His rowdy guided tour of the search for truth romps through traditional histories of philosophy using parables, imaginary dialogues, and illustrations to demonstrate that knowing theories, recognizing revered schools. and distinguishing the views of the great philosophers isn't what philosophy should be about. Once removed from the clutches of historicism, the compulsion for universal answers, and the perception that reason is a peculiarly Western possession. the nature of philosophy can be seen as a genuine human disposition to love and respect knowledge coupled with a desire for critical thinking.
Setting tradition aside, Stewart uses wit and satire to help beginners and the knowledgeable get acquainted with the core philosophical pursuit. Centuries of stodgy pretentiousness dissolve to expose philosophy as the vehicle all of us have the responsibility to use when trying to make sense of the world.
MATTHEW STEWART (New York, NY) holds a doctorate in philosophy from Oxford University and is a founding partner of the Mitchell Madison Group, a management consulting firm.
460 pp (Illustrations, Index) ISBN 1-57392-110-6 Cloth