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The Myths We Live By

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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In The Myths We Live By, Mary Midgley explores the pervasive role of myths in shaping human understanding across diverse fields such as politics, economics, and science. She challenges the notion that myths are mere falsehoods or simple stories, presenting them instead as essential networks of symbols that help interpret the world. Addressing topics like philosophy, evolutionary psychology, consciousness, and the environment, Midgley's incisive prose emphasises the importance of symbolism and the imaginative dimension in human life.
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Format: Hardback
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Ideal for readers interested in philosophy, psychology, and the interplay between science and mythology, this book appeals to those who appreciate thoughtful, clear writing on complex ideas and seek to understand the deeper narratives shaping society and knowledge.

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Mary Midgley argues in this powerful book that, far from being the opposite of science, myth is a central part of it.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

With a new Introduction by the author

An elegant and sane little book. – The New Statesman

Myths, as Mary Midgley argues in this powerful book, are everywhere. In political thought, they sit at the heart of theories of human nature and the social contract; in economics, in the pursuit of self-interest; and in science, the idea of human beings as machines, which originates in the seventeenth century, is today a potent force. Far from being the opposite of science, however, Midgley argues that myth is a central part of it. Myths are neither lies nor mere stories but a network of powerful symbols for interpreting the world.

Tackling a dazzling array of subjects such as philosophy, evolutionary psychology, animals, consciousness, and the environment in her customary razor-sharp prose, The Myths We Live By reminds us of the powerful role of symbolism and the need to take our imaginative life seriously.

Mary Midgley is a moral philosopher and the author of many books including Wickedness, Evolution as a Religion, Beast and Man, and Science and Poetry. All are published in Routledge Classics.

Series: Routledge Classics

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781138834798

Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 21 May 2015

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Routledge

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 408g

Pages: 278

About the Author

Mary Midgley (1919-2018) was a moral philosopher and the author of many books including Wickedness, Evolution as a Religion, Beast and Man and Science and Poetry. All are published in Routledge Classics.

Also by Mary Midgley

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  • What Is Philosophy for?
    Why should anybody take an interest in philosophy? Is it just another detailed study like metallurgy? Or is it similar to history, literature and even religion: a study meant to do some personal good and influence our lives? "Engaging and accessible, this vigorous swansong exemplifies many of Midgley's virtues, and revisits many of her favourite themes." - The Tablet In...
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  • Beast and Man
    Philosophers have traditionally concentrated on the qualities that make human beings different from other species. In Beast and Man, Mary Midgley, one of our foremost intellectuals, stresses continuities. What makes people tick? Largely, she asserts, the same things as animals. She tells us humans are rather more like other animals than we previously allowed ourselves to believe, and reminds us...
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