Without why

The essays in this collection—several of which are published here for the first time—explore the genesis and historical development of this optimistic configuration in ethical thought and the ways in which it has shown itself to be unfounded and misguided.

Discussions of Greco-Roman antiquity and of the philosophies of Socrates, Plato, Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche, and Adorno play a central role in many of these essays. Geuss also ranges over such topics as the concepts of intelligibility, authority, democracy, and criticism; the role of lying in politics; architecture; the place of theology in ethics; tragedy and comedy; and the struggle between realism and our search for meaning.

Geuss is a great writer and a very thoughtful human being who has resisted quite valiantly the conventions of his discipline and his times. In short, how should we go about … Expand. Disciplinary Approaches to the Idea of European Memory. How radical is radical realism? Realism and Political Normativity. The model of the legislator: Political theory, policy, and realist utopianism.

Is realism in political theory compatible with utopianism? This article shows that it is, by reconstructing a highly restrictive realist approach to political theory for guiding legislation and … Expand.

A realistic conception of politics: conflict, order and political realism. View 1 excerpt, cites background. Realism, Utopianism and Human Rights. In a recent article, Benjamin McKean defends utopian political theorising by means of an internal critique of realism, construed as essentially anti-utopian, in order to defend human rights against … Expand. This desire is the core notion of will. In late antiquity Augustine drew on this tradition in formulating his views about how Christians should live.

This required grafting onto classical eudaimonism a set of distinctively scriptural notions such as divine providence, original sin, redemption, and grace. In the 13th century these ideas were systematized by Thomas Aquinas in his will-centered moral theology. Eckhart claimed that this tradition was profoundly mistaken. Far from being a wild-eyed mystic or visionary, he argued trenchantly from classical philosophical principles and the Christian scriptures. Connolly proposes that Eckhart's views, long obscured by the papal condemnation, deserve reconsideration today.

His research is currently focused on medieval philosophy, especially Meister Eckhart. He has also worked in philosophy of mind, Wittgenstein, contemporary German philosophy, philosophical hermeneutics, and issues of academic freedom and tolerance. Connolly has taught courses in all of these areas and also in the history of philosophy. In addition he spent ten years in college administration as dean, provost, and acting president of Smith College.

By putting Eckhart into conversation with his predecessors i. This is a remarkable work, the product of long and careful thought, as well as being clearly presented. Through his work, the English-speaking world can become finally acquainted with the academic discussion of the last decades concerning Eckhart and can furthermore have an original and text grounded interpretation of a relevant section of his philosophical thought.

And it is this palpable fascination pulsing off the book's pages that at once helps to illuminate the philosophical underpinnings of the Eckhartian concept, as it infectiously draws the reader deeper into the riches of this text. Users without a subscription are not able to see the full content.

Authors Affiliations are at time of print publication. John M. Connolly, author Smith College More Less. Your current browser may not support copying via this button. Show Summary Details. Subscriber Login Email Address. Password Please enter your Password. Library Card Please enter your library card number.