Description
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewIn this accessible and compelling book, Karen Stohr captures the beauty, elegance, and wisdom of Kants system of moral philosophy without sacrificing its complexity. Emphasizing the importance of understanding our all-too-human fallibilities, Stohrs Kant shows us how to engage in honest self-assessment, avoid the temptations of self-deception, and do the hard but necessary work required to become a better person. * Carol Hay, author of Think Like a Feminist: The Philosophy Behind the Revolution *
Choosing Freedom is about doing what we can to be better persons. What are the vicious attitudes we must try to avoid, and what kind of character and social relationships should we try to develop? Karen Stohr explains Kant's ideas on these matters in a remarkably engaging, informal style, making them accessible to beginning students and other non-specialists. She does not hesitate to criticize and reject Kant's cultural biases (for example, on race), but she provides a well-informed, richly illustrated, and wise commentary on positive features of Kant's advice. The book should be welcomed by any students, teachers, and general readers who want a plain explanation of basic points of Kantian moral theory and its practical relevance to their lives.
Karen Stohr has accomplished an amazing thing: she has given us an introduction to Kant's ethics that is accessible and lively, without sacrificing any accuracy. She deftly explains the attractive moral concepts and ideals at the heart of Kant's view and demonstrates the practical relevance of the theory with a wealth of contemporary examples. Along the way she combats some of the persistent misconceptions that continue to plague the reception of Kant's moral theory. The book is perfect for introductory ethics courses or for any curious reader. * Kyla Ebels-Duggan, Philosophy, Northwestern University *
Instead of looking down on us from the heavens of abstraction, Karen Stohr's Kant spends most of his time addressing how we might live more morally in our daily lives. Stohr turns from the major texts to Kant's essays and lectures, finding nuggets of wisdom ranging from ways to overcome self-conceit to how to organize a dinner party. A clear, enjoyable, and engaging introduction to a thinker who too often inspires fear, confusion, and a desire to curl up in a fetal position. * Todd May, Philosophical Advisor to "The Good Place" *
Table of ContentsPart One: Kantian Basics Chapter 1 - Getting to Know Kant Chapter 2 - Freedom Chapter 3 - Human Nature Chapter 4 - Moral Commitment Chapter 5 - The Categorical Imperative: Equality Chapter 6 - The Categorical Imperative: Dignity Chapter 7 - The Categorical Imperative: Community Chapter 8 - Love and Respect Chapter 9 - Kantian Duties Part Two: Moral Assessment Chapter 10 - Knowing Ourselves Chapter 11 - Judging Ourselves Chapter 12 - Judging Others Part Three: Kantian Vices Chapter 13 - Servility: Acting Like a Doormat Chapter 14 - Arrogance: Being Full of Ourselves Chapter 15 - Contempt: Looking Down on People Chapter 16 - Defamation: Spreading Gossip Chapter 17 - Mockery: Making Fun of Others Chapter 18 - Deceitfulness: Bending the Truth Chapter 19 - Drunkenness: Losing Our Grip on Reason Part Four: Kantian Life Goals Chapter 20 - Personal Development: Making Something of Ourselves Chapter 21 - Stoic Cheerfulness: Learning to Grin and Bear It Chapter 22 - Judicious Reserve: Knowing When to Shut Up Chapter 23 - Useful Beneficence: Lending a Genuinely Helpful Hand Chapter 24 - Heartfelt Gratitude: Acknowledging Our Debts Part Five: Socializing, Kantian-Style Chapter 25 - Friends and Frenemies Chapter 26 - A Kantian Love Life Chapter 27 - Good Manners Chapter 28 - Dinner Parties without Drama Part Six: Looking Forward Chapter 29 - Staying Hopeful Chapter 30 - Kant as a Guide to Life Bibliograhy
