This second edition does more than introduce continental philosophy; it makes it interesting and intriguing. Philip Pettit, Princeton University David West's interpretations of the major figures of continental philosophy are succinct and insightful. He reads continental philosophy as a reaction to Enlightenment rationalism and as a potential foundation for emancipatory politics. This edition includes a courageous critique of several important recent figures: Agamben, AeiAuek and Badiou. West provides an illuminating and thorough introduction to the continental tradition. William R. Schroeder, University of Illinois