship. They cover Locke's theory of ideas, his philosophies of body, mind, language, and religion, his theory of knowledge, his ethics, and his political philosophy. There are also chapters on Locke's life and subsequent influence. New readers and non-specialists will find this the most convenient, accessible guide to Locke currently available The Most Convenient, Accessible Guide To Locke Currently Available. Introduction / Vere Chappel -- Locke's Life And Times / J. R. Milton -- Locke's Theory Of Ideas / Vere Chappell -- Locke's Philosophy Of Body / Edwin Mccann -- Locke's Philosophy Of Mind / Jonathan Bennett -- Locke's Philosophy Of Language / Paul Guyer -- Locke's Theory Ofknowledge / Roger Woolhouse -- Locke's Philosophy Of Religion / Nicholas Wolterstorff -- Locke's Moral Philosophy / J. B. Schneewind -- Locke's Political Philosophy / Richard Ashcraft -- Locke's Influence / Hans Aarsleff. Edited By Vere Chappell. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 290-315) And Indexes.