Sidney Hook Reconsidered

The essays in this volume are the outcome of a centennial celebration honoring the life and career of Sidney Hook. In addition to some of his former students, colleagues, allies, and adversaries, this volume contains several essays by relatively unknown scholars. The value of their contributions is measured by fresh insights into Hook’s philosophical significance, as well as the underlying argument that adequate distance is needed to evaluate his historical relevance. Despite the contentious nature of these two approaches, ultimately these essays represent the comprehensive attempt to both reexamine Hook’s legacy and celebrate his life.

The contributors include Jo-Ann Boydston, Gary Bullert, Steven Cahn, Matthew Cotter, Michael Eldridge, Barbara Forrest, Nathan Glazer, Neil Jumonville, Marvin Kohl, Paul Kurtz, Tibor Machan, Christopher Phelps, Kathleen Poulos, Edward Shapiro, David Sidorsky, Robert Talisse, and Bruce Wilshire.

With a completely revised and updated bibliography of Hook’s works, plus an afterword by Richard Rorty, this outstanding collection of essays examining the rich and varied experience of one of America’s most misunderstood intellectuals will be of great interest to students and scholars of American intellectual history and philosophy.

Matthew J. Cotter (Brooklyn, NY) has been a lecturer at William Paterson University, Baruch College and Hunter College at the City University of New York (CUNY). He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in American history at the City University of New York's Graduate Center.