50 Key Words in Philosophy by Keith Ward [rare books]

Book Summary:

Fifty Key Words in Philosophy is an introductory book first published in 1968. In it, Keith Ward selects fifty philosophical terms (words/concepts) which he considers important or central to understanding philosophical thinking. For each word, he provides a concise definition, a sketch of its history, and some of the philosophical problems, puzzles, or debates that concept has generated. The words serve as “keys” into broader philosophical territory: by grasping what each key word means, and seeing how it has been used by philosophers across history, the reader is able to access debates in metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, philosophy of religion, logic, etc. The style is meant to be accessible—it's not deeply technical or dense—but philosophical enough to provoke reflection. It’s suitable for someone new to philosophy as well as those wanting a refresher.

Some of the key words covered are things like Being, Knowledge, Reality, God, Truth, Reason, Freedom, Faith etc. (though I don’t have a full list with me). The aim is not exhaustive but illustrative: each entry opens up avenues to explore further if one wishes. The short length (around 85‑96 pages) makes it a compact guide.

About the Author: 

John Stephen Keith Ward (born 1938) is a British philosopher, theologian, and Anglican priest. He has had a long academic career teaching philosophy, philosophy of religion, and theology at various institutions including the University of Glasgow, St Andrews, King’s College London, and ultimately Oxford, where he served as Regius Professor of Divinity. Ward’s interests include the relationship between science and religion, comparative theology (studying different religious traditions), Christian ethics, and metaphysical questions (such as the nature of God, the soul, and freedom).

He’s written many books across these topics, ranging from more academic, technical works to more popular‑level pieces, trying to bridge philosophical depth with clarity and accessibility. His intellectual position tends toward idealism (mind/spirit playing a fundamental role in his view of reality), and he is committed to the idea that religious beliefs can be thoughtfully held in dialogue with modern scientific thinking.