Elizabeth Anscombe (1919-2001) is increasingly regarded as a major philosopher of the post-war period. Her 1957 book Intention effectively launched contemporary philosophy of action and her article 'Modern Moral Philosophy' is regarded a founding document of virtue ethics. She also translated Wittgenstein's Philosophical Investigations into English, bringing his work to worldwide attention.
However, her work can be difficult to approach for the first time. In this outstanding, comprehensive introduction to her thought Candace Vogler examines and assesses the following key topics:
a biographical overview of Anscombe's life, including her conversion to Catholicism and friendship with Wittgenstein
the importance of practical philosophy in Anscombe's work and the influence of Aristotle and Aquinas
Anscombe's account of intentional action and reasons for acting in Intention
her theories and arguments concerning virtue and virtue ethics and their roots in her reading of Aquinas
the question of authority and the related problems of orders and obedience in Anscombe's writings on ethics, religion and politics
her deep engagement with major figures in the history of philosophy such as Hume, Frege, Russell and Wittgenstein
the legacy of Anscombe's thought and the challenges it poses for contemporary philosophy.
The addition of chapter summaries, annotated further reading and a glossary of technical terms make this an indispensable introduction to Anscombe's thought as well as essential reading for students and scholars of Twentieth century philosophy, philosophy of action and ethics.
