Nearly four decades ago, in 1967, Macmillan published its eight-volume Encyclopedia of Philosophy. With Paul Edwards as its exceptionally able editor in chief, the Encyclopedia became a highly respected, premier reference work consulted by countless professors and students as they pursued the examined life. Indeed, it would be safe to say that most if not all of the scholars who have contributed to the new Second Edition of the Encyclopedia leaned on the First Edition for philosophical insight during their formative years as young academicians. For them to be able to participate in reshaping a reference resource that figured importantly in their intellectual development has been a unique opportunity and a privilege.

When Macmillan invited me to serve as editor in chief for the new ten-volume Second Edition, the task appeared daunting because of its magnitude. But it also seemed manageable...