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Synopsis
In this significant new addition to moral theory, George Harris challenges a view of the dignity and worth of persons that goes back through Kant and Christianity to the Stoics. He argues that we do not, in fact, believe this view, which traces any breakdowns of character to failures of strength. When it comes to what we actually value in ourselves and others, he says, we are far more Greek than Christian. At the most profound level, we value ourselves as natural organisms, as animals, rather than as godlike beings who transcend nature.
The Kantian-Christian-Stoic tradition holds that if we were fully able to realize our dignity as Kantians, Christians, or Stoics, we would be better, stronger people, and therefore less vulnerable to character breakdown. Dignity and Vulnerability offers an opposing view, that sometimes character breaks down not because of some shortcoming in it but because of what is good about it, because of the very virtues and features of character that give us our dignity. If dignity can make us fragile and vulnerable to breakdown, then breakdown can be benign as well as harmful, and thus the conceptions of human dignity embedded in the tradition leading up to Kant are deeply mistaken. Harris proposes a foundation for our belief in human dignity in what we can actually know about ourselves, rather than in metaphysical or theological fantasy. Having gained this knowledge, we can understand the source of real strength.
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From the Inside Flap
"An original, thoughtful, and sensitive treatment of good character and a fresh critical look at the more familiar Kantian, Epicurean, and Stoic views of good character. . . . It will be widely read and discussed."—Noah Lemos, author of Intrinsic Value
About the Author
George W. Harris is Chairman and Professor in the Department of Philosophy at the College of William and Mary.
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- PublisherUniversity of California Press
- Publication date1997
- ISBN 10 0520208439
- ISBN 13 9780520208438
- BindingHardcover
- LanguageEnglish
- Number of pages157
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Dignity and Vulnerability: Strength and Quality of Character
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University of California Press, Berkeley, California, 1997
ISBN 10: 0520208439
ISBN 13: 9780520208438
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Dignity and Vulnerability Strength and Quality of Character
Published by
University of California Press, Berkeley CA, 1997
ISBN 10: 0520208439
ISBN 13: 9780520208438
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Hardcover
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Hardcover. Condition: As New in As New dust jacket. "A major aim of the book is to provide a foundation for our belief in human dignity in what we can actually know about ourselves, rather than in metaphysical or theological fantasy.; 6 1/4 x 9 1/4 ''. Seller Inventory # 101079
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Dignity and Vulnerability: Strength and Quality of Character
Published by
University of California Press, 1997
ISBN 10: 0520208439
ISBN 13: 9780520208438
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Dignity and Vulnerability. Strength and Quality of Character
Published by
University of California Press, Berkeley, CA, 1997
ISBN 10: 0520208439
ISBN 13: 9780520208438
Used
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First Edition
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Hardback. 1st Edition. Large octavo size [16x24cm approx]. Near Fine copy in Very Good dustjacket. Dustjacket is now protected in our purpose-made clear archival plastic sleeve. A nice copy. 148 pages. Robust, professional packaging and tracking provided for all parcels. Seller Inventory # 311809
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Dignity and Vulnerability: Strength and Quality of Character
Published by
University of California Press, 1997
ISBN 10: 0520208439
ISBN 13: 9780520208438
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Condition: Poor. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has hardback covers. Book contains pencil markings. In poor condition, suitable as a reading copy. Dust jacket in good condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,550grams, ISBN:9780520208438. Seller Inventory # 4136573
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