Philosophical Explanations

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Harvard University Press, 1981 - Philosophy - 764 pages

In this highly original work, Robert Nozick develops new views on philosophy’s central topics and weaves them into a unified philosophical perspective. It is many years since a major work in English has ranged so widely over philosophy’s fundamental concerns: the identity of the self, knowledge and skepticism, free will, the question of why there is something rather than nothing, the foundations of ethics, the meaning of life.

Writing in a distinctive and personal philosophical voice, Mr. Nozick presents a new mode of philosophizing. In place of the usual semi-coercive philosophical goals of proof, of forcing people to accept conclusions, this book seeks philosophical explanations and understanding, and thereby stays truer to the original motivations for being interested in philosophy.

Combining new concepts, daring hypotheses, rigorous reasoning, and playful exploration, the book exemplifies how philosophy can be part of the humanities.

 

Contents

Introduction
1
The Identity of the Self
27
Reflexivity
71
Why Is There Something Rather Than Nothing?
115
Knowledge and Skepticism
167
Skepticism
197
Evidence
248
VALUE
283
Retributive Punishment
363
Foundations of Ethics
399
Ethical Pull
451
The Structure of Ethical Pull
474
Fact and Value
535
The Basis of Value
552
Philosophy and the Meaning of Life
571
Notes
651

Free Will
291
Deteminism and Aligning with Value
317

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About the author (1981)

Robert Nozick was Pellegrino University Professor at Harvard University. His book Anarchy, State, and Utopia received a National Book Award.

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