Contrary to Thoughtlessness

Rethinking Practical Wisdom

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Good & Evil, Ethics & Moral Philosophy
Cover of the book Contrary to Thoughtlessness by Monica Mueller, Lexington Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Monica Mueller ISBN: 9780739146170
Publisher: Lexington Books Publication: December 1, 2012
Imprint: Lexington Books Language: English
Author: Monica Mueller
ISBN: 9780739146170
Publisher: Lexington Books
Publication: December 1, 2012
Imprint: Lexington Books
Language: English

Since Hannah Arendt highlighted the stunning “banality” of his “evil” crimes, Adolf Eichmann has served posterity as a prime example of thoughtlessness. This book asks: as civilizations become ever more integrated, how will the complexities of our activities respond to the growing proclivity for thoughtlessness? When administrative necessity eclipses personal responsibility, the result is often complicity and apathy. Mueller argues for a practical wisdom in order to meet the challenge of thoughtlessness that arises in an increasingly bureaucratic world. Her investigations into the philosophical problems of thoughtlessness are motivated less by a concern than a desire to solve puzzles than a concern about the fate of our world, plagued as it is by social, environmental, political, and moral injustices. How might we help one another develop the courage to challenge the common view that the good life must be sought through an unthinking pursuit of ends, even as that pursuit damages and destroys rather than building a better world? This book uses Arendtian notions of reflective thinking and judgment in order to supplement the Aristotelian conception of practical wisdom. This inquiry helps readers to understand the particular modes of thinking necessary to grasp, in a thoughtful, reflective manner, correct aims for action. Furthermore, it shows that experience that enlarges moral imagination by considering alternative perspectives can highlight lived experience in a way that prepares us for virtuous ethical decision-making. Contrary to Thoughtlessness demonstrates that reflective thinking and judgment offer critical avenues for recognizing reliable, yet flexible norms that can serve as reasonable ends for action. This conception of the thinking and judging involved in practical wisdom can enhance ethical deliberations, thereby informing the development of character by clarifying ends for the pursuit of flourishing.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Since Hannah Arendt highlighted the stunning “banality” of his “evil” crimes, Adolf Eichmann has served posterity as a prime example of thoughtlessness. This book asks: as civilizations become ever more integrated, how will the complexities of our activities respond to the growing proclivity for thoughtlessness? When administrative necessity eclipses personal responsibility, the result is often complicity and apathy. Mueller argues for a practical wisdom in order to meet the challenge of thoughtlessness that arises in an increasingly bureaucratic world. Her investigations into the philosophical problems of thoughtlessness are motivated less by a concern than a desire to solve puzzles than a concern about the fate of our world, plagued as it is by social, environmental, political, and moral injustices. How might we help one another develop the courage to challenge the common view that the good life must be sought through an unthinking pursuit of ends, even as that pursuit damages and destroys rather than building a better world? This book uses Arendtian notions of reflective thinking and judgment in order to supplement the Aristotelian conception of practical wisdom. This inquiry helps readers to understand the particular modes of thinking necessary to grasp, in a thoughtful, reflective manner, correct aims for action. Furthermore, it shows that experience that enlarges moral imagination by considering alternative perspectives can highlight lived experience in a way that prepares us for virtuous ethical decision-making. Contrary to Thoughtlessness demonstrates that reflective thinking and judgment offer critical avenues for recognizing reliable, yet flexible norms that can serve as reasonable ends for action. This conception of the thinking and judging involved in practical wisdom can enhance ethical deliberations, thereby informing the development of character by clarifying ends for the pursuit of flourishing.

More books from Lexington Books

Cover of the book Managerial Economics by Monica Mueller
Cover of the book Social Media by Monica Mueller
Cover of the book The Origins of Religious Violence by Monica Mueller
Cover of the book Nationalism and Identity Construction in Central Asia by Monica Mueller
Cover of the book Forced Migration and Global Processes by Monica Mueller
Cover of the book Reconsidering Stagnation in the Brezhnev Era by Monica Mueller
Cover of the book The Soul of Civil Society by Monica Mueller
Cover of the book Motherhood, Poverty, and the WIC Program in Urban America by Monica Mueller
Cover of the book Teacher Education, Diversity, and Community Engagement in Liberal Arts Colleges by Monica Mueller
Cover of the book The Paradoxes of History and Memory in Post-Colonial Sierra Leone by Monica Mueller
Cover of the book Global Marshall Plan by Monica Mueller
Cover of the book Values, Valuations, and Axiological Norms in Richard Rorty's Neopragmatism by Monica Mueller
Cover of the book The Aesthetics of Desire and Surprise by Monica Mueller
Cover of the book The Political Economy of International Trade by Monica Mueller
Cover of the book Imagination and Environmental Political Thought by Monica Mueller
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy