Thinking in Transit

Reviews / Votes

Thinking in Transit speaks to the heart of our transitory existence. In contrast to the picture of the solitary sedentary sage, the authors bring us on a wondrous journey through both the material elements-fire, air, earth, water which invite different kinds of movement-and the technological modes of transport (boat, train, car, plane) which mediate our multiple transitions. We are boldly reminded that some of our best thoughts are mobile, itinerant, searching-odysseys of both mind and body, where the imagination plays with nature and opens new paths of adventure. This is a brilliant and timely book, which speaks to our age of ecological and political crisis and keeps its readers always on the move. -- Richard Kearney, Charles Seelig Professor in Philosophy, Boston College In this exciting new work, Craig and Casey are sharing a singularly original project written in an exceptionally congenial style, interweaving personal recollections with wonderfully insightful philosophical ruminations. Historically considered, thinking is a pursuit that requires a solitary and sedentary life. But these two philosophers are challenging that paradigm, bringing thought back into the motion and emotion of everyday life. -- David Michael Kleinberg-Levin, professor emeritus, Department of Philosophy, Northwestern University From their form to their moving details, these essays slide between authors, across elemental fields, and in and out of vessels, from boats to swings to sleds. And along the way, we find ourselves invigorated by a transformed feel for where we've always been: on the move. -- John Lysaker, William R. Kenan University Professor and director of the Center for Ethics, Emory University Thinking in Transit is a deeply meditative book. Megan Craig's and Edward Casey's voices-sometimes blended, sometimes separate-eloquently evoke the wonder and significance of everyday movement: swimming, falling, skating, and flying, just to name a few. I'll never think of taking the ferry the same way again! -- Shannon Sullivan, author of <i>Thinking the US South: Contemporary Philosophy from Southern Perspectives</i> Captivating reflections from two thinkers who are also accomplished visual artists on the nature of water, air, earth, fire-the elements of existence in all their sensuality. The study develops impressions and insights about everyday existence in vivid detail as the authors travel via trains, planes, cars or even just inhabit gardens beyond the cloistered walls of academia. The play of their thoughts across diverse landscapes offers the rare pleasure of a deep but lightly worn erudition, and of a singular style of painterly thinking. -- Cynthia Willett, Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor of Philosophy, Emory University, author of <i>Interspecies Ethics</i>