There are many reasons to despair at the state of the world today: climate change and global warming; widespread 'humanitarian disasters' caused by war, famine and political corruption; religious intolerance and the growing influence of fundamentalist belief; political terrorism; racism and discrimination against ethnic minorities; the list could go on and on. Reflect on such phenomena at any length and it can be very difficult not to become deeply pessimistic about human existence. Yet for some, pessimists are simply ...
Read More
There are many reasons to despair at the state of the world today: climate change and global warming; widespread 'humanitarian disasters' caused by war, famine and political corruption; religious intolerance and the growing influence of fundamentalist belief; political terrorism; racism and discrimination against ethnic minorities; the list could go on and on. Reflect on such phenomena at any length and it can be very difficult not to become deeply pessimistic about human existence. Yet for some, pessimists are simply refusing to acknowledge the progress that humankind has made over the centuries, especially with regard to the technological advances of the modern era. To these people, it is almost wilfully contrary not to be uncompromisingly optimistic about our prospects for the future. The glass, for some, is always half-full, but perhaps pessimists have the more realistic world view. To counter the optimists and their rosy outlook, it is necessary to keep the dark side of human affairs at the forefront of our consciousness; perhaps, after all, it is more rational to adopt an essentially pessimistic attitude. Throughout history a significant proportion of the world's thinkers have taken this view, insisting that we face up to the more desperate aspects of the human condition. Philosophers, theologians, authors, creative artists and even scientists have collectively contributed to a discourse of pessimism, and they have found a ready audience for their message across all cultures. How pessimism has developed, and its multifaceted nature, forms the subject of this book. Pessimism deserves to be cultivated, and it is in the public interest that its cause is defended vigorously: it is as relevant today as it has ever been.
Read Less
Add this copy of A Philosophy of Pessimism to cart. $11.03, very good condition, Sold by Midtown Scholar Bookstore rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Harrisburg, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Reaktion Books.
Add this copy of A Philosophy of Pessimism to cart. $11.04, good condition, Sold by Midtown Scholar Bookstore rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Harrisburg, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Reaktion Books.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good-Bumped and creased book with tears to the extremities, but not affecting the text block, may have remainder mark or previous owner's name-GOOD Standard-sized.
Add this copy of A Philosophy of Pessimism to cart. $10.99, fair condition, Sold by Books From California rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Simi Valley, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Reaktion Books.
Add this copy of Philosophy of Pessimism to cart. $20.87, very good condition, Sold by TextbookRush rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Grandview Hts, OH, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Reaktion Books.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. All orders ship SAME or NEXT business day. Expedited shipments will be received in 1-5 business days within the United States. We proudly ship to APO/FPO addresses. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed!
Add this copy of A Philosophy of Pessimism Format: Paperback to cart. $33.30, new condition, Sold by indoo rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Avenel, NJ, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Reaktion Books.
Add this copy of A Philosophy of Pessimism to cart. $37.34, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Reaktion Books.
Add this copy of A Philosophy of Pessimism to cart. $92.37, new condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Reaktion Books.
