Exploring the complexities of moral responsibility, this work delves into contemporary ethical dilemmas through the lens of a prominent and provocative philosopher. The author challenges prevailing notions and invites readers to reconsider their understanding of accountability in modern society, addressing pressing moral questions with depth and insight. This critical examination promises to provoke thought and stimulate debate on the nature of responsibility in today's world.
Philosophy can be both intriguing and perplexing, addressing fundamental issues of the human condition, such as free will, morality, and the limits of logic. The Oxford Companion to Philosophy serves as an authoritative one-volume reference, offering clear guidance on the ideas of notable philosophers from antiquity to the present, alongside major philosophical systems worldwide, including Confucianism and phenomenology. With over two thousand entries, it covers concepts like idealism, ethics, and existentialism. Esteemed contributors, including Isaiah Berlin and Sissela Bok, provide insights on key figures and doctrines, from Aristotle and Plato to contemporary thinkers like Noam Chomsky. The Companion also features entries on significant concepts such as personal identity and the mind-body problem, as well as contentious issues like abortion and capital punishment. Readers will find explanations of philosophical terms, puzzles, and curiosities, with suggestions for further reading accompanying most entries. Additionally, it includes a chronological chart of philosophical history and portraits of eighty eminent philosophers. The work also touches on lighter aspects of philosophy, making it both informative and enjoyable to browse, serving as an indispensable guide for anyone interested in abstract thought and the foundations of human understanding.
Morality and art - Phillipa FootA critique of utilitarianism - Bernard WilliamsA theory of justice - John RawlsDistributive justice: the entitlement theory - Robert NozickArt as a form of life - Richard WollheimLove - Gabriele TaylorPersonal identity - Derek ParfitMental events - Donald DavidsonOne determinism - Ted HonderichSome difficulties in knowing - Stuart HampshireConstruction of our theory of the physical workd - A.J. AyerThe "corroboration" of theories - Hilary PutnamA conditional analysis of the concept of causation - J.L. MackieGod, possible worlds and the problem of evil - Alvin PlantingsPossible worlds - Robert C. StalmakerIdentity and necessity - Saul KripkeMeaning and truth - P.E. Strawson
Exploring the philosophical justifications for the penal system, this classic work delves into the moral and ethical considerations surrounding punishment. It challenges readers to reflect on the principles that underpin societal responses to crime. Praised for its engaging prose, it remains relevant in contemporary discussions about justice and rehabilitation. This new edition revitalizes the text for modern audiences, making it both a thought-provoking and enjoyable read.
Exploring the complex morality surrounding terrorism, this classic work by a renowned English radical philosopher presents a compelling argument that challenges conventional views. The author delves into ethical dilemmas, providing thought-provoking insights into the justification and implications of violent actions in pursuit of political ends. The new edition enhances its relevance, offering readers a contemporary perspective on a timeless and controversial topic.
Exploring the life of philosopher Ted Honderich, this narrative delves into his rigorous philosophical pursuits alongside a rich personal journey filled with drama. The book highlights his critical examinations and the challenges he faced, offering insight into both his intellectual contributions and the complexities of his human experiences.
What better introduction to philosophy than through the lives of its most prominent figures? This work presents twenty-eight of the greatest thinkers in Western civilization, from Aristotle and Plato to Wittgenstein, Heidegger, and Sartre. An esteemed team of scholars leads us on a concise tour of brilliant minds and enduring ideas. Explore Aristotle's Nichomachean Ethics, Plato's cave of shadows, Schopenhauer's vision of reality as blind, striving Will, Hegel's World Spirit, Bentham's Greatest Happiness principle, and Mill's insights on liberty. Delve into William James's stream of consciousness, Husserl's phenomenology, and Kant's categorical imperative, alongside the Christian philosophies of Augustine, Aquinas, and Kierkegaard, as well as the materialism of Hobbes and Marx. Engage with the modern philosophical systems of Bertrand Russell, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Ludwig Wittgenstein. Each article features a portrait of the philosopher and suggestions for further reading, complemented by a chronological table providing historical context. This authoritative guide reveals how these thinkers grappled with central human issues—free will, morality, and the limits of logic—while illuminating their lasting legacy for contemporary thought.
Exploring the morality surrounding the September 11th attacks, the book delves into our responsibilities and reactions to terrorism. It questions whether we bear any guilt for the events and examines how we should respond moving forward. By investigating the essence of morality and the philosophies that shape our ethical views, it aims to uncover the fundamental moral truths that govern our lives and obligations in the face of such tragedies.
Exploring the nature of consciousness, Ted Honderich presents a groundbreaking theory that positions perceptual consciousness as external to the individual perceiver. He argues that consciousness exists within a subjective physical realm that relies on both personal experience and the objective physical world. This fresh perspective challenges traditional views and delves into the ongoing philosophical and scientific debates surrounding the mystery of consciousness.
