The Relevance of Philosophy to Life (The Vanderbilt Library of American Philosophy)

Product description Review The primary purpose of philosophy is to help us better understand the critical issues in life. Sadly, in this modern world we often relegate philosophy to the ivory academic tower and to dusty tomes forgotten on university library shelves. With The Relevance of Philosophy to Life, John Lachs reminds us that philosophy is not merely a remote subject of academic research and discourse, but an ever-changing field which can help us navigate through some of the chaos of this last decade of the 20th century. Tackling controversial topics such as dogmatism, the relativity of values, resuscitation, euthanasia, the right to die, violence, education, technological advancement and dominance, and individual integrity in bureaucratic structures, Lachs argues that value is relative to human nature and that human nature is not one but many "human natures. " This is an important book and of critical interest to anyone seeking a fuller appreciation of philosophy's relevance to our own times in general, and his or her personal life in particular. -- Midwest Book Review From the Back Cover The primary purpose of philosophy is to help us better understand the critical issues in life. Sadly, in this modern world we often relegate philosophy to the ivory tower and to dusty tomes forgotten on the library shelf. With The Relevance of Philosophy to Life, eminent American philosopher John Lachs reminds us that philosophy is not merely a remote subject of academic research and discourse, but an ever-changing field which can help us navigate through some of the chaos of late twentieth-century living. Utilizing an American pragmatism grounded in the works of Dewey, James, and Santayana, Lachs insists on both the personal and the social significance of philosophy. Tackling controversial topics such as dogmatism, the relativity of values, resuscitation, euthanasia, the right to die, violence, education, technological advancement and dominance, and individual integrity in bureaucratic structures, Lachs argues that value is relative to human nature and that human nature is not one but many "human natures". He sheds light on complicated issues in a way that informs the most sophisticated reader while also making the issues, his reasoning, and his solutions accessible to the general public. This important new book challenges readers to apply ethical principles and philosophical understanding more consistently in their own lives. It will be a timely addition to the libraries and reading lists of many professionals, students, and individuals seeking a fuller appreciation of philosophy's relevance to our own times. About the Author John Lachs has written or edited numerous articles and books on philosophy, including Intermediate Man; Human Search; Animal Faith and Spiritual Life; Physical Order and Moral Liberty; and Mind and Philosophers. A member of many professional societies, he currently serves as Centennial Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University. Read more