What is analytic philosophy? /

Glock (Univ. of Zurich) argues that while there is no single trait shared by all and only analytic philosophers, a complex network of similarities--"family resemblances" in Wittgenstein's phrase--ties them together and distinguishes them from other philosophical movements. These similarities include being influenced by such paradigmatic analytic figures as Frege, Russell, or Wittgenstein; an emphasis on clarity, analysis, and rational argumentation; and a focus on meaning and language. Glock skillfully blends philosophical analyses of the central doctrines of analytic philosophy with a detailed historical account of its development. By offering a historical account from a unified perspective, this work complements other excellent treatments of analytic philosophy such as Scott Soames's Philosophical Analysis in the Twentieth Century: v. 1: The Dawn of Analysis (CH, Mar'04, 41-3987) and A Companion to Analytic Philosophy (CH, Jan'02, 39-2730), ed. by A. P. Martinich and D. Sosa. While clearly an advocate of analytic philosophy, Glock does not hesitate to point out its shortcomings, and is evenhanded in his discussions of Continental philosophy. Anyone interested in analytic philosophy will want to read this insightful, elegantly written book. Summing Up: Recommended. Libraries supporting philosophy programs for advanced undergraduates through faculty/researchers. D. Haugen Western Illinois University