To the extensive literature on Aristotle's Ethics by scholars in the Anglo-American tradition, Engberg-Pedersen adds this major new interpretation of some of its most basic issues: the function of phronësis, the relation of phronësis to both moral virtue and theöria, the roles played by the different faculties of the soul in being an excellent human being, etc. Along the way he addresses problems at the root of all moral philosophy such as: the basic principle of morality, the best life for (...) a human being, and responsibility for action and moral character. It is a contemporary interpretation of Aristotle's Ethics which recalls the benefits of a careful study of him for understanding perennial ethical issues. (shrink)

Hume's discussion of miracles in his First Enquiry deserves our attention because it combines the two major modern tools used to debunk reasonable acceptance of miracles: the New Science's account of nature and critical history. However, although his conclusion is quite clear, the argument he uses to achieve it is not. It is unclear how this argument follows from his earlier positions. At different points it seems redundant, superfluous, excessive, and deficient. Because of the importance of its topic and its (...) peculiar combination of clarity and obscurity, Hume's essay has provoked a tremendous literature. (shrink)

Set in an interpretation of Aristotle, Dahl's book is a philosophical investigation into practical knowledge addressing such issues as whether it exists, what is it and what distinguishes it from other knowledge and belief. As its title indicates this book is divided into two distinct but related parts. The first part argues that Aristotle teaches that practical reason exists, i.e., that reason co-produces motivation for action, and that practical reason can provide an objective foundation for morality. The second part shows (...) that Aristotle's explanation of incontinence allows the incontinent man knowledge of what he ought to do in his present situation and a genuine conflict of motives. Although these two arguments are independent, they are mutually supporting: only because reason can provide some motivation for action can there be incontinence and incontinence presents a strong example of rational motivation. (shrink)

Bubacz has set an ambitious and important project for himself in this volume. He attempts to present an account of Augustine's theory of knowledge which is free of any theological presuppositions and to give a place to Augustine in the history of epistemology. Bubacz lucidly structures his discussions of each topic with these two goals in mind. The usual program is: a clear formulation of the general epistemological issue, a presentation and explication of relevant Augustinian texts, and an incorporation of (...) the Augustinian position into contemporary discussions. The attempt to bring together Augustine's theory of knowledge and contemporary epistemology also occasions original and interesting philosophical work by the author. Accordingly, this book would be notable to those who are interested in Augustine's thought, to contemporary epistemologists who might be tempted to dismiss the work of such a "God-centered" philosopher, and to those interested in a fresh discussion of epistemology. (shrink)

Behind this cute and misleading title is a Aristotelian defense of the foundations of Aristotle's moral philosophy. This work has a very precise focus: to excavate the cryptic definition of moral virtue found in Nicomachean Ethics 2.5. Hutchinson gives line-by-line analyses of the crucial arguments behind this definition, using doctrines from the Metaphysics, Categories, De Anima, and Physics to show the plausibility of their premises and the validity of their conclusions. So Hutchinson does not explain each of the virtues in (...) Aristotle's catalogue, but he does show the strength of his definition of virtue. (shrink)