Items related to The Uses of Pessimism: And the Danger of False Hope
Synopsis
Ranging widely over human history and culture, from ancient Greece to the current global economic downturn, Scruton makes a counterintuitive yet persuasive case that optimists and idealists -- with their ignorance about the truths of human nature and human society, and their naive hopes about what can be changed -- have wrought havoc for centuries. Scruton's argument is nuanced, however, and his preference for pessimism is not a dark view of human nature; rather his is a 'hopeful pessimism' which urges that instead of utopian efforts to reform human society or human nature, we focus on the only reform that we can truly master -- the improvement of ourselves through the cultivation of our better instincts.
Written in Scruton's trademark style-- erudite, sweeping in scope across centuries and cultures, and unafraid to offend-- this book is sure to intrigue and provoke readers concerned with the state of Western culture, the nature of human beings, and the question of whether social progress is truly possible.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
Roger Scruton is Resident Fellow, American Enterprise Institute; Senior Research Fellow, Oxford University. He is the author of over thirty books including Beauty and Death-Devoted Heart.
Review
"Scruton has approached his project with incisiveness, breath of knowledge, and clarity of expression. The Uses of Pessimism is worth arguing over." --Politics & Ideas
"While some of Scruton's conclusions may be controversial... he does present an intriguing case for using pessimism as a way to examine issues that affect current society. His clear and accessible writing will appeal to those familiar with the author's past works and also those with an interest in philosophy." --Library Journal
"Scruton has approached his project with incisiveness, breadth of knowledge, and clarity of expression. The Uses of Pessimism is worth arguing over."
-- Peter Lopatin, Commentary
"Score one for pessimism." --Peter Monaghan, The Chronicle of Higher Education
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherOxford University Press
- Publication date2010
- ISBN 10 0199747539
- ISBN 13 9780199747535
- BindingHardcover
- LanguageEnglish
- Edition number1
- Number of pages232
- Rating
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for The Uses of Pessimism: And the Danger of False Hope
Stock Image
The Uses of Pessimism: And the Danger of False Hope
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2010
ISBN 10: 0199747539
ISBN 13: 9780199747535
Used
Hardcover
Seller: SecondSale, Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Good condition ex-library book with usual library markings and stickers. Seller Inventory # 00084704868
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
The Uses of Pessimism: And the Danger of False Hope
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2010
ISBN 10: 0199747539
ISBN 13: 9780199747535
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Goodwill Industries of VSB, Oxnard, CA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. The book is nice and 100% readable, but the book has visible wear which may include stains, scuffs, scratches, folded edges, sticker glue, highlighting, notes, and worn corners. Seller Inventory # 4JQO8Z00604P
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
The Uses of Pessimism: And the Danger of False Hope
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2010
ISBN 10: 0199747539
ISBN 13: 9780199747535
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Book Deals, Tucson, AZ, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Fair. Acceptable/Fair condition. Book is worn, but the pages are complete, and the text is legible. Has wear to binding and pages, may be ex-library. 0.85. Seller Inventory # 353-0199747539-acp
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
The Uses of Pessimism: And the Danger of False Hope
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2010
ISBN 10: 0199747539
ISBN 13: 9780199747535
Used
Hardcover
Seller: GF Books, Inc., Hawthorne, CA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Book is in Used-VeryGood condition. Pages and cover are clean and intact. Used items may not include supplementary materials such as CDs or access codes. May show signs of minor shelf wear and contain very limited notes and highlighting. 0.85. Seller Inventory # 0199747539-2-3
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
THE USES OF PESSIMISM AND THE DANGER OF FALSE HOPE
Published by
Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2010
ISBN 10: 0199747539
ISBN 13: 9780199747535
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Artis Books & Antiques, Calumet, MI, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Fine. First Printing. 232pp. Size: 12mo - over 6?" - 7?" Tall. Seller Inventory # 089442
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
The Uses of Pessimism: And the Danger of False Hope
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2010
ISBN 10: 0199747539
ISBN 13: 9780199747535
Used
Hardcover
Seller: SuzyQBooks, Salt Lake City, UT, U.S.A.
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. Seller Inventory # 025198
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
The Uses of Pessimism: And the Danger of False Hope
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2010
ISBN 10: 0199747539
ISBN 13: 9780199747535
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Boodle Books, Millmerran, QLD, Australia
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. RENOWNED PHILOSOPHER AQND AUTHOR, ROGER SCRUTON ARGUES THAT UNCHECKED OPTISISM CAN BE DANGEROUS - AND THAT REAL HAPPINESS HINGES ON A HEALTHY PESSIMISM THAT RECOGNIZES THE LIMITATIONS OF HUMAN BEINGS. Seller Inventory # 006432
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
The Uses of Pessimism: And the Danger of False Hope
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2010
ISBN 10: 0199747539
ISBN 13: 9780199747535
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Grumpys Fine Books, Tijeras, NM, U.S.A.
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: very good. little wear and tear. Seller Inventory # Grumpy0199747539
Quantity: 1 available