Description
Book SynopsisJohn McDowell has set the philosophical world alight with a revolutionary approach to the subject, illuminating old problems with dazzling particularity. In this welcome introduction to his work, Maximilian de Gaynesford puts writing within comfortable reach of non--specialists.
Trade Review‘McDowell is a particularly demanding philosopher to read, partly because of his somewhat abstruse writing style, but also because his work often addresses such a diverse range of philosophical topics. De Gaynesford has done a really excellent job of gathering together the central strands of McDowell’s work, and presenting them in a unified and accessible form.’
Darragh Byrne, University of Birmingham
‘This elegant and rigorous book provides students and scholars with an accessible, sympathetic and yet critical overview of McDowell’s unusually demanding but highly influential body of work. It will surely prove pivotal to future discussions, not only of this author, but also of the central philosophical themes with which he has been preoccupied.’ Stephen Mulhall, University of Oxford
'...certainly a helpful introduction. The force and direction of McDowell's thinking is best appreciated cumulatively - his work is holistic not atomistic - and de Gaynesford provides a comprehensive and informed means of situating it's various stands.'
Philosophical Papers
'This book is a wonderful introduction to a very complex philosopher. Gaynesford succeeds in both making McDowell accessible while at the same time providing intersting suggestions for future discussions. Suggested reading sorted according to topic is provided at the end.'
Adonis Vidu, Emmanuel University, Oradea, Romania
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements.
Preface.
Part I: Overview.
Challenge.
Response.
Implications.
Part II: A Naturalism of Second Nature.
Naturalism.
Reasons.
Nature Revised.
Part III: An Internationality of Second Nature.
Experience.
Conceptualism.
Judgement.
Openness.
World Dependency.
Part IV: The Exercise of Second Nature.
Knowledge.
Value.
Conclusion.
Notes.
Select Further Reading.
References.
Index.
