The Moral Life Essays in Honour of John Cottingham [Hardcover]

A collection of essays by leading philosophers on the work of John Cottingham, focussing on his work in moral philosophy, discussing themes from his contributions to the debate on partiality and impartiality, the role of the emotions in the good life and the meaning of the worthwhile life. Including a 'replies' chapter by John Cottingham.Acknowledgements Notes on Contributors Introduction; N.Athanassoulis & S.Vice PART 1: PARTIALITY, SPIRITUALITY AND CHARACTER The Significance of the Self: Partiality and Spirituality; S.Vice Contempt and Integrity; M.de Gaynesford Self-Love, Love of Neighbour, and Impartiality; D.S.Oderberg PART 2: THE EMOTIONS AND THE GOOD LIFE Akrasia and the Emotions; N.Athanassoulis The Inner Life of the 'Dear Self'; S.Morgan What Reason Can't Do; M.Lacewing PART 3: THE MEANING OF LIFE Meaning, Morality, and Religion; R.Crisp The Meaning of Life: Subjectivism, Objectivism, and Divine Support; B.Hooker God, Morality and the Meaning of Life; T.Metz The Self, the Good Life and the Transcendent; J.Cottingham Index

'This fine collection of essays honors the distinguished work of John Cottingham. The contributors examine critically his distinctive and thoughtful treatments of some of the most fundamental questions in ethics, such as the meaning of life, the connection between religion and ethics, the psychoanalytic approach to human motivation, and the place of emotions in ethics. Cottingham's replies defend, develop, and clarify his views. All in all, this is a most valuable exchange showing how philosophy can be done reasonably and humanistically without the mock precision and jargon that imitates scientific writings.' - John Kekes

'This is a very fine collection of essays, celebrating John Cottingham's seminal work on three major issues: the place of impartiality and partiality in ethics and in our lives; the interplay of reason and emotion; and the relation between the religious attitude and the meaning of life. The clC1