The Classics of Western Philosophy brings together 61 newly-commissioned essays on classic texts ranging from Ancient Greece to the twentieth century. Surveying the history of philosophy, the book focuses on historical texts rather than historical figures and covers the entire range of classics in a single volume.Accessible to a general readership, the contributions provide lively and well-substantiated expositions of the main arguments of each classic work, and highlight the significance of the work for the broader philosophical tradition. Each essay includes current references to a select bibliography of major articles and books. Engaging and authoritative, this volume is essential reading for anyone interested in the great works of Western philosophy.