First published 2010
Philosophy takes on practical questions in this collection of essays. A.C. Grayling addresses inquiries from editors and readers of Prospect, the Dubliner, and The Times. He examines whether beauty matters if it exists only in perception. He explores the political nature of human rights and whether ethics can emerge from natural selection. Grayling considers conflicts where both sides claim justice and asks if this renders justice meaningless. He investigates connections between happiness and goodness, and whether humans naturally deceive themselves. Rather than delivering fixed answers, Grayling guides readers through comprehensive ways to approach each question. His method encourages independent thinking and personal conclusions. This approach mirrors his earlier popular philosophy works, including The Reason of Things and The Meaning of Things. The collection serves as both entertainment and inspiration for readers seeking philosophical guidance.
Genres: essays, philosophy, non-fiction, academic
Vibes: intellectual, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: academic, essay-collection
352 pages · Hardcover · Bloomsbury Publishing