The Value of the World and of Oneself
The Value of the World and of Oneself

Author: Mor Segev

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2022

Total Pages: 273

ISBN-13: 0197634079

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"This book examines the longstanding debate between philosophical optimism and pessimism in the history of philosophy, focusing on Aristotle, Maimonides, Spinoza, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche and Camus. Philosophical optimists maintain that the world is optimally arranged and is accordingly valuable, and that the existence of human beings is preferable over their nonexistence. Philosophical pessimists, by contrast, hold that the world is in a woeful condition and ultimately valueless, and that human nonexistence would have been preferable over our existence. Schopenhauer criticizes the optimism he locates in the Hebrew Bible and in Spinoza for being unable to square the presumed perfection of the world and its parts, including human life, with the suffering and misfortunes observable in them, and for leading to egoism and thereby to cruelty. Nietzsche, in turn, criticizes Schopenhauer's overtly pessimistic view, inter alia, for furtively positing a perfect state for one to aspire to, thus being latently optimistic. Similarly, Camus charges Nietzsche, who announces his rejection of both optimism and pessimism, with deifying the world and oneself, thereby reverting to optimism. Interestingly, Aristotle countenances an optimistic theory, later adopted and developed by Maimonides, that is arguably capable of facing Schopenhauer's challenge. Aristotelian optimism accounts for the perfection of the world in terms of a hierarchy of value between its parts, with human beings ranked relatively low, and recommends an attitude congruent with that ranking"--

Finding Meaning in an Imperfect World
Finding Meaning in an Imperfect World

Author: Iddo Landau

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2017-07-01

Total Pages: 313

ISBN-13: 0190657677

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Does life have meaning? Is it possible for life to be meaningful when the world is filled with suffering and when so much depends merely upon chance? Even if there is meaning, is there enough to justify living? These questions are difficult to resolve. There are times in which we face the mundane, the illogically cruel, and the tragic, which leave us to question the value of our lives. However, Iddo Landau argues, our lives often are, or could be made, meaningfulwe've just been setting the bar too high for evaluating what meaning there is. When it comes to meaning in life, Landau explains, we have let perfect become the enemy of the good. We have failed to find life perfectly meaningful, and therefore have failed to see any meaning in our lives. We must attune ourselves to enhancing and appreciating the meaning in our lives, and Landau shows us how to do that. In this warmly written book, rich with examples from the author's life, film, literature, and history, Landau offers new theories and practical advice that awaken us to the meaning already present in our lives and demonstrates how we can enhance it. He confronts prevailing nihilist ideas that undermine our existence, and the questions that dog us no matter what we believe. While exposing the weaknesses of ideas that lead many to despair, he builds a strong case for maintaining more hope. Along the way, he faces provocative questions: Would we choose to live forever if we could? Does death render life meaningless? If we examine it in the context of the immensity of the whole universe, can we consider life meaningful? If we feel empty once we achieve our goals, and the pursuit of these goals is what gives us a sense of meaning, then what can we do? Finding Meaning in an Imperfect World is likely to alter the way you understand your life.

Handbook of Experimental Existential Psychology
Handbook of Experimental Existential Psychology

Author: Jeff Greenberg

Publisher: Guilford Press

Published: 2004-05-26

Total Pages: 550

ISBN-13: 9781593850401

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Social and personality psychologists traditionally have focused their attention on the most basic building blocks of human thought and behavior, while existential psychologists pursued broader, more abstract questions regarding the nature of existence and the meaning of life. This volume bridges this longstanding divide by demonstrating how rigorous experimental methods can be applied to understanding key existential concerns, including death, uncertainty, identity, meaning, morality, isolation, determinism, and freedom. Bringing together leading scholars and investigators, the Handbook presents the influential theories and research findings that collectively are helping to define the emerging field of experimental existential psychology.

Tao Te Ching
Tao Te Ching

Author: Lao Tzu

Publisher: LLZ Publishing

Published: 2024-03-26

Total Pages: 287

ISBN-13:

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“This book makes an immediate connection with the way I have tried to live my life. The messages can be read again and again to recenter, rebalance, and deepen my understanding. It is definitely something to keep near and to be consulted often.” Helen S. Cooke – PMI Fellow To those who are seeking and believing in the whole person care, balanced life, the natural order, Wu Wei, nurturing, inner peace, happiness, humility, simplicity, adaptability, inspiration, meditation, letting go, detachment, kindness, reflection, enlightenment, self-discovery, being yourself, rejuvenation, spiritual connection, and healing. Immerse yourself in the wisdom of ancient China through the timeless 'Tao Te Ching.' Authored by the legendary philosopher Laozi, this profound exploration transcends the boundaries of time, offering invaluable insights into existence, inner peace, and wisdom. Comprising 81 chapters, the 'Tao Te Ching' covers a spectrum of topics, from the universe and virtue to politics and ethics. Laozi's philosophy, rooted in the concept of the Tao, advocates for a return to simplicity and alignment with the universal source, steering away from the complexities of power and desire. Its influence extends beyond Taoism, shaping major philosophical schools in China. This book provides a contemporary interpretation of Laozi's teachings alongside the original verses, facilitating practical application in daily life. By embracing key concepts, readers can foster well-being, meaningful relationships, and self-discovery. "Moments of Reflection for Inspiration, Enlightenment, and Healing" invites you to revel in the meditative repetition of Laozi's wisdom. Whether pursuing happiness, purpose, or a deeper understanding of existence, this book serves as a gateway to timeless insights that have shaped Chinese culture for centuries. Join the journey toward self-discovery and enlightenment through the profound wisdom of the Tao.

Ontopoietic Expansion in Human Self-Interpretation-in-Existence
Ontopoietic Expansion in Human Self-Interpretation-in-Existence

Author: Anna-Teresa Tymieniecka

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 416

ISBN-13: 9401158002

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The societal web of life is underpinned by one concept - that of Self and Other - which emerged earlier in this century. The concept has received a new formulation within the field of the phenomenology of life and the human creative condition, finding a foothold, a point of reference that radiates novel, seminal insights. It is nothing other than the creative fulcrum of human functioning. The self-individualisation of the human being, as revealed in the present collection, is existentially and vitally intertwined with that of the Other. Tymieniecka's seminal idea of the `trans-actional' is explored in this collection of essays, which reveals a variety of significant perspectives, weaving the cycles of the human universe of existence in an essential oscillation between the Self and the Other. In this oscillation we throw out our existential tentacles, trying to gain a living space with respect to each other, all the while engaging in a mutual creative prompting and attunement.

What Every Black Parent Needs to Know About Saving Our Sons
What Every Black Parent Needs to Know About Saving Our Sons

Author: Marita Golden

Publisher: Mango Media Inc.

Published: 2023-10-10

Total Pages: 102

ISBN-13: 1684814731

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Empower Your Sons Against Institutionalized Racism “One of the most important pieces of literature for Black parents.”—MJ Fievre, author of Raising Confident Black Kids A powerful guide to navigate the challenges of raising families in turbulent times. In What Every Black Parent Needs to Know about Saving Our Sons, gain profound advice on how to protect and nurture Black teen boys. Essential knowledge, practical guidance. With intimate storytelling of her own son’s story and in-depth research against the chilling backdrop of racially motivated brutality, acclaimed author Marita Golden reveals alarming statistics and systemic issues affecting children of color—and remedies. A powerful and timely resource, What Every Black Parent Needs to Know about Saving Our Sons addresses pressing issues of today with new material and updated resources. Wisdom from psychologists, writers, and young Black men initiates meaningful discussions and delves into the complexities of Black parenting. Tackle topics such as generational trauma, being Black in white spaces, institutionalized racism, gun violence and how to not get shot, supporting mental health for black men, and other problems Black kids face. Embark on a transformative journey towards raising confident, successful, and resilient kids. Inside, find: Realities faced by Black families and the importance of teaching kids about racism Guidance to navigate, discuss, and explore the impact of fearing the black body Conversations and strategies to keep our kids safe and growing up great If you liked The Light We Carry, Decoding Boys, Three Mothers, or American Carnage, you’ll love What Every Black Parent Needs to Know about Saving Our Sons.

The Myth of Sisyphus And Other Essays
The Myth of Sisyphus And Other Essays

Author: Albert Camus

Publisher: Vintage

Published: 2012-10-31

Total Pages: 226

ISBN-13: 0307827828

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One of the most influential works of this century, The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays is a crucial exposition of existentialist thought. Influenced by works such as Don Juan and the novels of Kafka, these essays begin with a meditation on suicide; the question of living or not living in a universe devoid of order or meaning. With lyric eloquence, Albert Camus brilliantly posits a way out of despair, reaffirming the value of personal existence, and the possibility of life lived with dignity and authenticity.

Sartre and Psychoanalysis
Sartre and Psychoanalysis

Author: Betty Cannon

Publisher:

Published: 1991

Total Pages: 424

ISBN-13:

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Betty Cannon is the first to explore the implications of Sartrean philosophy for the Freudian psychoanalytic tradition. Drawing upon Sartre's work as well as her own experiences as a practicing therapist, she shows that Sartre was a "fellow traveler" who appreciated Freud's psychoanalytic achievements but rebelled against the determinism of his metatheory. The mind, Sartre argued, cannot be reduced to a collection of drives and structures, nor is it enslaved to its past as Freud's work suggested. Sartre advocated an existentialist psychoanalysis based on human freedom and the self's ability to reshape its own meaning and value. Through the Sartrean approach Cannon offers a resolution to the crisis in psychoanalytic metatheory created by the current emphasis on relational needs. By comparing Sartre with Freud and influential post-Freudians like Melanie Klein, Otto Kernber, Margaret Mahler, D.W. Winnicott, Heinz Kohut, Harry Stack Sullivan, and Jacques Lacan, she demonstrates why the Sartrean model transcends the limitations of traditional Freudian metatheory. In the process, she adds a new dimension to our understanding of Sartre and his place in twentieth-century philosophy.