Философия
Различные книги в жанре ФилософияPragmatism
William James, who has been called the “father of American psychology”, was one of the most influential thinkers of the 19th century. Along with Charles Sanders Peirce, William James established the school of thought known as “Pragmatism”, a philosophy which rejected the idea that language and thought exists simply to represent nature, but rather it must be useful in transacting with nature, in predicting outcomes, and solving problems. First published in 1907, William James’ “Pragmatism” presents an excellent introduction into the philosophical theory of the same name. This work collects together a series of eight lectures delivered at the Lowell Institute in Boston in November and December, 1906, and in January, 1907, at Columbia University, in New York. In these lectures William James presents his argument of the philosophical dilemmas that the Pragmatist philosophy is meant to address. Pragmatism’s application to religion, which James expounded upon in his monumental work “The Varieties of Religious Experience”, is considered, as well as its application to Humanism and other metaphysical concerns. This short work provides an excellent exposition of one of the most important philosophical movements of the last part of the 19th and first part of the 20th century. This edition includes a biographical afterword.
An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
First published in 1751, “An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals” by David Hume, the Scottish Enlightenment philosopher, was the enquiry subsequent to his 1748 work “Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding” and is often referred to as “the second Enquiry”. In Hume’s own opinion it was the very best of all his writings. In “An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals”, Hume expands upon his ideas of morality first discussed in his earlier work “A Treatise of Human Nature”. Hume seeks to understand how humans make moral judgments and whether ethics have a basis in objective reality or reason. Hume argues that ethics is fundamentally rooted in sentiment and emotion and that ethics has no meaning apart from human understanding. Rather, whether something is ethical or not depends largely on the feelings that the behavior evokes. Hume also makes the compelling argument that true virtue is based on the natural world and is not dependent on laws or social systems. Instead, the most important and worthy virtues are found in the highest merit that human nature is capable of, such as being merciful, generous, friendly, and benevolent. “An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals” remains an important and thought-provoking masterpiece of philosophy nearly three hundred years later. This edition include a biographical afterword.
Ethics
“Ethics” is the most famous work of Benedict de Spinoza, who is considered one of the great rationalists of 17th-century philosophy. Spinoza was born of Jewish and Portuguese ancestry in 1632 and lived a simple life in Amsterdam as an optical lens grinder. His greatest fame came about when “Ethics,” a collection of several of his philosophical works, was published anonymously by his close friends in 1677 shortly after Spinoza’s untimely death at age 44. In this seminal work, Spinoza lays out his ethical philosophy in a precise geometrical order. He argues expressly against the dualism of Descartes and contends instead that everything in the world flows from the essential nature of reality, or God. Human perception of this ultimate truth is imperfect and thus much of human knowledge is incomplete and faulty. Individuals must strive toward a more perfect and virtuous knowledge of truth and reality by controlling their emotions and employing a more scientific and objective approach. This masterpiece of reason and rationality remains one of the most important philosophical treatises on the subject and a must read for all students of philosophy.
The Theory of Moral Sentiments
Written in 1759 by Scottish philosopher and political economist Adam Smith, “The Theory of Moral Sentiments” provides much of the foundation for the ideas in his later works, most notably in “The Wealth of Nations.” Through this initial text, Smith expresses his general system of morals, exploring the propriety of action, reward and punishment, sense of duty, and the effect of numerous factors on moral sentiment. In so doing, Smith devised innovative theories on virtues, conscience, and moral judgment that are still relevant and accessible today. Though somewhat surprising to find a philosopher of Smith’s abilities discussing aspects such as luck and sympathy and how they affect self-image or relationships, “The Theory of Moral Sentiments” never loses its critical excellence in its good-natured understanding of the human exploration for the meaning of being good.
The Theory of Moral Sentiments (with an introduction by Herbert W. Schneider)
Written in 1759 by Scottish philosopher and political economist Adam Smith, “The Theory of Moral Sentiments” provides much of the foundation for the ideas in his later works, most notably in “The Wealth of Nations.” Through this initial text, Smith expresses his general system of morals, exploring the propriety of action, reward and punishment, sense of duty, and the effect of numerous factors on moral sentiment. In so doing, Smith devised innovative theories on virtues, conscience, and moral judgment that are still relevant and accessible today. Though somewhat surprising to find a philosopher of Smith’s abilities discussing aspects such as luck and sympathy and how they affect self-image or relationships, “The Theory of Moral Sentiments” never loses its critical excellence in its good-natured understanding of the human exploration for the meaning of being good. This edition includes an introduction by Herbert W. Schneider.
The Genealogy of Morals (Translated by Horace B. Samuel with an Introduction by Willard Huntington Wright)
German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche was one the most controversial figures of the 19th century. His evocative writings on religion, morality, culture, philosophy, and science were often polemic attacks against the established views of his time. First published in 1887, “The Genealogy of Morals,” is a work which follows and expands upon the principles of his previous works, “Thus Spoke Zarathustra” and “Beyond Good and Evil.” In a preface and three interrelated essays, Nietzsche outlines his theories on the origins of our moral prejudices. “The Genealogy of Morals,” was written partly in response to his friend Paul Rée's book “The Origin of the Moral Sensations,” whose genealogical hypothesis of morality he found unsatisfactory. Nietzsche begins by reiterating in his first essay the historical conflict between socio-economic classes that has given rise to the varying definitions of good and evil. In the second essay, Nietzsche discusses the origins of the institution of punishment, asserting that it arises from a straightforward relationship between creditors and debtors. Lastly, in the third essay, the philosopher considers the meaning of ascetic ideals. A classic work of moral philosophy, “The Genealogy of Morals” is considered by many as one of Nietzsche’s finest. This edition follows the translation of Horace B. Samuel, includes an introduction by Willard Huntington Wright, and a biographical afterword.
Nicomachean Ethics (Translated by W. D. Ross with an Introduction by R. W. Browne)
Composed of ten books and based upon Aristotle’s own notes from his lectures at the Lyceum, “Nicomachean Ethics” holds a pre-eminent place amongst the ancient treatises on moral philosophy. As opposed to other pre-Socratic works, “Nicomachean Ethics” moves beyond the purely theoretical analysis of moral philosophy by examining its practical application. Aristotelian ethics is concerned with how an individual should best live their life and at its core asserts the idea that the most virtuous life will be the happiest one. By living well, in balance with one’s environment, eschewing excess, guiding one’s life by reason, Aristotle argues, is the path towards the most virtuous and thus the happiest life. Aristotle’s ethical philosophy had a profound influence on ancient civilization, an influence that was sustained until the rise of Christianity which contradicted the premise of Aristotelian ethics by asserting that the most virtuous life was to be achieved instead by living an austere life of sacrifice devoted to God. This edition follows the translation of W. D. Ross and includes an introduction by R. W. Browne.
Beyond Good and Evil (Translated by Helen Zimmern with Introductions by Willard Huntington Wright and Thomas Common)
German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche was one the most controversial figures of the 19th century. His evocative writings on religion, morality, culture, philosophy, and science were often polemic attacks against the established views of his time. First published in 1886, “Beyond Good and Evil” is a work that draws upon and expands the ideas that Nietzsche first addressed in his previous work, “Thus Spoke Zarathustra.” Nietzsche contrasts the concepts of good and evil as they were viewed in ancient times with the modern interpretations of them. As he asserts, the initial form of morality arises from the warrior nature of the ruling castes of ancient civilizations, who viewed themselves as good because of their wealth and power in contrast to the weakness of those that they enslaved. He further describes how the recasting of these ancient values through religion has given rise to a new “slave” morality, which defines goodness by a set of virtues which are contradictory to those of the ruling classes. Ultimately “Beyond Good and Evil” is a harsh criticism of philosophical systems that described a good person as the opposite of an evil one rather than just a relative expression of the impulses inherent in all men. This edition is translated by Helen Zimmern, includes introductions by Willard Huntington Wright and Thomas Common, and a biographical afterword.
Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals (Translated by Thomas Kingsmill Abbott)
The 18th century German philosopher Immanuel Kant is widely considered as one the most important figures in modern philosophy. His fundamental arguments with regard to the fields of metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, political philosophy, and aesthetics, have been highly influential and form the basis for much of contemporary thought upon the subjects with which he was concerned. Kant believed that there were fundamental concepts that structured human experience, and that reason principally should guide one’s examination of these concepts. “Groundwork for the Metaphysic of Morals” is his classic exposition of moral philosophy. In this work Kant examines the core concepts of moral theory in an effort to lay bare the fundamental principles of morality. This highly influential work of philosophy is groundbreaking in its argument that righteousness is a function of the character of the principles upon which people act. Kant’s ideas on morality are intriguing and exemplary of his deft at philosophical thought. “Groundwork for the Metaphysic of Morals” is a must read for all seeking a better understanding of the world and humanity’s place in it, through philosophical inquiry.
Five Minds for the Future
We live in a time of relentless change. The only thing that?s certain is that new challenges and opportunities will emerge that are virtually unimaginable today. How can we know which skills will be required to succeed?In Five Minds for the Future, bestselling author Howard Gardner shows how we will each need to master «five minds» that the fast-paced future will demand:· The disciplined mind, to learn at least one profession, as well as the major thinking (science, math, history, etc.) behind it· The synthesizing mind, to organize the massive amounts of information and communicate effectively to others· The creating mind, to revel in unasked questions – and uncover new phenomena and insightful apt answers· The respectful mind, to appreciate the differences between human beings – and understand and work with all persons· The ethical mind, to fulfill one's responsibilities as both a worker and a citizenWithout these «minds,» we risk being overwhelmed by information, unable to succeed in the workplace, and incapable of the judgment needed to thrive both personally and professionally.Complete with a substantial new introduction, Five Minds for the Future provides valuable tools for those looking ahead to the next generation of leaders – and for all of us striving to excel in a complex world.Howard Gardner—cited by Foreign Policy magazine as one of the one hundred most influential public intellectuals in the world, and a MacArthur Fellowship recipient—is the Hobbs Professor of Cognition and Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.