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What is Good?
The Search for the Best Way to Live
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Check link for latest rating. ( 320 ratings, 24 reviews)
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Format: Paperback / softback
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See moreAC Grayling answers the question - How do we live a good life?
Reissued in the fantastic new series look What is Good was number one in the Observer bestselling titles for philosophy and has sold 24,000 copies in paperback 'Grayling nicely straddles the artificial divide between man of letters and philosopher, and here he takes the general reader on a civilised and lucid journey from the ethics of the pagan world through the Christian centuries, past the enlightenment and its utilitarian descendants, through the anxiety-ridden 20th century, and into the present' Simon Blackburn, Sunday Times 'Grayling effectively demystifies a subject that is all too often discussed as though its secrets are accessible only to long-bearded gurus. He writes like a dream and with impressive but not overbearing erudition' Julian Baggini, TES
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Description
One of the most fundamental questions in our life is to find out what we value—what principles we want to live by and which codes we will use to guide our behaviour. Most of us want to live a good life. But what, in today's secular society, does 'good' actually mean?
To classical Greeks, the acquisition of knowledge, the enjoyment of the senses, creativity, and beauty were all aspects of life to strive for. Then came the volcanic declarations of St Paul and his fundamentalist ideas on sin and human nature.
In What is Good?, A.C. Grayling examines these and other proposals on how to live a good life, from the 'heroic' ideals of the Greek poets to Kant's theories on freedom and the UN Declaration on Human Rights.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
What is Good? by Prof A.C. Grayling is praised for its clear and elegant writing, providing an accessible guide to ethics from ancient to modern times. Critics highlight its engaging style and ability to tackle philosophical ideas without overwhelming the reader. The book effectively explores different approaches to living a good life, suggesting that many disagreements are about priorities rather than principles.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780753817551
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 03 October 2007
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 23.0mm
Width: 133.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 251g
Pages: 288
About the Author
Anthony Grayling teaches philosophy at Birkbeck College, London and is a Fellow of St Anne's, Oxford. He reviews regularly in the Financial Times. He has a regular column in Prospect and the Guardian.
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