Controvert, or On the Lie -- and Other Philosophical Dialogues - Softcover

Pappas, Nicholas

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0875866514 ISBN 13: 9780875866512

Verlag: Algora Publishing, 2008

Inhaltsangabe

Controvert, or On the Lie and Other Philosophical Dialogues by Nicholas Pappas tackles profound ethical and philosophical questions through a dialogue-based approach inspired by the Platonic tradition. With conversational exchanges, Pappas delves into topics such as truth, lies, ambition, and human motivation, making the book both accessible and thought-provoking for general readers and philosophical enthusiasts alike.

The Nature of Lies: When Is Deception Justifiable?
The opening dialogue, “Controvert, Or on the Lie,” explores the intricacies of truth and deception, prompting readers to question whether lying can ever be morally justifiable. Through engaging character debates, scenarios such as lying for amusement or self-preservation are examined, leaving readers to grapple with the moral complexities of deception without providing definitive answers.

Exploring Contempt: Is Disdain Always Negative?
In “Contempt,” Pappas examines the nuances of disdain and its relationship to emotions like love, respect, and hate. The dialogue probes whether contempt can be constructive or if it is inherently harmful, challenging readers to consider its role in moral and social dynamics. Is contempt necessary for challenging societal norms, or does it signify moral weakness?

The Dual Nature of Ambition: Constructive or Destructive?
The dialogue “Ambition” investigates the balance between ambition's capacity to inspire greatness and its potential to lead to selfish, unethical behavior. Pappas’s characters explore whether ambition stems from a desire for praise or genuine achievement, urging readers to reflect on their own aspirations and how ambition impacts both individuals and society.

Aspirations and the Meaning of Life:
Dialogues like “Architect” and “Brilliance” delve into creativity, intelligence, and the structures that influence human potential. By juxtaposing personal fulfillment with societal expectations, Pappas challenges readers to consider how aspirations shape a meaningful life and interact with broader societal needs.

Conclusion: Insightful, Engaging, and Timeless
Throughout Controvert, or On the Lie, Pappas masterfully blends wit with philosophical depth, crafting dialogues that encourage readers to reflect on universal dilemmas. Each conversation resonates personally, offering fresh insights with every revisit. The book serves not only as a philosophical exploration but also as an invitation to re-examine one’s values and beliefs, making it a timeless and compelling journey into moral inquiry.

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Reseña del editor

In a style emulating that of the Platonic dialogue, the author approaches serious moral questions in a conversational manner that will appeal to both the general and the specialized reader. The first dialogue, “Controvert, Or on the Lie,” examines the nature of lies and telling “the truth” and tests our assumptions regarding whether or when it might be appropriate to lie. Is it right to lie just for fun? Is a lie justified when speaking to a tyrant? “Contempt” ponders many distinctions we assume exist but which we may not have considered very carefully, including those between what is good and what is contemptible, and shades of nuance between pity, love, and respect, and hate and fear. Can contempt be the key element of a fighting creed? Or is contempt itself contemptible? In “Ambition,” the characters debate the nature of this very human characteristic, its value as a passionate love of life that enables us to reach for the stars and its darker side as a destructive, self-centered drive to win adulation and assert our own good over that of others. Is ambition more than the love of praise? Must ambition be harnessed (and to what end?) or is it more powerful when left unchecked and allowed to flower into great accomplishments? The world of human aspirations and the means by which we pursue them are explored further in the dialogues “Architect,” “Brilliance,” and “Anarchy.” Using these specific threads the author weaves together a consideration of larger questions as well, including the inevitable competition between individual and society, and how to approach life for the maximum value.

Details zur Ausgabe

• Verlag: Algora Publishing
• Erscheinungsdatum: 2008
• Sprache: Englisch
• ISBN 10: 0875866514
• ISBN 13: 9780875866512
• Einband: Tapa blanda
• Anzahl der Seiten: 214
• Kontakt zum Hersteller: Nicht verfügbar
• Verantwortliche Person: Nicht verfügbar