The Meaning of Life - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195028716 ISBN 13: 9780195028713

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1981

Synopsis

In eighteen cogent, readable essays, mostly by twentieth-century philosophers, this volume examines life's meaning from three different points of view. In Part One, the readings assert and defend the view that without the existence of God life has no significance or purpose. In Part Two the selections deny this thesis, defending instead the humanistic alternative. In the final group of readings, contributors ask if the question of the meaning of life is itself legitimate and significant.

About this title

About the Author

The late E.D. Klemke was Professor of Philosophy at Iowa State University, where he taught for more than twenty years.

Steven M. Cahn is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the City University of New York Graduate Center. He is the author or editor of more than fifty books. Most recently, he authored Religion Within Reason (2017) and coauthored Happiness and Goodness (2015). Dr. Cahn is the editor of Exploring Ethics, Fourth Edition (OUP, 2016) and The World of Philosophy (OUP, 2016).

Review

"The Meaning of Life is the preeminent anthology of classic and contemporary readings on the meaning of life and the philosophy of death. It offers a rich and profound discussion of some of the most fundamental questions of humanistic inquiry. What was already a stellar collection of essays is now even better in this new edition."--Lawrence Nolan, California State University, Long Beach

"The Meaning of Life, Fourth Edition, includes in one affordable volume all of the most important and influential writings on the meaning of life."--Erik Wielenberg, DePauw University

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1981
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0195028716
• ISBN 13: 9780195028713
• Binding: paperback
• Number of pages: 269
• Editor: Klemke E. D.