The Weight of Things
Philosophy and the Good Life
1. Edition April 2007
192 Pages, Softcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
The Weight of Things explores the hard questions of our
daily lives, examining both classic and contemporary accounts of
what it means to lead 'the good life'.
* * Looks at the views of philosophers such as Aristotle, the
Stoics, Mill, Nietzsche, and Sartre as well as contributions from
other traditions, such as Buddhism
* Incorporates key arguments from contemporary philosophers
including Peter Singer, Martha Nussbaum, Robert Nozick, John
Finnis, and Susan Wolf
* Uses examples from biography, literature, history, movies and
media, and the news
* Gives a fresh perspective on the hard questions of our daily
lives
* An engaging read; an excellent book for both students and
general readers
1. This Mortal World.
2. Strange Lives.
3. Reason and Luck.
4. Is Happiness All That Matters?.
5. Necessities.
6. Puzzles of Diversity.
7. Hard Choices.
8. Trying to be Good.
9. The Religious Realm.
10. Taking Aim.
Notes.
Bibliography.
Acknowledgments.
Index
Guardian
"This book fills an important niche between academic analyses of
the meaning of life and overly popularized 'tips for good
living'. I've read quite a few books in this area and
there is more insight, wit, and wisdom per page in this one book
than in almost any of the others."
Edward Langerak, St Olaf College
"The Weight of Things is clear, provocative,
tightly-argued, and rich with memorable examples. Written in an
informal yet careful style, this examination of how we ought to
live is philosophically acute and a delight to read."
Marcia McKelligan, DePauw University
"Kazez provides a bracing forum for engagement [and]
presents a framework within which readers may contemplate their own
ideas. Fluid writing, accompanied by a provocative
thesis."
Choice Magazine