The Meaning of Life and the Great Philosophers

Book Details

• Author: Stephen Leach

• Publisher: Routledge

• Language: English

• Edition: 1

• ISBN: 9781138220935

• Cover: Hardcover

• Pages: 302

• Release Date: 09-05-2018

• Dimensions: 10.1 x 6.9 x 1.2 inches

About the Book

The Meaning of Life and the Great Philosophers is a compelling and intellectually rich collection that brings together the voices of history’s greatest thinkers to grapple with one of the most profound human questions: What is the meaning of life? Edited by Stephen Leach, this volume features thirty-five insightful chapters, each examining how a renowned philosopher—from Confucius to Richard Rorty—would approach this timeless inquiry.

Written by prominent contemporary scholars including A.C. Grayling, Thaddeus Metz, and John Cottingham, the book imaginatively revives the philosophical traditions of figures such as Plato, Nietzsche, Kant, Wittgenstein, and many others. It invites readers to explore how different eras and cultures have understood human purpose, morality, and existence through the philosophical lens.

A unique postscript further enriches the work by tracing the historical origins and evolution of the phrase "the meaning of life", offering essential context for both students and seasoned philosophers.

Ideal for students and scholars of philosophy of religion, ethics, metaphysics, comparative philosophy, and the history of philosophy, this engaging and accessible volume is also a perfect resource for general readers seeking to connect contemporary concerns with the timeless wisdom of philosophical giants.

Whether you're pondering life’s purpose for academic study or personal reflection, this book serves as an essential companion in the philosophical quest for meaning.