A New Modern Philosophy: The Inclusive Anthology of Primary Sources

The seventeenth and eighteenth centuries are crucial in philosophy, but coursebooks have focused on seven white and male philosophers. The second edition of A New Modern Philosophy: The Inclusive Anthology of Primary Sources integrates multiple voices and diverse areas of debate, including moral and political philosophy, philosophy of the natural world, and philosophy of race. It includes readings from 36 thinkers, with editors Gwendolyn Marshall and Susanne Sreedhar providing introductions and study questions. An eResource offers supplemental online resources.

Format: Hardback
Length: 804 pages
Publication date: 11 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The seventeenth and eighteenth centuries are undeniably pivotal in the history of philosophy, as they laid the groundwork for subsequent philosophical thought. However, over the past decade, there has been growing discontent among instructors due to the unwavering focus on the seven most well-known philosophers of the era, all of whom were white and male, and their exclusive emphasis on metaphysical and epistemological concerns. While it is widely acknowledged that these figures and the questions they raised are of utmost importance, it is equally crucial to recognize the significant contributions of women and non-white thinkers during this period.

Margaret Cavendish, Elisabeth of Bohemia, Mary Wollstonecraft, and Émilie Du Châtelet are just a few examples of women who made significant contributions to philosophy during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Similarly, Anton Wilhelm Amo, Julien Raimond, and Ottobah Cugoano are notable non-white thinkers who made valuable contributions to the field.

At the same time, there has been growing recognition of the need to better integrate moral, political, and philosophical perspectives on the natural world and race with the standard coverage of metaphysics and epistemology. The second edition of A New Modern Philosophy: The Inclusive Anthology of Primary Sources aims to address these valid criticisms.

In one comprehensive volume, this anthology brings together a diverse range of voices and all the vibrant areas of debate from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It includes a wide selection of readings from 36 thinkers, encompassing essential works from the canonical writers as well as the previously neglected philosophers. The editors, Gwendolyn Marshall and Susanne Sreedhar, provide insightful introductions for each author, contextualizing them within their respective time periods and the broader philosophical debates to which they contributed.

Each chapter concludes with study questions and suggestions for further reading, making it an invaluable resource for students and scholars alike. By broadening the scope of modern philosophy, this anthology fosters a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of the field. It serves as a reminder that philosophy is not limited to a narrow group of thinkers but encompasses a rich tapestry of ideas and perspectives from diverse backgrounds and genders.

In conclusion, the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries are a critical period in the history of philosophy, and the second edition of A New Modern Philosophy: The Inclusive Anthology of Primary Sources is a valuable contribution to the field. By integrating multiple voices and all the vibrant areas of debate, this anthology sets a new agenda for studying modern philosophy. It highlights the importance of recognizing the contributions of women and non-white thinkers, and encourages a more comprehensive integration of moral, political, and philosophical perspectives on the natural world and race with metaphysics and epistemology. This volume is a testament to the enduring power of philosophy and its ability to inspire and challenge us as we navigate the complexities of our world.

Weight: 1720g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032523866
Edition number: 2 ed