William L. Reese, State University of New York at Albany One of the great philosophical problems, freedom, is explored here in all its historical depth and complexity as it has been interpreted by the great thinkers, both classical and modern, Eastern and Western. A discussion of definitions leads to a single, concluding, workable definition and the placement of personal freedom within that definition. Included are valuable selections from Aquinas, Aristotle, Brand Blanshard, Descartes, Paul Edwards, Hegel, Hobbes, Hume, James, Locke, Nietzsche, Sartre, Skinner, Voltaire, and others.
Freedom is the first in a series of eight brief volumes devoted to the major philosophical problems.
This new series will eventually include separate volumes on values, self, truth, beauty, right and wrong, social philosophy, and God and immortality. These volumes are appropriate for introduction to philosophy courses, particularly those with problems-based formats. Each study guide opens with an introduction, questions for discussion, and an outline of the topic, followed by classic readings. The volumes are designed to be used alongside Reese's Dictionary of Philosophy and Religion.