Library Research Guide for Philosophy
http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/phil.html
This bibliography includes titles held by the Reference collections of Olin and Uris Libraries,
as well as reference materials accessible online. Some titles listed may also be available in
the general stacks. Since it focuses primarily on reference materials, it is necessarily selective.
Searching the Library Catalog and
Find it!: Databases will identify or provide access to far more resources than can be listed here.
Selected General Subject Encyclopedias and Dictionaries
Biographical Dictionary of Twentieth-Century Philosophers
Brown, Stuart, Diané Collinson and Robert Wilkinson, eds.
London; New York: Routledge, 1996
(Olin Ref B104 .B46w 1996 +)
"This substantial reference work provides detailed accounts of the lives, works,
influences and receptions of the most important philosophers of the twentieth century.
Over 1000 entries, covering philosophers from all over the world, offer detailed
biographical and bibliographical information, and analytic accounts of the thought
and critical reception of each figure." (Publisher).
The Cambridge Dictionary of Philosophy
Audi, Robert, ed.
Cambridge; New York: Cambridge University Press, 1999.
(Olin Ref B 41 .C35x 1999)
"Widely acclaimed as the most authoritative and accessible one-volume dictionary available
in English (and now with translations into Chinese, Korean, Russian, Italian, and Spanish
underway) this second edition offers an even richer, more comprehensive, and more up-to-date
survey of ideas and thinkers written by an international team of 436 contributors. Includes
the most comprehensive entries on major philosophers, 400 new entries including over 50 on
preeminent contemporary philosophers, extensive coverage of rapidly developing fields such
as the philosophy of mind and applied ethics, more entries on non-Western philosophy than
any comparable volume, and increased coverage of Continental philosophy." (Publisher).
The Columbia History of Western Philosophy
Popkin, Richard H., ed.
New York: Columbia University Press, 1999
(Olin Ref B72 .P55x 1999 +, also Uris Ref)
Origins of Western philosophic thinking -- Medieval Islamic and Jewish philosophy --
Medieval Christian philosophy -- The Renaissance -- Seventeenth-century philosophy --
Eighteenth-century philosophy -- Nineteenth-century philosophy --
Twentieth-century analytic philosophy -- Twentieth-century continental philosophy.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
A Companion to the Philosophers
Arrington, Robert L., ed.
Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishers, 1999
(Olin Ref B72 .C595x 1999, also Uris Ref)
Multicultural approach, covering -- African philosophers -- Chinese philosophers
-- European and American philosophers -- Indian philosophers -- Japanese philosophers
-- Islamic and Jewish philosophers. Includes bibliographical references and index.
Diccionario de filosofia
Mora, Jose Ferrater
4 Vols. 6th ed. Madrid: Alianza, 1979
(Olin Ref B45 .F37 1979)
The Diccionario is a standard reference work throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
Dictionary of Continental Philosophy
Protevi, John, ed.
New Haven: Yale University Press, 2006
(Olin Ref B41 .D46 2006)
Over 450 definitions and articles by an international team of specialists. Special care has been
taken to explain complex ideas, methods, and figures.
Dictionary of Modern American Philosophers
Shook, John R. and Richard T. Hull, eds.
4 Vols. Bristol: Thoemmes Continuum, 2005
(Olin Ref B 851 .D53 2005)
The Dictionary of Modern American Philosophers, contains 1082 entries by over
500 authors, and provides an account of philosophical thought in the United States and Canada
between 1860 and the present.
A Dictionary of Philosophy
Lacey, Alan R.
3rd Ed. London: Routledge, 1996
(Olin Ref B41 .L13 1996)
"First published in 1976, the Dictionary of Philosophy has established itself as the best
available text of its kind, explaining often unfamiliar, complicated and diverse terminology.
... The third edition of this bestselling student reference book provides an illuminating and
informed introduction to the key issues, concepts and perspectives of philosophy. The Dictionary
has been thoroughly revised and updated." (Publisher).
A Dictionary of Philosophical Quotations
Ayer, A.J. and Jane O'Grady
Oxford, UK; Cambridge, MA, USA: Blackwell Publishers, 1992
(Olin Ref B21 .D54 1992z)
Includes quotations from over 300 western philosophers.
Directory of American Philosophers
Bahm, Archie J., ed.
Bowling Green, OH: Philosophy Documentation Center, 1962 -
(Olin Ref B935 .D59 +)
Latest volume in Reference
"In its 23rd edition, this directory remains the most comprehensive source of information
on philosophical activity in North America in either print or electronic formats."
(Publisher).
The Edinburgh Encyclopedia of Continental Philosophy
Glendinning, Simon, ed.
Edinburgh: University Press, 1999.
(Olin stacks B804 .E43x 1999 +)
Available online through the Library Catalog
"Provides extensive coverage of all the key thinkers, from Kant, Hegel, and Sartre,
to Derrida and Baudrillard. Its scope is broad, ranging from Classical Idealism
through Existentialism, Phenomenology, and Psychoanalysis, to Structuralism and
Post Structuralism." (Publisher).
Enciclopedia Filosofica
Firenze: G. C. Sansoni, 1968
6 Vols. 2nd ed. interamente rielaborata
(Olin Ref B44 .E56 1968 +)
Handsome illustrated production. Includes Oriental philosophy and philosophers, with emphasis
on western philosophy.
Encyclopedia of Aesthetics
Kelly, Michael, ed.
4 Vols. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998
(Olin Ref BH56 .E53x 1998 +)
The Encyclopedia of Aesthetics surveys the full breadth of critical thought on art, culture,
and society--from classical philosophy to contemporary critical theory. It includes cross
references, bibliographies, and an index.
Encyclopedia of Applied Ethics
Chadwick, Ruth, ed.
4 Vols. San Diego, CA: Academic Press, 1998.
(Olin Ref BJ63 .E44x 1998 +)
A multi-disciplinary guide to the application of ethical principles in a wide variety
of areas, including medicine, science, the environment, law, education, politics, business,
media, social services, and society. Among the many specific issues addressed are animal
research, infertility, biodiversity, vegetarianism, capital punishment, jury conduct,
political correctness, gun control, broadcast journalism, disability rights, racism, and
transsexualism. Signed entries are generally lengthy, and provide issue-specific glossaries
as well as secondary references. A number of entries also define ethical theories and
concepts.
Encyclopedia of Classical Philosophy
Zeyl, Donald J., Daniel T. Devereaux and Phillip T. Mitsis, eds.
4 Vols. San Diego, CA: Academic Press, 1998.
(Uris Ref B163 .E53x 1997, also Olin stacks)
"The only encyclopedia in English specific to the field of Classical Philosophy, this work
presents 270 articles on major and minor figures and on topics of importance to the philosophy
of Greek and Roman antiquity." (Publisher).
Encyclopedia of Ethics
Becker Lawrence C. and Charlotte B. Becker, eds.
3 Vols. 2nd ed. New York: Routledge, 2001
(Olin stacks BJ63 .E45x 2001 +)
The Encyclopedia of Ethics provides general, cross disciplinary scope, very theory based.
Articles are signed with lists of references.
Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Borchet, Donald M., ed.
10 Vols. 2nd ed. Detroit: Macmillan Reference USA, 2006
(Olin Ref B51 .E56 2006 +)
Available online through Find it!: Databases, or the Library Catalog
Containing material from hundreds of highly distinguished contributors representing
the world's top universities and institutions, the second edition has a truly global
perspective.
The Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Edwards, Paul, ed.
8 Vols. New York: MacMillan, l967; Suppl. 1996
(Uris Ref B51 E56 +, also Olin stacks and Mann stacks)
The most comprehensive source of philosophical information. The Encyclopedia
discusses Eastern and Western philosophy and deals with ancient, medieval, and
modern philosophy. The work contains nearly 1,500 lengthy articles of value for
the specialist as well as for the beginner.
Greek Philosophical Terms; a Historical Lexicon
Peters, F. E.
New York: New York University Press
(Olin Ref B49 .P47, also Uris Ref B49 .P48)
This is a lexicon of Greek philosophical terms, transliterated into English spelling,
with notes on their use by writers from Homer to Proclus.
Historisches Wörterbuch der Philosophie
Ritter, Joachim, ed.
12 Vols. Basel: Schwabe, 1971-2004
(Olin Ref B43 .H67 +)
Covers philosophy as well as selected terms and concepts in individual scientific disciplines.
Library Research Guide to Philosophy
List, Charles J. and Stephen H. Plum
Ann Arbor: Pierian Press, 1990
(Olin Ref Z7125 .L77)
Somewhat out of date, but useful especially for undergraduates.
The Oxford Companion to Philosophy
Honderish, Ted, ed.
2nd ed. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, 2005
(Olin Ref B51 .O94 2005)
Available online through the Library Catalog
"An assembly of 249 distinguished philosophers have contributed to The Oxford Companion
to Philosophy to create the most authoritative and engaging philosophical reference work
in English. It gives clear and reliable guidance to all areas of philosophy and to the
ideas of all notable philosophers from antiquity to the present day. The scope of the
volume is not limited to English-language philosophy: it surveys the foremost philosophy
from all parts of the world. The book covers philosophical topics from animal souls,
arthritis in the thigh, and brain in a vat to Zoroastrianism and vague objects. There
are more than fifty extended entries of 3,000 words on the main areas of philosophy and
the great philosophers." (Publisher).
The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy
Blackburn, Simon.
2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005
(Olin Ref B41 B53 2005)
Available online through the Library Catalog
This dictionary is meant to be a "resource for anyone interested in general
intellectual movements." (Preface). It contains definitions to over 3000
philosophical terms and those from related disciplines (theology, physics, psychology,
sociology) "where such terminology is heavily embedded in philosophical discussion."
(Preface). It also includes historical philosophers and scientists whose work brought about
major changes in philosophical thought. The definitions contain extensive cross-references.
Philosophy: A Guide to the Reference Literature
Bynagle, Hans E.
2d ed. Englewood, CO: Libraries Unlimited, 1997
(Olin Ref Z7125 .B97x 1997)
Extensive scope, and critical annotations. Emphasis on English language materials.
Research Guide to Philosophy
Tice, Terrence N. and Thomas P. Slavens
Chicago: American Library Association, 1983
(Olin Ref B52 .T55, also Uris Ref)
Arranged into fourteen historical periods, with an annotated bibliography of bibliographies,
dictionaries, encyclopedias, digests, handbooks, plus indices according to author-titles
and subjects.
Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Craig, Edward, ed.
10 Vols. London; New York: Routledge, 1998
(Olin Ref B51 R68 1998, and the Olin Library Electronic Text Center)
Available online through Find it!: Databases, or the Library Catalog
The Routledge Encyclopedia provides an excellent update to the older Encyclopedia
of Philosophy. The Routledge Encyclopedia's coverage of ethics is noticeably better, making
this a first choice for ethicists. Articles are followed by brief bibliographies. An
excellent resource.
The Online version of the 10-volume Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy can be browsed
by philosophical themes, philosophies, historical periods, and religions. Full text
entries can be searched by keyword, title, contributor, or bibliography.
Vocabulaire Technique et Critique de la Philosophie
Lalande, André
10th ed. Paris: Presses Universitaires de France, 1968
(Olin Ref B49 .L19 V8 1968)
Set of very carefully selected quotations from the works of great classical and modern
philosophers defining their usage, or interpretation, of philosophical terms.
Women Philosophers: a Bio-Critical Source Book
Kersey, Ethel M.
New York: Greenwood Press, 1989
(Uris Ref B105 .W6 K41)
Covers over 150 women philosophers from antiquity to 20th century women born mostly before 1920.
It includes an appendix listing women philosophers by historical period, country, and discipline.
An alphabetized name index is also available.
World Philosophers and Their Works
Roth, John K., Christina J. Moose and Rowena Wildin, eds.
3 Vols. Pasadena, CA: Salem Press, 2000
(Uris Ref B104 .W67x 2000 +)
"World Philosophers and Their Works not only covers Western philosophers—from
the Greeks, including Plato and Aristotle, through modern thinkers such as Paul M. Churchland,
Martin Luther King, Jr., and Annette C. Baier—but also examines philosophical standouts from
Asian and African cultures." (Publisher).
The World's Great Philosophers
Arrington, Robert L., ed.
Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishers, 2003
(Olin stacks B29 .W69x 2003)
"Most of the essays contained in this book were originally published in A Companion to the
Philosophers (Oxford: Blackwell, 1999). Several have been revised, and three ... are new."
(Preface).
See Table of Contents
online.
Return to Table of Contents
Selected Databases
Academic Search Premier
Available through Find it!: Databases, or the Library Catalog
EBSCO Academic Search Premier provides full text for nearly 4,650 academic multi-disciplinary
serials, including full text for more than 3,600 peer-reviewed titles. PDF backfiles to 1975
or further are available for well over one hundred journals, and searchable cited references
are provided for more than 1,000 titles. This database is updated on a daily basis.
Humanities International Index
Available through Find it!: Databases, or the Library Catalog
Humanities International Index is a comprehensive database covering journals, books and other
important reference sources in the humanities and provides cover-to-cover indexing and
abstracting for over 1,700 journals and contains more than 1.5 million records.
It includes deep backfiles for some of the most important journals in the area of humanities,
and provides citations and abstracts for articles, essays and reviews, as well as original
creative works including poems, fiction, photographs, paintings and illustrations.
International Philosophical Bibliography
Available through Find it!: Databases, or the Library Catalog
The present bibliography is the successor of, on the one hand, the Répertoire bibliographique
de la philosophie, which has appeared quarterly since May 1934 as a supplement of the Revue
néoscolastique de philosophie (renamed Revue philosophique de Louvain, in 1946), and, on the
other, of the Bibliografisch Repertorium van de Wijsbegeerte, which has appeared as part of
the Tijdschrift voor Filosofie, since 1939. The bibliography is published by the Institut
Supérieur de Philosophie (Université Catholique de Louvain) and the Hoger Instituut voor
Wijsbegeerte (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
Past Masters
Available through Find it!: Databases, or the Library Catalog
The Past Masters collection consists of over 100 political and philosophical texts
ranging from the works of ancient Greece to the early twentieth century. The collection
is particularly strong in eighteenth and nineteenth century English philosophy.
ProQuest Research Library
Ann Arbor: UMI, 1986- .
Available through Find it!: Databases, or the Library Catalog
Indexes and abstracts an extensive number of periodicals, covering general interest
magazines and scholarly journals in the social sciences, humanities and sciences. Also
included are citations and abstracts to selected television and radio programs. Full text
of many articles is provided.
Philosopher's Index
Available through Find it!: Databases, or the Library Catalog
Provides indexing and abstracts from books and many journals on philosophy and related
interdisciplinary fields published in the U.S. and the Western World. Coverage is from
1940 to the present for U.S. materials, and 1967 to the present for non-U.S. references.
For more databases, see
Find it!: Databases.
Return to Table of Contents
Electronic Book and Journal Collections:
Below are a few collections of electronic journals that contain philosophy titles.
Many other philosophy journals are also available in print and online. They can be found
in the Library Catalog.
JSTOR: the Scholarly Journal Archive
Available through Find it!: Databases, or the Library Catalog
JSTOR is a fully-searchable database containing the back issues of several hundred
scholarly journals in the humanities, social sciences, mathematics, music, ecology and
botany, business and other fields. It includes numerous important Philosophy journals.
Oxford Scholarship Online
Available through the Library Catalog
"Oxford Scholarship Online focuses on the core areas of philosophy. The topics
are fundamental to the discipline, and thus of interest to anyone doing philosophical work -
researchers, lecturers, and students. We have concentrated on recent books - most of them
from the last ten years, accompanied by some classics from the 1960s to the 1980s. These books
are central to the study of philosophy today and will continue to be so in decades to come.
Our authors include leading figures of late twentieth-century philosophy alongside some rising
stars of the contemporary scene." (Publisher's web Site)
POIESIS: Philosophy Online Serials
Bowling Green: Philosophy Documentation Center, 1999.
Available through Find it!: Databases, or the Library Catalog
Provides full-text online access to a growing number of philosophy journals, including
articles, book reviews, footnotes, announcements, and notices. More than 60 journals have
been licensed for the project and the database will ultimately contain 100 philosophy
journals and UMI's collection of philosophy dissertation abstracts. Not all journals are
available in full text.
Project MUSE
Available through Find it!: Databases, or the Library Catalog
Searchable database that provides access to the full text of journals published by Johns
Hopkins University Press and other university presses in the humanities, social sciences,
and mathematics. It includes numerous important Philosophy journals.
Return to Table of Contents
Selected Internet Resources
The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Hundreds of articles featuring "detailed, scholarly information on key topics and
philosophers in all areas of philosophy." Maintained by two philosophy professors
and a team of volunteer specialists. Not searchable.
Philosophy Resources from the Librarians' Internet Index
The Librarians' Internet Index identifies and catalogs key Internet resources on a
wide range of topics. The Philosophy section includes 110 resources in 20 categories.
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Philosophy professors at Stanford University are developing this encyclopedia,
featuring hundreds of articles. The section called "What's New" features the latest
entries. Searchable and browsable.
Return to Table of Contents
Research and Reference Help
Return to Table of Contents
Updated: 17 November 2009 (rk)
http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/phil.html
Tony Cosgrave, ajc5@cornell.edu
Reference Librarian
Olin and Uris Libraries, Cornell University, Ithaca
NY 14853
Information and reference: 607-255-4144, okuref@cornell.edu
Circulation: (Olin) 607-255-4245, (Uris) 607-255-3537, okucirc@cornell.edu
Encyclopedias & Dictionaries