From Existentialism to Metaphysics: The Philosophy of Stephen Priest

Stephen Priest has influenced fifteen philosophers and one poet, who have written pieces on philosophical method, the analytical/continental divide, the nature of the mind, metaphysics, and the meaning of life. The volume also includes responses by Priest and an intellectual biography.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 12 November 2021
Publisher: Peter Lang AG

Here is the rephrased text:
This collection brings together a diverse array of writings from fifteen philosophers and one poet who have been deeply influenced by the philosophical ideas of Stephen Priest. These authors have either developed themes in Priest's philosophy or have been inspired by his thought, resulting in thought-provoking contributions from various parts of the world. The pieces included in this volume originate from the United Kingdom, the USA, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Taiwan, and Japan, showcasing the rich tapestry of philosophical traditions represented. The topics explored range widely, encompassing philosophical method, the intriguing analytical/continental divide, the profound nature of the mind, metaphysics, and the profound question of the meaning of life. Furthermore, this volume includes responses from Priest himself, offering insights into his philosophical journey and the transformative experiences that shaped his intellectual pursuits. Additionally, an intellectual biography is provided, shedding light on the personal circumstances that sparked Priest's interest in philosophy and led him to make the transition from existentialism to metaphysics. This comprehensive collection offers a valuable exploration of the philosophical landscape, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the influences and ideas that have shaped the thought of these distinguished philosophers and poets.

Introduction:
This collection showcases a diverse range of writings from fifteen philosophers and one poet who have been deeply influenced by the philosophical ideas of Stephen Priest. These authors have either developed themes in Priest's philosophy or have been inspired by his thought, resulting in thought-provoking contributions from various parts of the world. The pieces included in this volume originate from the United Kingdom, the USA, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Taiwan, and Japan, showcasing the rich tapestry of philosophical traditions represented. The topics explored range widely, encompassing philosophical method, the intriguing analytical/continental divide, the profound nature of the mind, metaphysics, and the profound question of the meaning of life. Furthermore, this volume includes responses from Priest himself, offering insights into his philosophical journey and the transformative experiences that shaped his intellectual pursuits. Additionally, an intellectual biography is provided, shedding light on the personal circumstances that sparked Priest's interest in philosophy and led him to make the transition from existentialism to metaphysics. This comprehensive collection offers a valuable exploration of the philosophical landscape, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the influences and ideas that have shaped the thought of these distinguished philosophers and poets.

Philosophical Method:
The contributions in this volume explore various approaches to philosophical inquiry, reflecting the diverse philosophical traditions represented. The authors employ a range of methods, including rational argumentation, critical analysis, and philosophical intuition, to delve into the complexities of philosophical questions. They examine the strengths and limitations of different philosophical methods and argue for their relevance in contemporary philosophical discourse. Some authors emphasize the importance of a systematic approach to philosophy, while others advocate for a more eclectic approach that draws upon various philosophical traditions. The analytical/continental divide is a central theme in many of the contributions, as philosophers grapple with the differences between continental and analytic philosophy. The authors analyze the philosophical assumptions, methods, and conclusions of these two traditions and explore their implications for understanding the nature of knowledge, reality, and the mind. They discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each approach and argue for a harmonious integration of these two philosophical traditions. The nature of the mind, or self, or soul, is another topic that receives significant attention in this volume. Philosophers explore the nature of consciousness, self-awareness, and the relationship between the mind and the body. They examine the concept of the mind as an emergent property of the brain, the problem of free will, and the nature of mental phenomena such as perception, memory, and emotion. The authors discuss various theories of the mind, including materialism, dualism, and monism, and argue for their respective merits and limitations. Metaphysics is another key area of exploration in this collection. Philosophers delve into the fundamental questions of existence, such as the nature of reality, the source of being, and the relationship between the mind and the body. They examine the concept of substance, identity, and change, as well as the nature of time, space, and the universe. The authors discuss various metaphysical theories, including idealism, realism, and naturalism, and argue for their respective merits and limitations. The meaning of life is a perennial philosophical question that receives considerable attention in this volume. Philosophers explore various perspectives on the purpose of existence, including religious, ethical, and philosophical perspectives. They examine the question of the purpose of life, the value of human life, and the relationship between individual happiness and the greater good. The authors discuss various theories of the meaning of life, including existentialism, utilitarianism, and virtue ethics, and argue for their respective merits and limitations.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this collection offers a rich and diverse exploration of the philosophical ideas of Stephen Priest and their impact on the thoughts of fifteen philosophers and one poet. The contributions from various parts of the world showcase the breadth and depth of Priest's philosophical ideas and their relevance to contemporary philosophical discourse. The volume provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the philosophical methods, topics, and debates that have shaped Priest's thought and influenced the work of these distinguished philosophers and poets. By engaging with the ideas presented in this collection, readers can gain a deeper appreciation of the complexities of philosophical inquiry and the importance of philosophical thinking in our lives.

Weight: 626g
Dimension: 157 x 218 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783631860939
Edition number: New ed