Meaning in Life and Why it Matters

Most people, including philosophers, tend to classify human motives as falling into one of two categories: the egoistic or the altruistic, the self-interested or the moral. According to Susan Wolf, however, much of what motivates us does not comfortably fit into this scheme. Often we act neither for our own sake nor out of duty or an impersonal concern for the world. Rather, we act out of love for objects that we rightly perceive as worthy of love--and it is these actions that give meaning to our lives. Wolf makes a compelling case that, along with happiness and morality, this kind of meaningfulness constitutes a distinctive dimension of a good life. Written in a lively and engaging style, and full of provocative examples, Meaning in Life and Why It Matters is a profound and original reflection on a subject of permanent human concern.

About the author

Susan Wolf is the Edna J. Koury Professor of Philosophy at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She is the author of Freedom within Reason.

Product details

• Authors: Wolf, D. Ed. Wolf, Susan Wolf, Suzan Wolf
• Assisted by: Stephen Macedo (Introduction)
• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 30.04.2012
• EAN: 9780691154503
• ISBN: 978-0-691-15450-3
• No. of pages: 168
• Dimensions: 138 mm x 215 mm x 15 mm
• Series: Princeton University Press; The University Center for Human Values Series; University Center for Human Values; The University Center for Human Values Series; University Center for Human Values
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology; Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Philosophy: general, reference works; PHILOSOPHY / Mind & Body, PHILOSOPHY / Ethics & Moral Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind, Ethics & moral philosophy, Ethics and moral philosophy