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Meaning in Life and Why It Matters
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Meaning in Life and Why It Matters
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See moreOften we act neither for our own sake nor out of duty or an impersonal concern for the world. Rather, we act out of love for objects that we rightly perceive as worthy of love - and it is these actions that give meaning to our lives. This title states that this kind of meaningfulness constitutes a distinctive dimension of a good life.
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Description
Most people, including philosophers, tend to classify human motives as falling into one of two categories: the egoistic or the altruistic, the self-interested or the moral. According to Susan Wolf, however, much of what motivates us does not comfortably fit into this scheme.
Often we act neither for our own sake nor out of duty or an impersonal concern for the world. Rather, we act out of love for objects that we rightly perceive as worthy of loveβand it is these actions that give meaning to our lives.
Wolf makes a compelling case that, along with happiness and morality, this kind of meaningfulness constitutes a distinctive dimension of a good life. Written in a lively and engaging style, and full of provocative examples, Meaning in Life and Why It Matters is a profound and original reflection on a subject of permanent human concern.
Series: The University Center for Human Values Series
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Meaning in Life and Why It Matters
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Meaning in Life and Why It Matters by Susan Wolf offers a compelling exploration of how philosophy and psychology can intersect to enhance our understanding of life's meaning. The book has been praised for its sophisticated philosophical argumentation, particularly for its focus on everyday intuitions and feelings, making it a significant contribution to both fields.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780691154503
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 25 March 2012
Country: United States
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Contributors:
- Commentaries by John Koethe
- Commentaries by Robert M. Adams
- Commentaries by Nomy Arpaly
- Commentaries by Jonathan Haidt
- Introduction by Stephen Macedo
- Commentaries by Robert McC. Adams
Audience: Tertiary education
DIMENSIONS
Width: 140.0mm
Height: 216.0mm
Weight: 198g
Pages: 162
About the Author
Susan Wolf is the Edna J. Koury Professor of Philosophy at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She is the author of "Freedom within Reason."
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