Husserl: (The Routledge Philosophers)

In this stimulating introduction, David Woodruff Smith introduces the whole of Husserl's thought, demonstrating his influence on philosophy of mind and language, on ontology and epistemology, and on philosophy of logic, mathematics and science. Starting with an overview of his life and works, and his place in twentieth-century philosophy, and in western philosophy as a whole, David Woodruff Smith introduces Husserl's concept of phenomenology, explaining his influential theories of intentionality, objectivity and subjectivity. In subsequent chapters he covers Husserl's logic, metaphysics, realism and transcendental idealism, and epistemology. Finally, he assesses the significance and implications of Husserl's work for contemporary philosophy of mind and cognitive science. Including a timeline, glossary and extensive suggestions for further reading, Husserl is essential reading for anyone interested in this eminent philosopher, phenomenology or twentieth-century philosophy.

Review :
'...fulfills its aims admirably, providing an advanced introductory survey of the whole of Husserl's vast empire, together with provocative and illuminating interventions on a number of important particular points and disputes.' -- Wayne Martin, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews 'This is a first-rate volume... the text is rich with historical background and comment. But it is the clarity and depth of understanding with which David Woodruff Smith explains the material that is so overwhelmingly present. An excellent work.' -- Gayle Ormiston, Kent State University, USA 'A masterful presentation of the entire range of Husserl's thinking, seen from the perspective of a leading analytical phenomenologist.' -- Barry Smith, University of Buffalo, USA 'I find the way Smith has organized this book, thematically as opposed to by conceptual phase or by individual work, to be highly efficient. This approach allows one clearly to see Husserl's system as a whole and at work, and it allows for the interconnected nature of his ideas to be easily understood. Smith's style of writing is accessible without being too casual, and the illustrations provided are most helpful for fleshing out the concepts discussed ... a useful work for the experienced Husserl scholar to have on hand as it does efficiently draw together important themes and threads ... Smith's book can also work as a good starting point for novice readers.' -- Kimberly Jaray, Wilfred Laurier University