A.C. Grayling's Books

The Reason of Things

Living with Philosophy

By: A.C. Grayling

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The follow-up to THE MEANING OF THINGS which continues A.C. Grayling's philosophical journey through life The most important question we can ask ourselves is: what kind of life is the best? This is the same as asking: How does one give meaning to one's life? How can one justify one's existence and make it worthwhile? How does one make experience valuable, and keep growing and learning in the process - and through this learning acquire a degree of understanding of oneself and the world? A civilised society is one which never ceases debating with itself about what human life should best be. Some would, with justice, say that if we want ours to be such a society we must all contribute to that discussion. This book is, with appropriate diffidence, such a contribution. It consists of a collection of Grayling's regular 'Last Word' columns in the Guardian. This time topics include Suicide, Deceit, Luxury, Profit, Marriage, Meat-eating, Liberty, Slavery, Protest, Guns and War.

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191

Publisher

Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Published Date

ISBN 10

0297865668

ISBN 13

9780297865667

The Frontiers of Knowledge

What We Know About Science, History and The Mind

By: A. C. Grayling

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The Frontiers of Knowledge

What We Know About Science, History and The Mind

By: A. C. Grayling

Grayling brings satisfying order to daunting subjects' Steven Pinker _________________________ In very recent times humanity has learnt a vast amount about the universe, the past, and itself. But through our remarkable successes in acquiring knowledge we have learned how much we have yet to learn: the science we have, for example, addresses just 5 per cent of the universe; pre-history is still being revealed, with thousands of historical sites yet to be explored; and the new neurosciences of mind and brain are just beginning. What do we know, and how do we know it? What do we now know that we don't know? And what have we learnt about the obstacles to knowing more? In a time of deepening battles over what knowledge and truth mean, these questions matter more than ever. Bestselling polymath and philosopher A. C. Grayling seeks to answer them in three crucial areas at the frontiers of knowledge: science, history and psychology. A remarkable history of science, life on earth, and the human mind itself, this is a compelling and fascinating tour de force, written with verve, clarity and remarkable breadth of knowledge. _________________________ 'Remarkable, readable and authoritative. How he has mastered so much, so thoroughly, is nothing short of amazing' Lawrence M. Krauss, author of A Universe from Nothing 'This book hums with the excitement of the great human project of discovery' Adam Zeman, author of Aphantasia

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285

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Penguin UK

Published Date

ISBN 10

0241980879

ISBN 13

9780241980873

The History of Philosophy

By: A. C. Grayling

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The History of Philosophy

By: A. C. Grayling

“A witty, learned, authoritative survey of philosophical thought.” —The New York Times Book Review The first authoritative and accessible single-volume history of philosophy to cover both Western and Eastern traditions, from one of the world’s most eminent thinkers The story of philosophy is an epic tale, spanning civilizations and continents. It explores some of the most creative minds in history. But not since the long-popular classic by Bertrand Russell, A History of Western Philosophy, published in 1945, has there been a comprehensive and entertaining single-volume history of this great, intellectual, world-shaping journey. With characteristic clarity and elegance, A. C. Grayling takes the reader from the age of the Buddha, Confucius, and Socrates through Christianity’s capture of the European mind, from the Renaissance and Enlightenment on to Mill, Nietzsche, Sartre and, finally, philosophy today. Surveying in tandem the great philosophical traditions of India, China, and the Persian-Arabic world, and astonishing in its range and accessibility, Grayling’s The History of Philosophy is destined to be a landmark work.

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706

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Penguin

Published Date

ISBN 10

198487876X

ISBN 13

9781984878762

The Heart of Things

Applying Philosophy to the 21st Century

By: A.C. Grayling

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The Heart of Things

Applying Philosophy to the 21st Century

By: A.C. Grayling

The new bestseller from one of Britain's most pre-eminent philosophers and arguably the best known, A.C. Grayling Everyone wishes to live a life that is satisfying and fulfilling, in which there is achievement and pleasure, and which has the respect of people one, in turn, respects. And one of the fundamentals to living such a life is to reflect on the choices we make. In this new collection, A.C. Grayling invites the reader into a conversation with ideas. From personal questions about happiness and quality of life to wider public concerns such as war and democracy, these essays provide a springboard to thought and to exploring what is best about the human heart and mind.

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211

Publisher

Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Published Date

ISBN 10

0297865641

ISBN 13

9780297865643

Friendship

By: A. C. Grayling

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Friendship

By: A. C. Grayling

A central bond, a cherished value, a unique relationship, a profound human need, a type of love. What is the nature of friendship, and what is its significance in our lives? How has friendship changed since the ancient Greeks began to analyze it, and how has modern technology altered its very definition? In this fascinating exploration of friendship through the ages, one of the most thought-provoking philosophers of our time tracks historical ideas of friendship, gathers a diversity of friendship stories from the annals of myth and literature, and provides unexpected insights into our friends, ourselves, and the role of friendships in an ethical life. A. C. Grayling roves the rich traditions of friendship in literature, culture, art, and philosophy, bringing into his discussion familiar pairs as well as unfamiliar-Achilles and Patroclus, David and Jonathan, Coleridge and Wordsworth, Huck Finn and Jim. Grayling lays out major philosophical interpretations of friendship, then offers his own take, drawing on personal experiences and an acute awareness of vast cultural shifts that have occurred. With penetrating insight he addresses internet-based friendship, contemporary mixed gender friendships, how friendships may supersede family relationships, one's duty within friendship, the idea of friendship to humanity, and many other topics of universal interest.

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192

Publisher

Yale University Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0300198574

ISBN 13

9780300198577

The Age of Genius

The Seventeenth Century and the Birth of the Modern Mind

By: A. C. Grayling

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The Age of Genius

The Seventeenth Century and the Birth of the Modern Mind

By: A. C. Grayling

The Age of Genius explores the eventful intertwining of outward event and inner intellectual life to tell, in all its richness and depth, the story of the 17th century in Europe. It was a time of creativity unparalleled in history before or since, from science to the arts, from philosophy to politics. Acclaimed philosopher and historian A.C. Grayling points to three primary factors that led to the rise of vernacular (popular) languages in philosophy, theology, science, and literature; the rise of the individual as a general and not merely an aristocratic type; and the invention and application of instruments and measurement in the study of the natural world. Grayling vividly reconstructs this unprecedented era and breathes new life into the major figures of the seventeenth century intelligentsia who span literature, music, science, art, and philosophy--Shakespeare, Monteverdi, Galileo, Rembrandt, Locke, Newton, Descartes, Vermeer, Hobbes, Milton, and Cervantes, among many more. During this century, a fundamentally new way of perceiving the world emerged as reason rose to prominence over tradition, and the rights of the individual took center stage in philosophy and politics, a paradigmatic shift that would define Western thought for centuries to come.

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369

Publisher

Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published Date

ISBN 10

1620403447

ISBN 13

9781620403440

The Challenge of Things

Thinking Through Troubled Times

By: A. C. Grayling

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The Challenge of Things

Thinking Through Troubled Times

By: A. C. Grayling

A. C. Grayling's lucid and stimulating books, based on the idea that philosophy should engage with the world and make itself useful, are immensely popular. The Challenge of Things joins earlier collections like The Reason of Things and Thinking of Answers, but this time to collect Grayling's recent writings on the world in a time of war and conflict. In describing and exposing the dark side of things, he also explores ways out of the habits and prejudices of mind that would otherwise trap us forever in the deadly impasses of conflicts of all kinds. Whether he is writing about the First World War and its legacy, free speech, the advantages of an atheist prime minister or the role of science in the arts, his essays are always enlightening, enlivening and hopeful.

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297

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Bloomsbury Publishing

Published Date

ISBN 10

1408864630

ISBN 13

9781408864630

Philosophy and Life

Exploring the Great Questions of How to Live

By: A. C. Grayling

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Philosophy and Life

Exploring the Great Questions of How to Live

By: A. C. Grayling

Grayling brings satisfying order to daunting subjects' Steven Pinker 'An enthusiastic thinker who embraces humour, common sense and lucidity' Independent _______________ From the eminent philosopher, an authoritative exploration of the great questions of how to live 'There is a question everyone has to ask and answer - in fact, has to keep on asking and keep on answering. It is, 'How should I live my life?' meaning, 'What values shall I live by? 'What sort of person should I be? What shall I aim for?' The great majority of people do not ask this question, they merely answer it unthinkingly, by adopting conventional views of life and what matters in it...' From Stoics to existentialists, in philosophy and literature, discussion of the philosophy of life -- of love and death, of courage, fortitude and wisdom -- challenges us all to think about what kinds of life are truly worth living. In this summation of a lifetime thinking and writing about this great question, A. C. Grayling explores with clarity and depth the ideas that each of us must use in answering it for ourselves. Drawing on the lives, experiences and works of a fantastically eclectic range of thinkers -- taking in not only philosophers such as Confucius, Seneca and Nietzsche, but also authors from Shakespeare to Ursula LeGuin, and modern thinkers such as Martha Nussbaum and Bernard Williams - Philosophy and Life brings together wisdom from across eras and continents in a tour de force on the philosophy of being human in a complicated world.

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313

Publisher

Random House

Published Date

ISBN 10

0241993210

ISBN 13

9780241993217

Who Owns the Moon?

In Defence of Humanity's Common Interests in Space

By: A. C. Grayling

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Who Owns the Moon?

In Defence of Humanity's Common Interests in Space

By: A. C. Grayling

Silicon for microchips; manganese for batteries; titanium for missiles. The moon contains a wealth of natural resources. So, as the Earth’s supplies have begun to dwindle, it is no surprise that the world’s superpowers and wealthiest corporations have turned their eyes to the stars. As this new Space Race begins, A.C. Grayling asks: who, if anyone, owns the moon? Or Mars? Or other bodies in near space? And what do those superpowers and corporations owe to Planet Earth and its inhabitants as a whole? From feudal common land, through the rules of the sea, to the vast, nationless expanse of Antarctica, Grayling explores the history of the places which no one, and therefore everyone, owns. Examining the many ways this so-called terra nullius has fallen victim to ‘the tragedy of the commons’ – the tendency for communal resources to be exploited by a few individuals for personal gain at the expense of everyone else – Who Owns the Moon? puts forward a compelling argument for a bold new global consensus, one which recognises and defends the rights of everyone who lives on this planet.

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216

Publisher

Simon and Schuster

Published Date

ISBN 10

0861547268

ISBN 13

9780861547265

The Form of Things

Essays on Life, Ideas and Liberty

By: A.C. Grayling

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The Form of Things

Essays on Life, Ideas and Liberty

By: A.C. Grayling

The bestseller from our pre-eminent philosopher, A.C. Grayling 'Grief and loneliness, depression, despair and failure - those things are the common human lot at least at times in all our lives'. Yet it is philosophy which, while not providing an answer to these problems, can enable us to prepare for them, and create strategies with which to deal with them. It is only through reflecting upon the world around us, reading, thinking, questioning, enjoying, that we can inculcate understanding, tolerance and importantly the courage to live our lives. It is our responsibility to live such 'considered lives' and to realise that we are authors of a narrative that can be shaped and controlled. This is the fifth in a series of essay miscellanies from our foremost philosopher A.C. Grayling, reflecting upon the form of our world and its multiplicity. The essays are grouped by theme into reflections upon life and the standards we live by, including vivid polemics and perceptive pieces on significant thinkers, contemporary rights and liberties issues. This book brilliantly articulates the philosophical debate and reflection that is needed to prepare us for life in the twenty-first century.

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208

Publisher

Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Published Date

ISBN 10

0297865676

ISBN 13

9780297865674

War

An Enquiry

By: A. C. Grayling

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War

An Enquiry

By: A. C. Grayling

A renowned philosopher challenges long-held views on just wars, ethical conduct during war, why wars occur, how they alter people and societies, and more. For residents of the twenty-first century, a vision of a future without warfare is almost inconceivable. Though wars are terrible and destructive, they also seem unavoidable. In this original and deeply considered book, A. C. Grayling examines, tests, and challenges the concept of war. He proposes that a deeper, more accurate understanding of war may enable us to reduce its frequency, mitigate its horrors, and lessen the burden of its consequences. Grayling explores the long, tragic history of war and how warfare has changed in response to technological advances. He probes much-debated theories concerning the causes of war and considers positive changes that may result from war. How might these results be achieved without violence? In a profoundly wise conclusion, the author envisions “just war theory” in new moral terms, considering the lessons of World War II and the Holocaust, and laying down ethical principles for going to war and for conduct during war. “Exceptionally incisive on war and peace…As a former professional soldier, and no stranger to conflict, I regret not having had access to [War] when it mattered.”—Milos Stankovic, Spectator “A brisk and sweeping survey.”—Mark Mazower, Financial Times “Wide-ranging, accessible, and crammed with insights. Though it does not underestimate the obstacles to peace, it is never cheaply cynical. The result is somber, yet also inspiring.'—Russell Blackford, author of The Mystery of Moral Authority

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234

Publisher

Yale University Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0300226284

ISBN 13

9780300226287

Democracy and Its Crisis

By: A. C. Grayling

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Democracy and Its Crisis

By: A. C. Grayling

The EU referendum in the UK and Trump’s victory in the USA sent shockwaves through our democratic systems. In Democracy and Its Crisis A. C. Grayling investigates why the institutions of representative democracy seem unable to hold up against forces they were designed to manage, and why it matters. First he considers those moments in history when the challenges we face today were first encountered and what solutions were found. Then he lays bare the specific threats facing democracy today. The paperback edition includes new material on the reforms that are needed to make our system truly democratic.

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245

Publisher

Simon and Schuster

Published Date

ISBN 10

1786072904

ISBN 13

9781786072900

Towards the Light

The Story of the Struggles for Liberty and Rights that Made the Modern West

By: A. C. Grayling

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Towards the Light

The Story of the Struggles for Liberty and Rights that Made the Modern West

By: A. C. Grayling

From the Reformation to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, A.C. Grayling tells the story of the 500-year battle for liberty in the West.

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353

Publisher

A&C Black

Published Date

ISBN 10

1472532147

ISBN 13

9781472532145

Ideas That Matter

The Concepts That Shape the 21st Century

By: A. C. Grayling

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Ideas That Matter

The Concepts That Shape the 21st Century

By: A. C. Grayling

Ideas can, and do, change the world. Just as Marxism, existentialism, and feminism shaped the last century, so fundamentalism, globalization, and bioethics are transforming our world now. In Ideas that Matter, renowned philosopher A.C. Grayling provides a personal dictionary of the ideas that will shape our world in the decades to come. With customary wit, fire, and erudition, Grayling ranges across the gamut of essential theories, movements, and philosophies -- from animal rights to neurophilosophy to war crimes -- provoking and elucidating throughout. Ideas are the cogs that drive history, and in explaining the most complex and influential ones in laymen's terms, Ideas that Matter will help every engaged citizen better understand it.

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450

Publisher

Basic Books

Published Date

ISBN 10

046502114X

ISBN 13

9780465021147

The Mystery of Things

By: A.C. Grayling

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The Mystery of Things

By: A.C. Grayling

Following the huge success of THE MEANING OF THINGS and THE REASON OF THINGS, a third collection of bestselling essays from Britain's top philosopher. 'Human genius has done much, and promises much, in the way of removing the mystery from many things in our world; at the same time it recognises and honours the mystery in things too.' In this collection A.C. Grayling extends the range of his previous two books to show how much understanding people can gain about themselves and their world by reflecting on the lessons offered by science, the arts (including literature) and history. Covering subjects as diverse as Jane Austen's EMMA, the Rosetta Stone, Shakespeare, the Holocaust, quantum physics, Galileo, and even alien abductions, A..C. Grayling's latest collection is a rich source for reflection and contemplation over the mysteries of life.

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200

Publisher

Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Published Date

ISBN 10

0297865684

ISBN 13

9780297865681

The Good Book

A Humanist Bible

By: A. C. Grayling

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The Good Book

A Humanist Bible

By: A. C. Grayling

Few, if any, thinkers and writers today would have the imagination, the breadth of knowledge, the literary skill, and-yes-the audacity to conceive of a powerful, secular alternative to the Bible. But that is exactly what A.C. Grayling has done by creating a non-religious Bible, drawn from the wealth of secular literature and philosophy in both Western and Eastern traditions, using the same techniques of editing, redaction, and adaptation that produced the holy books of the Judaeo-Christian and Islamic religions. The Good Book consciously takes its design and presentation from the Bible, in its beauty of language and arrangement into short chapters and verses for ease of reading and quotability, offering to the non-religious seeker all the wisdom, insight, solace, inspiration, and perspective of secular humanist traditions that are older, far richer and more various than Christianity. Organized in 12 main sections----Genesis, Histories, Widsom, The Sages, Parables, Consolations, Lamentations, Proverbs, Songs, Epistles, Acts, and the Good----The Good Book opens with meditations on the origin and progress of the world and human life in it, then devotes attention to the question of how life should be lived, how we relate to one another, and how vicissitudes are to be faced and joys appreciated. Incorporating the writing of Herodotus and Lucretius, Confucius and Mencius, Seneca and Cicero, Montaigne, Bacon, and so many others, The Good Book will fulfill its audacious purpose in every way.

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610

Publisher

Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published Date

ISBN 10

0802778380

ISBN 13

9780802778383

Toward the Light of Liberty

The Struggles for Freedom and Rights That Made the Modern Western World

By: A. C. Grayling

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Toward the Light of Liberty

The Struggles for Freedom and Rights That Made the Modern Western World

By: A. C. Grayling

The epic story of the interlocking struggles to achieve the individual rights and freedoms that characterize Western civilization, by one of the world's leading public intellectuals. Perhaps the hallmark of western civilization over the past five hundred years, writes A. C. Grayling, is the series of liberation struggles without which the ordinary citizen in Western countries would not enjoy the rights and freedoms we now take for granted. They began with the often violent battle to allow independent thought, uncontrolled by the Church, which led in time to political freedom as monarchies were gradually replaced by more representative forms of government. These in turn made possible the abolition of slavery, rights for working men and women, universal education, the enfranchisement of women, and much more. Each of these struggles was a memorable human drama, and Grayling skillfully interweaves the stories of celebrated and little-known heroes alike-from Martin Luther and John Locke to the sixteenth-century French scholar Sebastien Castellio and the nineteenth-century feminist Elizabeth Cady Stanton. The triumphs and sacrifices of those who dared to oppose authority ring loudly down the ages, proving how hard-won each successive victory has been. And yet, as Grayling persuasively shows in a cautionary coda, democratic governments under pressure have often thought it necessary to restrict rights in the name of freedom, further underlining how precious they are. Toward the Light of Liberty is, thus, particularly relevant as we head toward an election season in which our own civil liberties will surely be an issue.

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372

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Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published Date

ISBN 10

0802718868

ISBN 13

9780802718860

The Good State

On the Principles of Democracy

By: A. C. Grayling

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The Good State

On the Principles of Democracy

By: A. C. Grayling

The foundations upon which our democracies stand are inherently flawed, vulnerable to corrosion from within. What is the remedy? A. C. Grayling makes the case for a clear, consistent, principled and written constitution, and sets out the reforms necessary – among them addressing the imbalance of power between government and Parliament, imposing fixed terms for MPs, introducing proportional representation and lowering the voting age to 16 (the age at which you can marry, gamble, join the army and must pay taxes if you work) – to ensure the intentions of such a constitution could not be subverted or ignored. As democracies around the world show signs of decay, the issue of what makes a good state, one that is democratic in the fullest sense of the word, could not be more important. To take just one example: by the simplest of measures, neither Britain nor the United States can claim to be truly democratic. The most basic tenet of democracy is that no voice be louder than any other. Yet in our ‘first past the post’ electoral systems a voter supporting a losing candidate is unrepresented, his or her voice unequal to one supporting a winning candidate, who frequently does not gain a majority of the votes cast. This is just one of a number of problems, all of them showing that democratic reform is a necessity in our contemporary world.

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196

Publisher

Simon and Schuster

Published Date

ISBN 10

1786077191

ISBN 13

9781786077196

For the Good of the World

Why Our Planet's Crises Need Global Agreement Now

By: A. C. Grayling

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For the Good of the World

Why Our Planet's Crises Need Global Agreement Now

By: A. C. Grayling

‘A must read’ Gordon Brown ‘A truly excellent book’ Sir David King The three biggest challenges facing the world today, in A. C. Grayling’s view, are climate change, technology and justice. In his timely new book, he asks: can human beings agree on a set of values that will allow us to confront the numerous threats facing the planet, or will we simply continue with our disagreements and antipathies as we collectively approach our possible extinction? As every day brings new stories about extreme weather events, spyware, lethal autonomous weapons systems, and the health imbalance between the northern and southern hemispheres, Grayling’s question – Is Global Agreement on Global Challenges Possible? – becomes ever more urgent. The solution he proposes is both pragmatic and inspiring.

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289

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Simon and Schuster

Published Date

ISBN 10

0861542673

ISBN 13

9780861542673

The God Argument

The Case Against Religion and for Humanism

By: A. C. Grayling

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The God Argument

The Case Against Religion and for Humanism

By: A. C. Grayling

A powerful argument for humanism as an alternative to organized religion, by one of the world's leading public intellectuals.

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289

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Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published Date

ISBN 10

1620401924

ISBN 13

9781620401927

What is Good?

The Search for the Best Way to Live

By: A.C. Grayling

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What is Good?

The Search for the Best Way to Live

By: A.C. Grayling

A.C. Grayling answers the most important question - How do we live a good life? 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.

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249

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Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Published Date

ISBN 10

1780221177

ISBN 13

9781780221175

The Age of Genius

The Seventeenth Century and the Birth of the Modern Mind

By: A. C. Grayling

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The Age of Genius

The Seventeenth Century and the Birth of the Modern Mind

By: A. C. Grayling

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455

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Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published Date

ISBN 10

1620403455

ISBN 13

9781620403457

Friendship

By: A. C. Grayling

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Friendship

By: A. C. Grayling

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192

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Yale University Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0300198574

ISBN 13

9780300198577

Against All Gods

Six Polemics on Religion and an Essay on Kindness

By: A C Grayling

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Against All Gods

Six Polemics on Religion and an Essay on Kindness

By: A C Grayling

Do religions have an inherent right to be respected? Is atheism itself a form of religion, and can there be such a thing as a 'fundamentalist atheist'? Are we witnessing a global revival in religious zeal, or do the signs point instead to religion's ultimate decline? In a series of bold, unsparing polemics, A.C. Grayling tackles these questions head on, exposing the dangerous unreason he sees at the heart of religious faith and highlighting the urgent need we have to reject it in all its forms, without compromise. In its place he argues for a set of values based on reason, reflection and sympathy, taking his cue from the great ethical tradition of western philosophy.

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Bloomsbury Publishing

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1849433119

ISBN 13

9781849433112

Wittgenstein: A Very Short Introduction

By: A. C. Grayling

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Wittgenstein: A Very Short Introduction

By: A. C. Grayling

Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951) was an extraordinarily original philospher, whose influence on twentieth-century thinking goes well beyond philosophy itself. In this book, which aims to make Wittgenstein's thought accessible to the general non-specialist reader, A. C. Grayling explains the nature and impact of Wittgenstein's views. He describes both his early and later philosophy, the differences and connections between them, and gives a fresh assessment of Wittgenstein's continuing influence on contemporary thought. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

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177

Publisher

OUP Oxford

Published Date

ISBN 10

0191540382

ISBN 13

9780191540387

The Meaning of Things

Applying Philosophy to life

By: A.C. Grayling

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The Meaning of Things

Applying Philosophy to life

By: A.C. Grayling

A refreshing distillation of insights into the human condition, by one of the best-known and most popular philosophers in the UK. Thinking about life, what it means and what it holds in store does not have to be a despondent experience, but rather can be enlightening and uplifting. A life truly worth living is one that is informed and considered so a degree of philosophical insight into the inevitabilities of the human condition is inherently important and such an approach will help us to deal with real personal dilemmas. This book is an accessible, lively and thought-provoking series of linked commentaries, based on A. C. Grayling's 'The Last Word' column in the GUARDIAN. Its aim is not to persuade readers to accept one particular philosophical point of view or theory, but to help us consider the wonderful range of insights which can be drawn from an immeasurably rich history of philosophical thought. Concepts covered include courage, love, betrayal, ambition, cruelty, wisdom, passion, beauty and death. This will be a wonderfully stimulating read and act as an invaluable guide as to what is truly important in living life, whether facing success, failure, justice, wrong, love, loss or any of the other profound experience life throws out.

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173

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Weidenfeld & Nicolson

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ISBN 10

1780221169

ISBN 13

9781780221168

Thinking of Answers

Questions in the Philosophy of Everyday Life

By: A. C. Grayling

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Thinking of Answers

Questions in the Philosophy of Everyday Life

By: A. C. Grayling

In his acclaimed columns in the London Times and Prospect, A. C. Grayling often responds to provocative questions posed by editors and readers. These questions serve as the basis for the essays in Thinking of Answers, among them searching examinations of the following: - Are human beings especially prone to self-deception? - If beauty existed only in the eye of the beholder, would that make it an unimportant quality? - Are human rights political? - Can ethics be derived from evolution by natural selection? - If both sides in a conflict passionately believe theirs is a just cause, does this mean the idea of justice is empty? - Does being happy make us good? And does being good make us happy? As in his previous books on philosophy for the general public, including Meditations for the Humanist and Life, Sex and Ideas, rather than presenting a set of categorical answers, Grayling offers suggestions for how to think about every aspect of the question at hand and arrive at one's own conclusion. Nobody can read Thinking of Answers without being fully engaged, for Grayling challenges with his intellect and inspires with his humanity.

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353

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Bloomsbury Publishing USA

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ISBN 10

0802778070

ISBN 13

9780802778079

Liberty in the Age of Terror

A Defence of Civil Liberties and Enlightenment Values

By: A. C. Grayling

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Liberty in the Age of Terror

A Defence of Civil Liberties and Enlightenment Values

By: A. C. Grayling

An impassioned defence of the civil liberties and the rule of law in the face of increasing pressure for ever greater 'security' 'A rollicking defence of Freedom and Enlightenment in the style of Tom Paine or William Godwin' Spectator 'The even-handed tone of philosophy professor AC Grayling's latest book does not lessen the intensity of its polemical content ... Grayling underlines the seriousness of today's threats to our liberties' Metro "The means of defence against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home." James Madison Our societies, says Anthony Grayling, are under attack not only from the threat of terrorism, but also from our governments' attempts to fight that threat by reducing freedom in our own societies - think the 42-day detention controversy, CCTV surveillance, increasing invasion of privacy, ID Cards, not to mention Abu Ghraib, rendition, Guantanamo... As Grayling says: 'There should be a special place for political irony in the catalogues of human folly. Starting a war 'to promote freedom and democracy' could in certain though rare circumstances be a justified act; but in the case of the Second Gulf War that began in 2003, which involved reacting to criminals hiding in one country (Al Qaeda in Afghanistan or Pakistan) by invading another country (Iraq), one of the main fronts has, dismayingly, been the home front, where the War on Terror takes the form of a War on Civil Liberties in the spurious name of security. To defend 'freedom and democracy', Western governments attack and diminish freedom and democracy in their own country. By this logic, someone will eventually have to invade the US and UK to restore freedom and democracy to them.' In this lucid and timely book Grayling sets out what's at risk, engages with the arguments for and against examining the cases made by Isaiah Berlin and Ronald Dworkin on the one hand, and Roger Scruton and John Gray on the other, and finally proposes a different way to respond that makes defending the civil liberties on which western society is founded the cornerstone for defeating terrorism.

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341

Publisher

A&C Black

Published Date

ISBN 10

1408810905

ISBN 13

9781408810903

Muhammad: A Very Short Introduction

By: Jonathan A.C. Brown

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Muhammad: A Very Short Introduction

By: Jonathan A.C. Brown

Drawing on traditional Muslim sources, Michael Cook describes Muhammad's life and teaching. He also attempts to stand back from this traditional picture to show how far it is historically justified.

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161

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0199559287

ISBN 13

9780199559282

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