What Is Philosophy for?

Mary Midgley's last published work is an engaging and accessible swansong that defends philosophy and the life of the mind in the context of contemporary debates about science, religion, and philosophy. It asks whether we still need philosophy to help us think about the big questions of meaning, knowledge, and value.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 20 September 2018
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Midgley begins her book by exploring the various definitions of philosophy and its historical development. She argues that philosophy is not just another detailed study like metallurgy,but rather a broader and more encompassing discipline that seeks to understand the nature of reality and our place in it. Philosophy,according to Midgley,is not just about acquiring knowledge for its own sake,but also about using that knowledge to improve our lives and the lives of others.

One of the key themes in Midgley's book is the relationship between philosophy and science. She argues that philosophy is not a rival to science,but rather a complement to it. Philosophy,she says,can help us to better understand the limitations and assumptions of scientific inquiry,and to ask questions that science cannot answer. For example,philosophy can help us to think about the nature of consciousness,free will,and the meaning of life.

Another theme in Midgley's book is the importance of philosophy in the contemporary world. She argues that philosophy is not just a luxury for the few,but rather a necessity for all. In a world that is increasingly dominated by science and technology,philosophy can help us to think critically about the implications of these developments and to ask questions about the nature of human existence and the purpose of life.

Midgley's book is a vigorous and accessible swansong that exemplifies many of her virtues. It is engaging and accessible,and provides a robust defence of philosophy and the life of the mind. In a world that is often dominated by superficiality and pragmatism,Midgley's book offers a refreshing and thought-provoking perspective on the importance of philosophy in our lives.

In conclusion,Mary Midgley's last published work is a vigorous and accessible swansong that provides a robust defence of philosophy and the life of the mind. In a world that is often dominated by superficiality and pragmatism,Midgley's book offers a refreshing and thought-provoking perspective on the importance of philosophy in our lives. By exploring the various definitions of philosophy and its historical development,Midgley argues that philosophy is not just another detailed study like metallurgy,but rather a broader and more encompassing discipline that seeks to understand the nature of reality and our place in it. She also argues that philosophy is not just about acquiring knowledge for its own sake,but also about using that knowledge to improve our lives and the lives of others. By exploring the relationship between philosophy and science,the importance of philosophy in the contemporary world,and the significance of philosophy in our personal lives,Midgley provides a thought-provoking and inspiring perspective on the value of philosophy in our lives.

Weight: 262g
Dimension: 131 x 197 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350051072