Of Reality

The Purposes of Philosophy

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Metaphysics
Cover of the book Of Reality by Gianni Vattimo, Columbia University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Gianni Vattimo ISBN: 9780231536578
Publisher: Columbia University Press Publication: March 15, 2016
Imprint: Columbia University Press Language: English
Author: Gianni Vattimo
ISBN: 9780231536578
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Publication: March 15, 2016
Imprint: Columbia University Press
Language: English

We think it is wise to accept reality, rather than fight for something that does not exist or might never be. But in Of Reality, Gianni Vattimo condemns this complacency, with its implicit support of the status quo. Instead he urges us to never stop questioning, contrasting, or overcoming reality, which is not natural, inevitable, or objective. Reality is a construct, reflecting, among other things, our greed, biases, and tendencies toward violence.

It is no accident, Vattimo argues, that the call to embrace reality has emerged at a time when the inequalities of liberal capitalism are at their most extreme. Developed from his popular Gifford Lectures, this book advances a critical approach that recovers our interpretive powers and native skepticism toward normative claims. Though he recognizes his ideas invite charges of relativism, the philosopher counters with a discussion of truth, highlighting its longstanding ties to history and social circumstance. Truth is always contingent and provisional, and reason and reasonableness are bound to historical context. Truth is therefore never objective, and resistance to reality is our best hope to defeat the indifference that threatens the scope of freedom and democracy.

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

We think it is wise to accept reality, rather than fight for something that does not exist or might never be. But in Of Reality, Gianni Vattimo condemns this complacency, with its implicit support of the status quo. Instead he urges us to never stop questioning, contrasting, or overcoming reality, which is not natural, inevitable, or objective. Reality is a construct, reflecting, among other things, our greed, biases, and tendencies toward violence.

It is no accident, Vattimo argues, that the call to embrace reality has emerged at a time when the inequalities of liberal capitalism are at their most extreme. Developed from his popular Gifford Lectures, this book advances a critical approach that recovers our interpretive powers and native skepticism toward normative claims. Though he recognizes his ideas invite charges of relativism, the philosopher counters with a discussion of truth, highlighting its longstanding ties to history and social circumstance. Truth is always contingent and provisional, and reason and reasonableness are bound to historical context. Truth is therefore never objective, and resistance to reality is our best hope to defeat the indifference that threatens the scope of freedom and democracy.

More books from Columbia University Press

Cover of the book Sources of Indian Traditions by Gianni Vattimo
Cover of the book Frontier Investor by Gianni Vattimo
Cover of the book The Highway of Despair by Gianni Vattimo
Cover of the book The Politics of Our Selves by Gianni Vattimo
Cover of the book The Robin Hood Rules for Smart Giving by Gianni Vattimo
Cover of the book The Chautauqua Moment by Gianni Vattimo
Cover of the book Chaos, Territory, Art by Gianni Vattimo
Cover of the book Sprezzatura by Gianni Vattimo
Cover of the book Four Revolutions in the Earth Sciences by Gianni Vattimo
Cover of the book Down and Out in New Orleans by Gianni Vattimo
Cover of the book The Columbia Companion to Modern East Asian Literature by Gianni Vattimo
Cover of the book More Than Just a Game by Gianni Vattimo
Cover of the book The Struggle for Sustainability in Rural China by Gianni Vattimo
Cover of the book Global Population by Gianni Vattimo
Cover of the book Paul's Summons to Messianic Life by Gianni Vattimo
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