Death and the Disinterested Spectator
An Inquiry into the Nature of Philosophy
Published on 31. October 1986
Book
Hardback
263 pages
978-0-88706-285-8 (ISBN)
Description
Death and the Disinterested Spectator examines the nature of philosophy in light of philosophy's claim to be a preparation for death. Does philosophy have any real power, or is it merely idle talk? The background against which this question is explored is a re-interpretation of Plato's Phaedo, Augustine's Confessions, and Descartes' Discourse on Method.
Reviews / Votes
"This book is a serious attempt to grapple with an absolutely fundamental question: the nature of philosophy in its relation to theory, practice, and death. The method for dealing with this question is also interesting: to discuss the larger question concretely by examining a philosophical dialogue, a theological and philosophical confession, and a philosophical treatise." - Carl G. VaughtMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Albany, NY
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
US School Grade: College Graduate Student and over
Weight
499 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-88706-285-8 (9780887062858)
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
Person
Ann Hartle is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Emory University.
Content
Preface
Introduction
Chapter I: Socrates: Penelope and the Bee
The Phaedo as Apology; Comedy, Tragedy, Philosophy; Actor or Spectator; Hubris and Irony; Truth and Deception: A.Socrates, B. Phaedo, C. Plato; Transition: From Philosophical Courage to Christian Hope
Chapter II: Augustine: The Look of Pity
Confession and Apology; Laughter, Tears, Trembling and Wonder; Actor or Spectator; Pride and Humility; Truth and Self-Deception; Transition: From Christian Hope to Modern Certitude
Chapter III: Descartes: Occupation and Pre-occupation
The Discourse as Apology; Laughter, Tears, Trembling, and Wonder; Actor or Spectator; Pride and Humility; Truth and Certitude; Transition and Return
Chapter IV: Conclusion: Death and the Disinterested Spectator
Compassion and Distance; Wonder and Death; The Strange and the Familiar; The Fable of Certitude; Philosophy and the Divine:From Disinterested Spectator to Compassionate Actor; Cartesian Presumption,Socratic Victory; Idle Talk and Endless Toil; Weaving the Shroud
Notes
Works Consulted
Index
Introduction
Chapter I: Socrates: Penelope and the Bee
The Phaedo as Apology; Comedy, Tragedy, Philosophy; Actor or Spectator; Hubris and Irony; Truth and Deception: A.Socrates, B. Phaedo, C. Plato; Transition: From Philosophical Courage to Christian Hope
Chapter II: Augustine: The Look of Pity
Confession and Apology; Laughter, Tears, Trembling and Wonder; Actor or Spectator; Pride and Humility; Truth and Self-Deception; Transition: From Christian Hope to Modern Certitude
Chapter III: Descartes: Occupation and Pre-occupation
The Discourse as Apology; Laughter, Tears, Trembling, and Wonder; Actor or Spectator; Pride and Humility; Truth and Certitude; Transition and Return
Chapter IV: Conclusion: Death and the Disinterested Spectator
Compassion and Distance; Wonder and Death; The Strange and the Familiar; The Fable of Certitude; Philosophy and the Divine:From Disinterested Spectator to Compassionate Actor; Cartesian Presumption,Socratic Victory; Idle Talk and Endless Toil; Weaving the Shroud
Notes
Works Consulted
Index