Author Description

The Story of Analytic Philosophy: Plot and Heroes is an edited collection of essays looking at analytic philosophy in its historical context. Analytic philosophy has been, for some time now, in a state of crisis - having to deal with its self-image, its relationship with philosophical alternatives, its fruitfulness and even legitimacy in the general philosophical community. The Story of Analytic Philosophy: Plot and Heroes presents an obvious and explicit awareness of the crisis by "insiders," with a view to interpreting it. Such an interpretation is accomplished by telling the story of analytic philosophy - that is, by presenting its raison d'etre and the motivations, methods, and results of its eminent figures. The "plot," or the theoretics of a philosophical movement, is told by contributors Hacker, Hylton, Sacks, Skorupski and others. Each of the essays falling into this category addresses essential issues such as analysis, style, psychologism, and empiricism. The story of the "heroes," signifying the likes of Frege, Russell, and Wittgenstein, is a well known story, but still worth retelling. Floyd, Friedlander, Putnam and Lurie are some of the philosophers in this collection who examine the story of the heroes in a new light.