In Search of Civilization
Remaking a tarnished idea
Published on 24. June 2010
Book
Paperback/Softback
208 pages
978-0-14-103106-4 (ISBN)
Description
What is civilization?
Why do we need it?
And what can civilization offer us in an age of irony?
The idea of civilization is a complex one, tangled up for years in ideas of colonialism and politics. John Armstrong explores the nature and aims of civilization in this elegant and witty book, examining how civilizing forces from the Greeks to the Renaissance have shaped and coloured our ideas of what a Good existence means. Only by bringing conversations about civilization back into our everyday lives, Armstrong reveals, can we rediscover our chance for wisdom and happiness.
Why do we need it?
And what can civilization offer us in an age of irony?
The idea of civilization is a complex one, tangled up for years in ideas of colonialism and politics. John Armstrong explores the nature and aims of civilization in this elegant and witty book, examining how civilizing forces from the Greeks to the Renaissance have shaped and coloured our ideas of what a Good existence means. Only by bringing conversations about civilization back into our everyday lives, Armstrong reveals, can we rediscover our chance for wisdom and happiness.
Reviews / Votes
A passionate and often very personal defence of civilization's qualities * Financial Times * His style is fluent, his personality engaging, his wit sharp, his mind cultivated and his sensibilities keen * The Times * John Armstrong is a Good Thing . . . determined to return moral philosophy to the intercourse of ordinary people * The Times Higher Education Supplement *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
College/higher education
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 129 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight
256 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-14-103106-4 (9780141031064)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
06/2009
1st Edition
Penguin Books Ltd
€9.49
Available for download
Person
Associate Professor John Armstrong is Philosopher in Residence at the Melbourne Business School and Senior Advisor to the Vice-Chancellor of Melbourne University. Born in Glasgow and educated at Oxford and London, he has lived in Australia since 2001. He is the author of several internationally acclaimed books on art, aesthetics and philosophy, including The Secret Power of Beauty and Conditions of Love.