Ethics and moral philosophy Books

Book SynopsisA selection of Michel de Montaigne's most profound, searching essays, in a new translation and stunning hardback edition featuring an introduction by Yiyun Li 'I myself am the subject of my book'. So wrote Montaigne in the introductory note to his Essays, the book that marked the birth of the modern essay form. In works of probing intelligence and idiosyncratic observation, Montaigne moved from intimate personal reflection to roving theories of the conduct of kings and cannibals, the effects of sorrow and fear, and the fallibility of human memory and judgement. This new selection of Montaigne's most ingenious essays appears in a lucid new translation by the prize-winning David Coward. What Do I Know? offers the modern reader profound insight into a great Renaissance mind.Trade Review'Read Montaigne in order to live' - Gustave Flaubert'I defy any reader of Montaigne not to put down the book at some point and say with incredulity: How did he know all that about me?' - The Times'[Montaigne] was the first who had the courage to say as an author what he felt as a man' - William HazlittTable of ContentsPART ONEMONTAIGNE ON MONTAIGNE 1 On Sorrow 2 On how our Actions are to be judged by the Intention 3 On Idling 4 On Liars 5 That we should not be considered happy until we are deadPART TWOON THE PURSUIT OF REASON 6 On Fear 7 To tell true from false, it is folly to rely on our own capacities 8 How we can cry and laugh at the same thing 9 On Solitude 10 On the Uncertainty of our Judgement 11 On DrunkennessPART THREEON GOVERNANCE AND GOVERNORS 12 On Cannibals 13 On the Inequality that exists between us 14 On Sleep 15 On our lease of life 16 On Carriages

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Book Synopsis“We should be grateful to Schopenhauer for managing to express the truth about life so beautifully.” — Alain De Botton, author of The Consolations of PhilosophyThe Essential Schopenhauer delivers the first comprehensive English anthology of the seminal philosopher’s writings, edited by Wolfgang Schirmacher, president of the International Schopenhauer Association. This indispensable collection affords readers a uniquely accessible gateway into the monolithic thinker’s prodigious body of work. Just as the Harper Perennial Basic Writings series renders the work of Heidegger and Nietzsche accessible for English readers, The Essential Schopenhauer gives us unprecedented access to the complex ideas of this profound and influential thinker.Trade Review“Schopenhauer’s beautiful, exceptionally dark philosophy liberates us from the intolerable burden placed upon us by our contemporary optimism. The Essential Schopenhauer is a book to turn to when all others have failed.” — Alain de Botton, bestselling author of The Consolations of Philosophy and How Proust Can Change Your Life “Unquestionably one of the most profound and penetrating intellects.” — New York Times “A great philosopher” — The Guardian “Schopenhauer’s philosophy has had a special attraction for those who wonder about life’s meaning, along with those engaged in music, literature, and the visual arts.” — Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewA fabulous journey through thirty years of political and intellectual ferment that shows that Foucault's work is as alive and contemporary as ever -- Didier Eribon

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Book SynopsisThe Disordered Mind, Third Edition, is a wide-ranging introduction to the philosophy of mental disorder or illness. It examines and explains, from a philosophical standpoint, what mental disorder is: Its reality, causes, consequences, compassionate treatment, and more. Revised and updated throughout, the third edition includes enhanced discussions of the distinction between mental health and illness, selfhood and delusions about the self, impairments of basic psychological capacities in mental disorder, and the distinct roles that mental causation and neural mechanisms play in mental illness. The book is organized around four questions: What is a mental disorder or illness? What makes mental disorder something bad? What are various mental disorders and what do they tell us about the mind? What is mental health and how may it be restored?Numerous disorders are discussed, including addiction, agoraphobia, dTrade ReviewPraise for previous editions:"This is a superb contribution to the philosophy of mind and mental illness. … anyone working in philosophy, psychiatry, psychology, neurology, or any of the related mental health professions would find it a fascinating read." - Joseph Martos, The Heythrop Journal"…an admirably wide-ranging book that provides a rich and stimulating introduction to central topics in the philosophy of mind… The Disordered Mind should be essential reading both for those who are sympathetic and those who are antagonistic to the idea of a non-reductive notion of mental disorder. … Not only is it a welcome addition to the rapidly increasing literature on the philosophy of psychiatry, but it also contributes to establishing its legitimacy as a sub-discipline of philosophy." - Somogy Varga, MIND"George Graham has a longstanding reputation as a distinguished philosopher of psychiatry, and The Disordered Mind shows why. Its scope is broad and its presentation is clear and precise. It is a very impressive statement of a widespread and important philosophical perspective on mental illness, which everyone studying the philosophy of psychiatry will want to read … It is clear enough, and vividly enough written, to be assigned fruitfully to undergraduates, but it also makes enough contributions to the central debates in the field to be important for specialists." - Dominic Murphy and Gemma Smart, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews"George Graham is contemporary philosophy’s most gifted and humane writer. The Disordered Mind is a wise, deep, and thorough inquiry into the nature of the human mind and the various "creaks, cracks, and crevices" into which it is prone sometimes to wander… The Disordered Mind is a pedagogical, philosophical, and psychiatric tour de force." - Owen Flanagan, Duke University, USA"The book is a success, it is consistently insightful and humane, and conveys a clear understanding not only of relevant philosophical topics, but also of a much more difficult issue, the relevance of those topics to understanding mental illness." - Philip Gerrans, University of Adelaide, Australia"The Disordered Mind is a must read for anyone who is a psychiatrist, psychologist, philosopher, neurologist, or mental health worker. Indeed, it is a must read for any thoughtful person who simply desires to understand more deeply and more realistically the workings of their own mind as well as the workings of the human mind in general." - Richard Garrett, Bentley University, USATable of Contents1. Introduction 2. Conceiving mental disorder 3. The disorder of mental disorder 4. Skepticism about mental disorder 5. Seeking norms for mental disorder 6. Mental health and illness after an original position 7. Addiction and responsibility for self 8. Reality lost and found 9. Minding the missing me. Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisExam Board: SQALevel: HigherSubject: RMPSFirst Teaching: August 2018First Exam: June 2019The only resource for RMPS Religious and Philosophical Questions at Higher level, written by a bestselling author and expert in the field. Completely updated for the 2018 SQA specification.This book provides comprehensive coverage of the newly designed CFE Higher in Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies. It is also ideal for students across Scotland studying key topic areas in Religious and Philosophical Questions as part of the broad general education and the senior phase of RME.- Offers a lively, accessible and engaging style with appropriate humour that reflects real-life situations and moral issues- Highlights the importance of dealing with varieties of belief within religious traditions- Deals with up-to-date contemporary and topical issues in a highly sensitive and informative manner

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Book SynopsisA NEW YORKER AND THE ECONOMIST BEST BOOK OF 2022"Life Is Hard is a humane consolation for challenging times. Reading it is like speaking with a thoughtful friend who never tells you to cheer up, but, by offering gentle companionship and a change of perspective, makes you feel better anyway" The New York Times Book Review'An eloquent, moving, witty and above all useful demonstration of philosophy's power to help us weather the storms of being human' Oliver Burkeman, author of FOUR THOUSAND WEEKS______________________________________Pain, Loneliness, Grief, Injustice ... Hope?Life is hard - as the past few years have made painfully clear. From personal trauma to the injustice and absurdity of the world, sometimes simply going on can feel too much.But could there be solace - and even hope - in acknowledging the hardships of the human condition? Might doing so free us from the tyranny of striving for our "best lives" and help us find warmth, humanity, and humour in the lives we actually have? Could it inspire in us the desire for a better world?In this profound and personal book, Kieran Setiya shows how philosophy can help us find our way. He shares his own experience with chronic pain and the consolation that comes from making sense of it. He asks what we can learn from loneliness and loss about the value of human life. And he explores how we can fail with grace, confront injustice, and search for meaning in the face of despair. Drawing on ancient and modern philosophy, as well as fiction, comedy, social science and personal essay, Life is Hard is a book for this moment - a work of solace and compassion. It draws us towards justice, for ourselves and others, by acknowledging what it means to be alive.Trade ReviewLife Is Hard is a humane consolation for challenging times. Reading it is like speaking with a thoughtful friend who never tells you to cheer up, but, by offering gentle companionship and a change of perspective, makes you feel better anyway. * The New York Times Book Review *At last a philosopher tackles the meaning of life and comes up with useful answers -- James McConnachie * The Sunday Times *Through carefully crafted examples, [Kieran Setiya] makes the case that philosophy can help us navigate the adversities of human life ... No life worth living is free of suffering and pain. Better to face it with the clarity to which philosophy, at its best, aspires * Guardian *Attentive readers of this humane, intelligent book will come away with a firmer grasp and better descriptions ofwhatever it is that ails them or those they cherish * Economist *Kieran Setiya argues that certain bracing challenges-loneliness, failure, ill health, grief, and so on-are essentially unavoidable ... But it's good, the book shows, to acknowledge hard experiences and ask how they've helped us grow tougher, kinder, and wiser -- Joshua Rothman * New Yorker *

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Book SynopsisSpirituality, like morality, has historically been tied to religion - and yet it is possible for one to exist without the other. In this meditative and highly personal account, Richard Holloway considers the nature of the spiritual, and what it means to live with the inevitability of death.Both celebration of the possibilities that life affords and an examination of how doubts and fears too often paralyse, especially as we age, Looking in the Distance is an inspiration, told with the compassion and good humour characteristic of its author.Trade ReviewA profound meditation on spiritual tolerance . . . A truly wonderful book by a man who has the courage to doubt * * Observer * *A poetic and moving humanist view of life . . . Holloway exhibits a combination of erudition, compassion and wisdom * * Guardian * *This is exhilarating and inspiring stuff, but it is in his last section, 'Leaving', that Holloway hits the sweetest, highest, saddest notes on his trumpet -- BEL MOONEY * * The Times * *Beautiful. A rather important book -- DEBORAH MOGGACH, author of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

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Book SynopsisHow do we judge whether an action is morally right or wrong? If an action is wrong, what reason does that give us not do it? Why should we give such reasons priority over our other concerns and values? T. M. Scanlon offers new answers to these questions, as they apply to the central part of morality that concerns what we owe to each other.Trade Review[Scanlon's] discussions are deep and honest, and they illuminate many key concepts of moral philosophy: well being, trust, friendship, loyalty, promises. It would be—and will be—the business of more than one doctoral thesis to assess his success. -- Simon Blackburn * New York Times Book Review *T. M. Scanlon is a scrupulous, astringent, relentlessly exact writer, without any of the fuss and flutter that come from the desire to please. His book is pure philosophy, unadulterated. -- Stuart Hampshire * New York Review of Books *Thomas Scanlon's understanding of [morality's] complexity and of its sources in the variety of human relations and values is one of the virtues of this illuminating book. To say that it is long awaited would be an understatement. Scanlon has been one of the most influential contributors to moral and political philosophy for years...The appearance of his first book, a complex and powerful argument for the moral theory first sketched in his essay Contractualism and Utilitarianism, is a philosophical event. -- Thomas Nagel * London Review of Books *I rejoice in the appearance of this magnificent book. It is not often that a work on ethics opens up a novel, arresting position on matters that have been debated for thousands of years. And What We Owe To Each Other does precisely that. -- Philip Pettit * Times Literary Supplement *Mr. Scanlon has produced a compelling explanation of the moral thinking behind such duties as truth-telling and promise-keeping, and for this he deserves great praise. -- Douglas A. Sylva * Washington Times *Seeks to explain how human societies might find moral authority without appealing to a deity or inherited laws. The answer comes from a sort of idealized social negotiation—the process of thinking, in good faith, with a community of other good-faith thinkers. -- Sam Anderson * New York Times *What do we owe to each other? What obligations of honesty, respect, trust and consideration exist between people? That is the deep and ancient question Harvard philosopher T. M. Scanlon attempts to illuminate in this closely argued book. Its success as an argument illustrates why moral philosophy should matter...Scanlon is a careful and precise thinker, a leading figure in contemporary philosophy, and here he is working at the height of his considerable powers. -- Mark Kingwell * Globe and Mail *Scanlon presents the most complete statement to date of his version of 'contractualism'...He treats as basic the notion that we have reason to want to live with others and are motivated to seek agreement on a set of principles for the general regulation of behavior that others similarly motivated could not reasonably reject...He carefully addresses many concerns that have been raised about his and similar versions of contractualism; anyone discussing contractualism will have to consider his account. -- D. R. C. Reed * Choice *Scanlon offers a sharp challenge to much contemporary moral philosophy. Most philosophers think that agreements between people play only a subsidiary role in moral theory. What is right or wrong is independent of what people accept. Agreements rest on morality; they do not underlie it. Scanlon dissents. In his conception, morality depends on principles it would not be reasonable for people to reject. These agreements do not derive from further moral facts. Scanlon also challenges the view that desires give reasons for action, leveling heavy artillery at the contrary position of Bernard Williams. The originality, scope, and careful argument of this work mark it as an indispensable book. -- David Gordon * Library Journal *Table of ContentsIntroduction Reasons and Values Reasons Values Well-Being Right and Wrong Wrongness and Reasons The Structure of Contractualism Responsibility Promises Relativism Appendix: Williams on Internal and External Reasons Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisImmanuel Kant's Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals ranks alongside Plato's Republic and Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics as one of the most profound and influential works in moral philosophy ever writtenTable of ContentsIntroduction Note on the translation and the text Select bibliography A chronology of Immanuel Kant Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals 1: Transition from common to philosophical rational knowledge of morality 2: Transition from popular moral philosophy to the metaphysics of morals 3: Transition from the metaphysics of morals to the critique of pure practical reason Explanatory notes Glossary Index

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Book SynopsisWould our world be a better place if some of us were benders? Can Katara repair the world through care? Is Toph a disability pride icon? What does it mean for Zuko to be bad at being good? Can we tell whether uncle Iroh is a fool or a sage? The world is out of sorts. The four nations, Water, Earth, Fire, and Air, are imbalanced because of the unrelenting conquest of the Fire Nation. The only one who can restore balance to the world is the Avatar. On the face of it, Avatar: The Last Airbender is a story about a lone superhero. However, saving the world is a team effort, embodied in Team Avatar, aka the Gaang. Aang needs help from his friends and tutors, even from non-human animals. Through the teachings of Guru Pathik and Huu he comes to realize that though the world and its nations seem separate, we are all one people. We all have the same roots and we are all branches of the same tree. Avatar: The Last Airbender and Philosophy brings to the fore the Table of ContentsContributors: Drawing Wisdom from Many Different Places viii Preface xviAaron Ehasz Introduction: “We are all one people, but we live as if divided” 1Helen De Cruz and Johan De Smedt Part I: The Universe of Avatar: The Last Airbender 5 1 Native Philosophies and Relationality in Avatar: The Last Airbender: It’s (Lion) Turtles All the Way Down 7Miranda Belarde-Lewis(Zuni/Tlingit) and Clementine Bordeaux(Sicangu Oglala Lakota) 2 Getting Elemental: How Many Elements Are There in Avatar: The Last Airbender? 16Sofia Ortiz-Hinojosa 3 The Personalities of Martial Arts in Avatar: The Last Airbender 25Zachary Isrow 4 The End of the World: Nationhood and Abolition in Avatar: The Last Airbender 34Nicholas Whittaker 5 The Bending World, a Bent World: Supernatural Power and Its Political Implications 43Yao Lin Part II: Water 53 6 Avatar: The Last Airbender and Anishinaabe Philosophy 55Brad Cloud 7 “Lemur!” – “Dinner!”: Human–Animal Relations in Avatar: The Last Airbender 63Daniel Wawrzyniak 8 On the Moral Neutrality of Bloodbending 71Johnathan Flowers 9 On the Ethics of Bloodbending: Why Is It So Wrong and Can It Ever Be Good? 79Mike Gregory 10 Mystical Rationality 88Isaac Wilhelm 11 “I will never, ever turn my back on people who need me”: Repairing the World Through Care 98Nicole Fice 12 Spirits, Visions, and Dreams: Native American Epistemology and the Aang Gaang 105Justin Skirry and Samuel Skirry Part III: Earth 115 13 Time Is an Illusion: Time and Space in the Swamp 117Natalia Strok 14 There Is No Truth in Ba Sing Se: Bald-faced Lies and the Nature of Lying 124Nathan Kellen 15 The Rocky Terrain of Disability Gain in Avatar: The Last Airbender: Is Toph a Supercrip Stereotype or a Disability Pride Icon? 133Joseph A. Stramondo 16 The Earth King, Ignorance, and Responsibility 143Saba Fatima 17 The Middle Way and the Many Faces of Earth 150Thomas Arnold Part IV: Fire 159 18 The Battle Within: Confucianism and Legalism in the Nation, the Family, and the Soul 161Kody W. Cooper 19 Not Giving Up on Zuko: Relational Identity and the Stories We Tell 170Barrett Emerick and Audrey Yap 20 Uncle Iroh, From Fool to Sage – Or Sage All Along? 178Eric Schwitzgebel and David Schwitzgebel 21 Being Bad at Being Good: Zuko’s Transformation and Residual Practical Identities 188Justin F. White 22 Compassion and Moral Responsibility in Avatar: The Last Airbender: “I was never angry; I was afraid that you had lost your way” 197Robert H. Wallace Part V: Air 207 23 The Fire Nation and the United States: Genocide as the Foundation for Empire Building 209Kerri J. Malloy 24 Anarchist Airbenders: On Anarchist Philosophy in Avatar: The Last Airbender 216Savriël Dillingh 25 A Buddhist Perspective on Energy Bending, Strength, and the Power of Aang’s Spirit 225Nicholaos Jones and Holly Jones 26 Ahimsa and Aang’s Dilemma: “Everyone . . . [has] to be treated like they’re worth giving a chance” 235James William Lincoln 27 The Avatar Meets the Karmapa: Interconnections, Friendship, and Moral Training 242Brett Patterson Index 251

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Book SynopsisDrone Theory is Gregoire Chamayou''s poignant and sharply argued polemic against US drone warfare.In 2011 alone, the US deployed one drone strike every four days in Pakistan. Drone Theory is a rigorous polemic against the increasing use of robot warfare around the world. Drawing on philosophical debate, moral lessons from Greek mythology and transcripts of conversations between drone operators, Drone Theory re-evaluates the socio-political impact of drone warfare on the world - and its people. Chamayou takes us through Nevada, Pakistan and arresting philosophical terrain to reveal how drones are changing the landscape of war theory and to highlight the profound moral implications of our own silence in the face of drone warfare.Born in 1976, Grégoire Chamayou is a philosopher at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique in Paris and the author of Les corps vils and Manhunts: A Philosophical History. Chamayou

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Book SynopsisThis book contains the essential guide to some of the central Buddhist teachings based on the recent UK lectures by his holiness.This volume includes:-The Four Noble truths', one of the most central tenets of Tibetan Buddhism.The need to balance spiritual and material values.Compassion, the Basis for Human Happiness'

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Book SynopsisA.C. Grayling answers the most important question - How do we live a good life?Trade Review"A plain man's guide to ethics, from Homer's warriors to Nietzsche's superhero via Plato and Renaissance Man, clearly and elegantly written." SUNDAY TELEGRAPH "This book reminds us that often the greatest disagreements are between priorities rather than principles." INDEPENDENT "Intelligent introduction... rewards your endeavours." -- Martin Tierney THE HERALD "The book is beautifully written and highly engaging and it contains no footnotes." TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT "This popular yet nonetheless highly accomplished philosopher examines the different ways in which to live a good life, as proposed from classical antiquity to the present day." IRISH EXAMINER

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Book SynopsisTarget success in AQA A-level Philosophy with this proven formula for effective, structured revision; key content coverage is combined with exam-style tasks and practical tips to create a revision guide that you can rely on to review, strengthen and test students' knowledge.With My Revision Notes, every student can:- Plan and manage a successful revision programme using the topic-by-topic planner- Consolidate subject knowledge by working through clear and focused content coverage- Test understanding and identify areas for improvement with regular 'Now Test Yourself' tasks and answers- Improve exam technique through practice questions, expert tips and examples of typical mistakes to avoid

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Book SynopsisTwo and half centuries ago, John Adams complained, “Our modern philosophers are all the low grovelling disciples of Epicurus.” That’s even truer today. The ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus is—acknowledged or not—the source of secular “woke” liberalism. In his own time, Epicurus was a fringe thinker. He and his few followers speculated about how invisibly small entities of indivisible matter called “atoms,” hurtling endlessly through an infinite void according to fixed physical laws, could explain the world and everything in it. Most ancient philosophers thought his speculations abstruse and counterintuitive, and he gained few adherents. But today, the overwhelming success of modern science has turned Epicurus’ fringe philosophy into the governing worldview of nearly everyone. Atoms hurtling through a void—that is what everything is made of, according to our scientific gurus.

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Book SynopsisHow can the individual be both free and happy? What are freedom and happiness and how do they relate to each other? These are the questions that Mill aims to answer from both a political and a philosophical perspective.

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Book SynopsisThis book offers a considered yet entertaining reflection on the progress of modern scientific research. The winding path of science can only be understood by revealing the personal, human side of scientific research, demystifying the actions of the scientist and exposing the human drama on the stage of science. The book looks at the true nature of contemporary science and scientists through the lens of the personal experiences of the author, a renowned and leading materials scientist, over the last half century. It examines the positive threads of modern scientific progress in sober juxtaposition to the manifest negative developments arising from stiff competition within the current academic landscape. A collection of stories and real-life anecdotes is presented in parallel to the career of the author, providing a first-hand account of important achievements in the field of materials science. As a result, this book provides fascinating reading for students, seasoned scientists, and anybody else interested in the workings and machinations of modern science.Trade Review“This is a fascinating book that should appeal to anyone wanting to have a view of the life of a typical academic scientist. … this book is thought provoking and should be of interest to anyone already working in science, especially those intending to work in science. There are many warnings and, at the same time, delights to be found in the numerous anecdotes and descriptions provided by the author. It is a generally good and entertaining read.” (A. Mike Glazer, Journal of Applied Crystallography, Vol. 56, 2023)“The book is a mixture of family history, the history of science, an insight into the politics of science, impressions of the publishing world … . It is recommended reading for researchers at all levels who are interested in materials-science research, funding and politics. … This book is a gem. A gem in the rough perhaps, but all the more genuine and valuable (to many) for that.” (C. Barry Carter, Journal of Materials Science, Vol. 58, 2023)Table of ContentsThe Parents.- Growing Up.- Touching Science; School Years.- The Notions Science and Physical Law.- The Becoming of a Scientist.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"An excellent introduction to Confucian ethics, the book has been extensively revised for this 2nd edition with an accessible text..." -- Practical Philosophy, Autumn 2002.

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Book SynopsisTaking the form of a dialogue between Socrates, Gorgias, Polus and Callicles, GORGIAS debates perennial questions about the nature of government and those who aspire to public office. Are high moral standards essential or should we give our preference to the pragmatist who gets things done or negotiates successfully? Should individuals be motivated by a desire for personal power and prestige, or genuine concern for the moral betterment of the citizens? These questions go to the heart of Athenian democratic principles and are more relevant than ever in today''s political climate.Table of ContentsGorgiasAcknowledgmentsReference System Used in this EditionChronolgyIntroductionFurther ReadingA Note on the TextGorgiasA: Dialogue with GorgiasB: Dialogue with PolusC: Dialogue with CalliclesNotesGlossary of Greek TermsIndex

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Book SynopsisWhat is a good life, and how is it related to a happy one? What are virtues, and how do they affect the nature of friendships? Ethicists Gregory Beabout and Mike Hannis describe various approaches, ancient and modern, to those timeless questions: "What kind of person am I?" and "What should I do?"

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Book SynopsisWhy should anybody take an interest in philosophy? Is it just another detailed study like metallurgy? Or is it similar to history, literature and even religion: a study meant to do some personal good and influence our lives?Engaging and accessible, this vigorous swansong exemplifies many of Midgley''s virtues, and revisits many of her favourite themes. - The Tablet In her last published work, Mary Midgley addresses provocative questions, interrogating the various forms of our current intellectual anxieties and confusions and how we might deal with them. In doing so, she provides a robust, yet not uncritical, defence of philosophy and the life of the mind.This defence is expertly placed in the context of contemporary debates about science, religion, and philosophy. It asks whether, in light of rampant scientific and technological developments, we still need philosophy to help us think about the big questions of meaning, knowledge, and value.Trade ReviewEngaging and accessible, this vigorous swansong exemplifies many of Midgley's virtues, and revisits many of her favourite themes ... [it helps] us to see that many of our problems arise from trying to fit everything into a single explanatory template, rather than realising that one and the same reality can be understood from irreducibly different points of view. * The Tablet *Her final answer to the question “What is philosophy for?” is that its aim is not at all like that of the sciences. Scientists are specialists who study parts of the world, but philosophy concerns everybody. It tries to bring together aspects of life that have previously been unconnected in order to make a more coherent world-picture, which is not a private luxury but something essential for human life. * Philosophy Now *[This] is a book that not only illuminates the dangers and shortfalls of contemporary unrestrained faith in scientific and technological supremacy, it also accentuates the integrating qualities of philosophy which are necessary to achieve a more exhaustive view of the world and its complexities. * Ethical Theory and Moral Practice *Table of ContentsPart 1. The Search for Signposts Chapter 1. Directions Chapter 2. Do Ideas Get Out Of Date? Chapter 3. What is Research? Chapter 4. Clashes of Method Chapter 5. What is Matter? Chapter 6. Quantum Queries Chapter 7. What is Progress? Chapter 8. Perspectives and Paradoxes: Rousseau And His Intellectual Explosives Chapter 9. Mill And The Different Kinds Of Freedom Chapter 10. Making Sense Of Toleration PART 2. Tempting Visions of Science Chapter 11. The Force of World-Pictures Chapter 12. The Past Does Not Die Chapter 13. Scientism; The New Sedative PART 3. Mindlessness and Machine Worship Chapter 14. The Power-Struggle Chapter 15. Missing Persons Chapter 16. Oracles PART 4. Singularities and the Cosmos Chapter 17. What Kind of Singularity? Chapter 18. Can Intelligence be Measured? Chapter 19. What is Materialism? Chapter 20. The Cult of Impersonality Chapter 21. Matter and Reality Chapter 22. The Mystique of Scientism Chapter 23. The Strange World-Picture Conclusion: One World but Many Window

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Book SynopsisThe communists do not preach morality at all; this line from The Communist Manifesto might seem to settle the question of whether Marxism has anything to offer moral philosophy. Yet, Marx issued both trenchant critiques of bourgeois morality and thundering condemnations of capitalism''s vampire-like destructiveness. He decried commodity-exchange for corroding our ability to value one another for who we are, not how much our lives could be traded away for. He expressed apparently ethical views about human nature, the conditions necessary for human flourishing, and the desirability of bringing such conditions about--views that are interwoven throughout his life''s work, from his youthful philosophical poetry to his unfinished masterpiece, Capital.Renewed attention to Marx''s distinctively dialectical and historical materialist approach to conflict and change makes sense of this apparent tension in his thought. Following Marx, Vanessa Christina Wills centers labor--human beings satisfying their needs through conscious, purpose-driven, and transformative interaction with the material world--as the essential human activity. Working people''s struggles reveal capitalism''s worst ravages while pointing to a better future and embodying the only way there: rational transformation of our relationships to ourselves, to one another, and to the natural world, so that the human condition emerges not as a burden we must bear but as life we joyfully create. The purposiveness of labor gives rise to a normativity already inherent in the present state of things, one that can guide us in knowing what sort of world we should build and that further prepares us to build it.Rather than preach morality, the key task for moral philosophy is to theorize in the light that working peoples'' struggles for survival shine on capitalism--an existential threat to humanity and the defining ethical problem of our time.

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Book SynopsisThe moral problems of abortion, infanticide, suicide, euthanasia, capital punshiment, war and othe life-or-death choices.

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Book Synopsis''Witty and learned ... Hershovitz intertwines parenting and philosophy, recounting his spirited arguments with his kids about infinity, morality, and the existence of God'' Jordan Ellenberg, author of ShapeA funny, wise guide to the art of thinking, and why the smallest people have the answers to the biggest questions''Anyone can do philosophy, every kid does...''Some of the best philosophers in the world can be found in the most unlikely places: in preschools and playgrounds. They gather to debate questions about metaphysics and morality, even though they''ve never heard the words, and can''t tie their shoelaces. As Scott Hershovitz shows in this delightful book, kids are astoundingly good philosophers. And, if we let ourselves pause to think along with them, we might discover that we are, too.Nasty, Brutish, and Short is a unique guide to the art of thinking, led by a celebrated philosophy professor and his two young sonTrade ReviewIn his witty and learned book Nasty, Brutish, and Short, Hershovitz intertwines parenting and philosophy, recounting his spirited arguments with his kids about infinity, morality, and the existence of God, and teaching half a liberal arts curriculum along the way -- Jordan Ellenberg * New York Times Bestselling author of Shape *This book will teach you how to transform the endless questions of childhood into the endless wonder of philosophy -- Barry Lam * Host and Executive Producer, Hi-Phi Nation podcast, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Vassar College *This delightful book is about philosophy and, ultimately, how to better love your kids. Want to cherish them, respect them, help them learn? Then join them in their natural wonderment and enjoy the philosophical fun -- Aaron James * bestselling author of Assholes: A Theory and Professor of Philosophy at UC Irvine *This book made me laugh and also think hard, sometimes on the same page. Highly recommended for anyone with kids, especially kids who wonder 'Why? -- Emily Oster, bestselling author of The Family FirmFunny and fascinating. Prompted by conversations with his two young sons, Scott Hershovitz walks us through some of philosophy's stickiest questions: Does the universe go on forever? Can we really know anything? Is it ok to use swear words? Should you take revenge? Nasty, Brutish, and Short is an easy-to-read primer on how to discuss these profound topics with children, and how to think about them yourself. -- Pamela Druckerman, author of Bringing Up BébéHershovitz is a total delight--energetic, compassionate, patient, wise, and very, very funny, even when he is talking about weighty or difficult ideas. I'm grateful to have him as a model for how to talk to my children and how to think alongside them. -- Merve Emre * author of The Personality Brokers *Thoroughly enjoyable ... fun anecdotes abound ... This sincere and smart account puts to rest the idea that philosophy belongs in academia's ivory tower -- Publisher’s Weekly (Starred Review)Equal parts hilarious (for years, Hank kept up a facade of not knowing the alphabet to worry his dad) and profound (4-year-old Rex: 'I think that, for real, God is pretend, and for pretend, God is real') . . . clear and lively . . . A playful yet serious introduction to philosophy. * Kirkus *An enormously rich and mind-expanding book, which anyone will gain from reading, especially parents -- John Carey * The Sunday Times *Witty and self-deprecating, Nasty, Brutish, and Short explores the wonder that young kids bring to their efforts to make sense of the world - and what grown-ups can learn from it. * The Christian Science Monitor *Radical... Hershovitz highlights the ways your kids' sometimes awesome and sometimes annoying questions make them tiny versions of Socrates and Sartre ... The point of this book is not to provide a code for living morally. Instead, it's about the process of thinking philosophically -- Elissa Strauss * Atlantic *Vibrant, funny and provocative * Times Literary Supplement *

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Book SynopsisWhat is rational is actual and what is actual is rational.Hegel''s Outlines of the Philosophy of Right is one of the greatest works of moral, social, and political philosophy. It contains significant ideas on justice, moral responsibility, family life, economic activity, and the political structure of the state - all matters of profound interest to us today. Hegel''s aim is to lay out the various forms that human freedom must take on, if it is to be true freedom. He seeks to show that genuine human freedom does not consist in doing whatever we please, but involves living with others in accordance with publicly recognized rights and laws. Hegel demonstrates that institutions such as the family and the state provide the context in which individuals can flourish and enjoy full freedom. He also demonstrates that misunderstanding the true nature of freedom can lead to crime, evil, and poverty. His penetrating analysis of the causes of poverty in modern civil society was to be a great influence on Karl Marx. Hegel''s study remains one of the most subtle and perceptive accounts of freedom that we possess. This new edition combines a revised translation with a cogent introduction to his work. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World''s Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford''s commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.Trade Reviewa valuable contribution to our understanding of Hegel's political thought. * D.N Byrne, History of Political Thought *

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Book SynopsisAll of us are engaged in a personal, ongoing battle with sin and vice. The seven deadly sins - lust, greed, envy, anger, pride, gluttony, and sloth - are our main antagonists in this struggle. They are primary causes of unhappiness and immorality, and because of their pervasive nature, have been of perennial interest to religious thinkers, philosophers, dramatists, and poets. In The Seven Deadly Sins, Solomon Schimmel explains why psychology must incorporate many of the ethical and spiritual values of religion and moral philosophy if it is to effectively address the emotional problems faced by modern men and women, be they believers or agnostics. Drawing on the psychological insights of the Bible, Aristotle, Maimonides, Aquinas, and Shakespeare, among others, he shows how all of us can learn from them about the relationship between virtue and psychological well-being and vice and emotional distress. This insightful and fascinating work guides us to master our passions rather than be eTrade Review"An ardent and eloquent argument for bringing back the biblical notion of sin and putting it to work in our own benighted world....Challenging, even radical. Essentially, Schimmel questions the conventional wisdom of...psychotherapy."--Los Angeles Times"Schimmel artfully weaves ideas from Judaism, classical philosophy, and Christianity to observe the ways the seven cardinal sins...are played out in the modern world....It is a scholarly rendering of ancient thought applied to modern times."--Contemporary Psychology"Schimmel's examples are penetrating and pointed....Read this book. It is time and effort well spent....[He] is literate, insightful, and has a wonderful narrative style."--Rocky Mountain News"This is a surprising, humane handbook for self-transformation."--Publishers Weekly"This book mediates the moral wisdom of antiquity in a very useful and engaging way. It shows that the temptations to which we are all subject do not change. What does change is our willingness to recognize and overcome them. Few of us can afford not to read this book."--Jon D. Levenson, Harvard University"A well-argued attack on value-free theories of psychoanalysis for general religion and psychology collections."--Library Journal"A useful study.... The book is welcome and valuable, especially for teachers."--Horizons

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Book SynopsisElizabeth Barnes argues compellingly that disability is primarily a social phenomenona way of being a minority, a way of facing social oppression, but not a way of being inherently or intrinsically worse off. This is how disability is understood in the Disability Rights and Disability Pride movements; but there is a massive disconnect with the way disability is typically viewed within analytic philosophy. The idea that disability is not inherently bad or sub-optimal is one that many philosophers treat with open skepticism, and sometimes even with scorn. The goal of this book is to articulate and defend a version of the view of disability that is common in the Disability Rights movement. Elizabeth Barnes argues that to be physically disabled is not to have a defective body, but simply to have a minority body.Trade ReviewI am happy to unequivocally say that this text makes a fascinating and groundbreaking contribution to feminist and disability philosophy. I would enthusiastically recommend this text to anyone interested in disability and philosophy, and especially to those new to philosophy. * Tessa-May Zirnsak, Metapsychology Online Reviews *Elizabeth Barnes' new book offers a much-needed philosophical discussion of disability capitalizing on relevant research in bioethics, feminist philosophy and disability studies. * Elena Fell and Natalia Lukianova, The Philosophical Quarterly *Elizabeth Barnes has written an interesting and important book about disability . . . Barnes has brought a new level of precision to a popular slogan and has then set about defending it with all the familiar tools of contemporary analytic philosophy . . . it remains to be seen where the debate goes next, but wherever it goes, future discussion will need to engage with the work of Elizabeth Barnes. * Jennifer Hawkins, Ethics *It is a thoughtful, thorough, and rigorous argument that nevertheless has an accessible style. It is not a book for a generalist audience, but could work quite readily in both undergraduate and graduate courses. Her attempt to moderate a path between the physical body and social constructivism, and to combat a generalized skepticism in the field of philosophy about the possibility that disability might be a good thing for some people, or at least a neutral thing, that lives of disabled persons are generally as rich, valuable, and worth living as those of nondisabled persons, and that such skepticism is "rooted in--often knee-jerk unreflective--stereotypes about what disabled lives are like" is an unapologetic and strong case for disability positivity. It is a valuable contribution to disability philosophy in particular, and philosophy in general. * Nancy J. Hirschmann, Hypatia Reviews *The Minority Body is a fascinating and compelling study of the concept of disability. Barnes redefines disability as a social phenomenon in a fresh way. Her revolutionary ideas compel us to look at the minority body without making value-judgments. * The Washington Book Review *In her engaging, powerfully argued, and good-humored book, Barnes seeks to illuminate the nature of physical disability, challenge the view that it has a negative impact on well-being, and defend a mere-difference view of disability . . . it is a wildly creative, rigorous, and ground-breaking work that represents a significant contribution to the on-going inquiry into the nature and value of disability. It would not be an exaggeration to claim that it is the most important single-authored book in philosophy of disability to come out of the analytic tradition in a generation. * Stephen M. Campbell & Joseph A. Stramondo, Notre Dame Philosophical Review *Table of ContentsPreface Introduction 1: Constructing Disability 2: Bad-difference/Mere-difference 3: The Value-Neutral Model 4: Taking Their Word for It 5: Causing Disability 6: Disability Pride

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Book SynopsisThe Right and the Good, a classic of twentieth-century philosophy by the great scholar Sir David Ross, is now presented in a new edition. Ross''s book, originally published in 1930, is the pinnacle of ethical intuitionism, which was the dominant moral theory in British philosophy for much of the nineteenth and early twentieth century. The central concern of the book is with rightness and goodness, and their relation. Ross argues against notable rival ethical theories. The right act, he held, cannot be derived from the moral value of the motive from which it is done. Furthermore, rightness is not wholly determined by the value of the consequences of one''s action, whether this value is some benefit for the agent, or some agent-neutral good. Rather, the right act is determined by a plurality of self-evident prima facie duties. Ross portrayed rightness and goodness as simple non-natural properties. Philip Stratton-Lake, a leading expert on Ross, provides a substantial new Introduction, in which he discusses the central themes of The Right and the Good and clears up some common misunderstandings. A new bibliography and index are also included, along with editorial notes which aim to clarify certain points and indicate where Ross later changed his mind on particular issues. Intuitionism is now enjoying a considerable revival, and this new edition provides the context for a proper understanding of Ross''s great work.Trade ReviewReview from previous edition Ross's The Right and the Good remains a classic statement of the idea that moral philosophy should place respect for the variety of moral phenomena above the urge for systematic unification. We still have much to learn from it. * Charles Larmore, Columbia University *Table of ContentsIntroduction and bibliography ; 1. The Meaning of 'Right' ; 2. What Makes Right Acts Right? ; Appendix 1 Rights ; Appendix 2 Punishment ; 3. The Meaning of 'Good' ; 4. The Nature of Goodness ; 5. What Things are Good? ; 6. Degrees of Goodness ; 7. Moral Goodness ; Index

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Book SynopsisEcce Homo is an autobiography like no other. Nietzsche passes under review all his previous books and reaches a final reckoning with his many enemies. Ecce Homo is the summation of an extraordinary philosophical career.

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Book Synopsis''The book I didn''t know I''d been waiting for - a fascinating trip through time and space, likening the uncanniness of A.I. not to science fiction but to religious mysteries and the near-humanness of animals. . . erudite and original'' Larissa MacFarquharHow do we live ethical lives alongside others? A fascinating, mind-expanding exploration of our moral universe We have always lived with ethically significant others, whether they are the pets we keep, the gods we believe in or the machines we are endowing with life. How should we treat them as our world changes? In Animals, Robots, Gods, acclaimed anthropologist Webb Keane provides a new vision of ethics, defined less by our minds, religion or society, and more by our interactions with those around us. Drawing on ground-breaking research by fieldworkers around the world, he explores the underpinnings of our moral universe. Along the way we investigate the ethical dilemmas of So

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Book SynopsisOffers a comprehensive introduction to ethical theory and key thinkers such as Kant, Plato, Bentham and Mill, covering topics frequently studied on A-level and undergraduate syllabuses such as relationships, law and justice, and the ethics of death and dying.Trade Review'For anyone wishing to wrestle with the key ethical issues of the 21st Century, 'Ethics Matters' is required reading. -- Esmond Lee, Head of Religious Studies, Trinity School Croydon'An enlightening guide to those moral questions that don't go away. It should go to every politician, civil servant, teacher and bishop; not to mention the rest of thoughtful humanity! -- Dr Kenneth Wolfe, Director, London Society for the Study of Religion'The best introduction to ethics textbook at A Level bar none...' -- Philippe Mathieu, Head of Divinity, The Leys School, Cambridge'Wow! I wish I could lock myself away for a few weeks and really do justice to the book. It makes me hope to win the lotto and go off and study philosophy without the cares of the "job"! -- Helen Smith, St. Joseph's College, Hunters Hill, Sydney

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Book SynopsisPosthumously published collection of the philosopher's notes on the force that drives humans toward achievement. Absorbing reflections by a great thinker on art, morality, Christianity, nihilism, and other topics.

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Book SynopsisA NEXT BIG IDEA CLUB MUST-READ BOOK? A groundbreaking new perspective on the moral mind that rewrites our understanding of where moral judgments come from, and how we can overcome the feelings of outrage that so often divide usA riveting read. . . . Overturns widespread assumptions about why we?re divided and reveals how we can come together.?Adam Grant, #1 New York Times best-selling authorIt?s easy to assume that liberals and conservatives have radically different moral foundations. In Outraged, Kurt Gray showcases the latest science to demonstrate that we all have the same moral mind?that everyone?s moral judgments stem from feeling threatened or vulnerable to harm.We all care about protecting ourselves and the vulnerable. Conflict arises, however, when we have different perceptions of harm. We get outraged when we disagree about who the ?real? victim is, whether we?re talking about political issues, fights with our in-laws, or arguments on the playground.In this fascinating and insightful tour of our moral minds, Gray tackles popular myths that prevent us from understanding ourselves and those around us. While it is commonly believed that our ancestors were apex predators, Gray argues that for the majority of our evolutionary history, humans were more hunted than hunter. This explains why our minds are hard-wired to perceive threats, and provides surprising insights on the scientific origins of our values and beliefs. Though we might think ourselves driven by objective reasoning, Gray unveils new research that finds our moral judgments are based on gut feelings rather than rational thought, and presents a compelling reminder that we are more alike than we might think.Drawing on groundbreaking research, Gray provides a captivating new explanation for our moral outrage, and unpacks how to best bridge divides. If you want to understand the morals of the ?other side,? ask yourself a simple question?what harms do they see?

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Book SynopsisThe reissue with a new Foreword of classic volume setting a fresh agenda for philosophy of religion. The book contains chapters by some of the foremost thinkers in the field, including Rowan Williams, Janet Soskice, Fergus Kerr, Stephen Clark and Paul Williams, who offers a comparative piece on Tibetan Buddhism.Table of ContentsIntroduction Michael Mcghee; 1. Philosophy and religion in the thought of Kierkegaard Michael Weston; 2. De Consolatione Philosophiae John Haldane; 3. The real or the real? Chardin or Rothko? Anthony O'hear; 4. Love and attention Janet Martin Soskice; 5. Descartes' debt to Augustine Stephen R. L. Clark; 6. Visions of the self in Late Medieval Christianity: some cross-disciplinary reflections Sarah Coakley; 7. Refined and crass supernaturalism T. L. S. Sprigge; 8. Religious imagination Ronald W. Hepburn; 9. Moral values as religious absolutes James P. Mackey; 10. Revealing the scapegoat mechanism: Christianity after Girard Fergus Kerr; 11. Philosophy vs. Mysticism: an Islamic controversy Oliver Leaman; 12. Non-Conceptuality, critical reasoning and religious experience: some Tibetan Buddhist discussions Paul Williams; 13. Know thyself': what kind of an injunction? Rowan Williams; 14. Facing truths: ethics and the spiritual life Michael Mcghee.

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Book SynopsisWorldwide every year, 83 billion animals are slaughtered on factory farms, at the end of brief lives full of suffering. Is it wrong to buy the products of this industry?In this book, two college students â a meat-eater and an ethical vegetarian â discuss this question in a series of dialogues conducted over five days. Issues covered include: how intelligence affects the badness of pain, whether consumers are responsible for the practices of the industry, how individual choices affect an industry, whether farm animals are better off living on factory farms than not existing at all, whether meat-eating is natural, whether morality protects those who cannot understand morality, whether morality protects those who are not members of society, whether humans alone possess souls, whether different creatures have different degrees of consciousness, why extreme animal welfare positions sound crazy, and the role of empathy in moral judgment. The two go on to discuss the vegan life, why

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Book SynopsisThe figure of the mistress is undoubtedly controversial. She provokes intense reactions, ranging from fear, to disgust and revulsion, to excitement and titillation, to sadness and perhaps to some, love. The mistress is conventionally depicted as a threat to moral living and someone whose sexuality is considered defective and toxic. Of course, she is a woman that you would not have as your friend, and certainly not your wife, since her ethical sense, if she even has one, is dubious at best. This book subverts these traditional judgements and offers an unflinching look at the lived experience of the mistress. Here she is recast as a potentially loving, free, intimate other' woman. Drawing upon feminist philosophy, contemporary sexual ethics and the current cultural moment of #MeToo, Mistress Ethics moves beyond a narrative of infidelity, conventional judgment, the safeguarding of monogamy and conventional heterosex that permeates our society. It asks what happens when we let go oTrade ReviewA stunning critique of the ethics of both monogamous and non-monogamous relationships, offering radical alternatives from those ‘spies in the house of love’ who occupy the spaces in between. Deftly weaving together personal stories and political analysis, Mistress Ethics is a courageous, compelling, and - above all - deeply kind book. * Meg-John Barker, Author of “Life Isn’t Binary: On Being Both, Beyond, and In-Between” *An original, radical book. Academically rigorous, yet an entertaining read. It dares to start a new conversation about an experience previously unexplored in philosophy and to humanise instead of judge. * Andy West, Author of “The Life Inside: A Memoir of Prison, Philosophy and Family” *Brooks offers a stepping stone along the path towards a more sexually flexible future. While the book does not convince that cheating will ever be right, this is a fascinating look into a demonized archetype in sexuality. * Stoya, Actress and Writer, Author of “Philosophy, Pussycats, and Porn” *Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements Introductions: Sex, Ethics and Mistresses Chapter 1: Why Do We Hate Mistresses Or Why You Should Never Assume Chapter 2: Slut! Who Is She And How Is She Made? Chapter 3: #MeToo, Marriage And Power: What Kind Of Men Have Mistresses And How Are They Treated? Chapter 4: What Is The Sex Like? Chapter 5: Bisexual, Queer And Kinky Mistresses Chapter 6: If Polygamy Is Not The Answer, What Is? Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisCan Israelis and Palestinians end their long conflict? The shocking violence of current events undermines hope, as does the long history of peace deals sabotaged by extremists on both sides. In this compelling and timely book, the eminent moral philosopher Jonathan Glover argues that one vital step towards progress is to better understand the disturbing psychology of the cycle of violence. Glover explores the psychological flaws that entrap both sides: the urge to respond to wounds or humiliation with backlash; political or religious beliefs held with a rigidity that excludes compromise; and people’s identity being shaped by the conflict in ways that make it harder to imagine or even desire alternatives. Drawing on the history of comparable conflicts that eased over time, Glover proposes some ways to gradually weaken the grip of this psychology. Completed as casualties mounted in the latest political and humanitarian crisis, Israelis and Palestinians is essential reading for anyone concerned by the ongoing violence in the Middle East.Trade Review‘What singles this book out from all others about the conflict are two features: a sympathetic recognition of the traumas on both sides, but, more importantly, a deeper attempt to unravel and suggest ways to overcome the underlying and by-now self-perpetuating psychological forces that make peace today improbable. This is not a narrative that offers us a ready template for a “solution” in the classical sense: it is a call for what needs to be done to make what is now an improbable solution a possible one. For me, it was an eye-opener!’Sari Nusseibeh, President Emeritus, Al-Quds University‘Israelis and Palestinians is a book about a land and its tormented politics, but it is first and foremost about people. Jonathan Glover's humanist perspective avoids the common pitfalls of assigning blame or proposing "out-of-the-box" solutions to the indefatigable conflict. His empathetic account of the social and psychological barriers to peace is indispensable for anyone interested in understanding the conflict, let alone solving it.’Assaf Sharon, Molad, The Center for the Renewal of Israeli Democracy“deeply relevant […] With insight and understanding, Glover merges philosophy with psychology, arguing that atrocities are committed because of deeply embedded human tendencies.”Gabrielle Rifkind, The GuardianTable of ContentsAcknowledgements Prologue Part One: The Cycle of Violence Chapter 1: Disputed Homeland Chapter 2: Wounds and Backlash Chapter 3: Breaking the Cycle? Chapter 4: Joining the Conversation of Mankind Part Two: Backlash Chapter 5: The Psychology of Backlash Chapter 6: The Illusions of Backlash Chapter 7: Collective Guilt: The Role of Stereotypes Part Three: Rigid Beliefs and Identity Chapter 8: The Role of Rigid Beliefs Chapter 9: Belief Systems: Challenge and Response Chapter 10: Identity Traps Epilogue Notes Index

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Book SynopsisEastern spirituality and utilitarian philosophy meet in these unique dialogues between a Buddhist monastic and a moral philosopher on such issues as animal welfare, gender equality, the death penalty, and moreAn unlikely duo?Professor Peter Singer, a preeminent philosopher and professor of bioethics, and Venerable Shih Chao-Hwei, a Taiwanese Buddhist monastic and social activist?join forces to talk ethics in lively conversations that cross oceans, overcome language barriers, and bridge philosophies. The eye-opening dialogues collected here share unique perspectives on contemporary issues like animal welfare, gender equality, the death penalty, and more. Together, these two deep thinkers explore the foundation of ethics and key Buddhist concepts, and ultimately reveal how we can all move toward making the world a better place.

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