10.12.2006

Would you read this book?

"This book investigates the ethical theory of Friedrich Nietzsche in light of recent work done in philosophy of mind. While the issue of free will and communication are addressed, the primary focus is the way in which we construct the self, and the implications for ethics.
After dismissing what he calls the “soul hypothesis,” Nietzsche is left with a problem: how do we explain the sense of unity and continuity most of us experience as our identity? Drawing on recent work in cognitive science and philosophy of mind, it is shown that Nietzsche’s tentative suggestions in the late nineteenth century have been supported by late twentieth century research. These include the idea of that there is no “raw data” of our experience, and that there is no place in the brain which could conceivably identified as the “soul.” At the same time, the more recent work has not adequately thought through the implications for ethics, which is precisely what Nietzsche has largely already accomplished. While they are writing in different styles to different purposes, a unity of vision can be seen in both fields. This book aims to bring those fields into conversation with one another to the mutual benefit of both."

5 comments:

Matthew Hisrich said...

I suppose it would depend on who the author is.

Mr. Miro said...

Oh, just some schmuck.

Anonymous said...

Sounds very interesting to me. It would be particularly so to philosiphers and philosophy majors. Sounds like a keeper. Make it happen!

Meredith said...

I would read it, but then again I consider myself something of a Nietzschean and was very close to enrolling in a Phil. of Mind grad program... so I might be a little biased.

Mr. Miro said...

It's made it past the first hurdle at the publisher (the commissioning editor); next comes the editorial board. So far so good!