Classics of Western Philosophy

Rating:
Summary: The Great Philosophical Minds
Review: An omnibus of great philosophical writings of the Western world, Cahn's "Classics" is required reading for the one who wants to discover the representative ideas of Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Descartes, Kant, Nietszche, and others. The writings have been chosen for their ability to present the essence of each great philosopher's thought. For the reader who wishes to bypass the interpreters and read the philosophers themselves, this volume is a must. With this collection, why should a philosophy student bother with another?

Rating:
Summary: Necessary for any philosophy student
Review: I must confess my review is about the third edition, but it got me through understanding many a dry philosophical lecture. The book encompasses many of the great philosophical minds of in western history - the usual Greek medley plus other greats such as Locke, Descartes, Spinoza.
Each set of highlighted works is prefaced by a small biography.
If current western philosophical college curricula is anything to go by this book brings the relevant philosophers together in one place and thus forms a vital part of any student's bookshelf.

Rating:
Summary: Great!
Review: This book is definately worth the price and the weight. Cahn selects some of the greatest philosophers of all time! A must for any philosophy student or anyone interested in the subject.