Meaning in Life and Why It Matters

Susan Wolf, John Koethe, Robert McC. Adams , Nomy Arpaly

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English

Princeton University Pres
05 June 2012

Philosophy; Philosophy of mind; Ethics & moral philosophy

Series: The University Center for Human Values Series

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 love--and 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.

By: Susan Wolf
Commentaries by: John Koethe, Robert McC. Adams, Nomy Arpaly, Jonathan Haidt
Imprint: Princeton University Pres
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 140mm, Spine: 15mm
Weight: 198g
ISBN: 9780691154503
ISBN 10: 0691154503
Series: The University Center for Human Values Series
Publication Date: 05 June 2012
Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , A / AS level , Further / Higher Education
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Acknowledgments ix Introduction by Stephen Macedo xi MEANING IN LIFE AND WHY IT MATTERS Meaning in Life 1 Why It Matters 34 COMMENTS AND RESPONSE John Koethe 67 Robert M. Adams 75 Nomy Arpaly 85 Jonathan Haidt 92 Response Susan Wolf 102 Contributors 133 Index 137

Reviews for Meaning in Life and Why It Matters

Given the unfortunate (but arguably necessary) divorce of psychology from philosophy more than a century ago, books like Meaning in Life and Why It Matters, which allow for dialogue between these disciplines, are a much-needed and much-welcomed development. . . . Wolf's essay is a psychologically sophisticated philosophical argument on the structure, reality, and importance of meaningfulness in life. Its psychological sophistication lies not in her mastery of any particular empirical literature but rather in her attentiveness to normal, everyday intuitions and feelings. --Russell D. Kosits, PsycCRITIQUES