EBOOK
About
The ancient Greek philosopher Plotinus insisted that philosophy should be concerned with nothing less than τo τιμιώτατον (to timiotaton), generally translated as "what matters most". This collection of philosophical conversations by many of the world's leading thinkers seeks to honour Plotinus' vision by addressing questions related to the art of living. When thinking about the art of living, we may conjure up ideas of therapy, meditation, peace, happiness, and so on. However, this collection aims to expand the scope of this idea, foregrounding social and political questions, alongside more traditional existential ones. How are we to think about the art of living together, of living with technology, of living under oppression, of living in the end times? These engaging and urgent conversations invite us to think anew about the complexities and challenges involved in living a good life in a world characterized by uncertainty and change.
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Reviews
"A series of gripping, personal interviews that bring philosophy to bear on matters of urgency: misinformation, racial politics, capitalism, justice, AI, and more. This book lets us eavesdrop on these vital conversations, a source not just of fresh ideas but of moral and political inspiration."
Kieran Setiya, author of Life is Hard: How Philosophy Can Help Us Find Our Way
"I kept hearing these conversations in my head long after putting What Matters Most down. Unlike so many philosophy books, it never strays from what is morally and intellectually urgent. Ancient questions given modern relevance - this book is a field guide for how to think in the twenty-first century."
Andy West, author of The Life Inside: A Memoir of Prison, Family and Philosophy