The Art of Life

New
Paperback
2005
$56.10

That the art of life is creative, imaginative, and individual does not mean... that it cannot be taught and learned or that individuals cannot improve their mastery of it. Teaching it proceeds by way of exemplary lives, and learning it consists in coming to appreciate what makes some lives exemplary.... That imitation here is impossible does not mean one cannot learn from examples. The question is, How can that be done reasonably; how can decisions about how one should live escape being arbitrary, if they are left to individual creativity and imagination and are not governed by rules that apply to everyone living in a particular context? -from The Art of LifeThe art of life, according to John Kekes, consists in living a life of personal and moral excellence. This art requires continuous creative effort, drawing on one's character, circumstances, experiences, and ideals. Since these conditions vary with times and places, Kekes says, there can be no single blueprint for the achievement of excellence. We must do it ourselves-but we can learn from those who have lived exemplary lives.Reflecting on lives of integrity and honor, Kekes formulates what we can learn from them and what we can do to adapt the ideals they represent to our personal circumstances. Avoiding both the abstractness that characterizes much moral thought and the relativism that recognizes no rational or moral limits, Kekes shows how serious philosophical thinking can be readable and helpful to those who struggle with the perennial problems of human existence.

Synopsis

That the art of life is creative, imaginative, and individual does not mean... that it cannot be taught and learned or that individuals cannot improve their mastery of it. Teaching it proceeds by way of exemplary lives, and learning it consists in coming to appreciate what makes some lives exemplary.... That imitation here is impossible does not mean one cannot learn from examples. The question is, How can that be done reasonably; how can decisions about how one should live escape being arbitrary, if they are left to individual creativity and imagination and are not governed by rules that apply to everyone living in a particular context? -from The Art of LifeThe art of life, according to John Kekes, consists in living a life of personal and moral excellence. This art requires continuous creative effort, drawing on one's character, circumstances, experiences, and ideals. Since these conditions vary with times and places, Kekes says, there can be no single blueprint for the achievement of excellence. We must do it ourselves-but we can learn from those who have lived exemplary lives.Reflecting on lives of integrity and honor, Kekes formulates what we can learn from them and what we can do to adapt the ideals they represent to our personal circumstances. Avoiding both the abstractness that characterizes much moral thought and the relativism that recognizes no rational or moral limits, Kekes shows how serious philosophical thinking can be readable and helpful to those who struggle with the perennial problems of human existence.

$56.10

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20+ in stock

More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 288
Edition: New edition
Publisher: Cornell University Press
Published: 17 Mar 2005
ISBN 10: 0801489792
ISBN 13: 9780801489792

Media Reviews

John Kekes has been a steady and important contributor to recent discussions about life.... The Art of Life demonstrates unequivocally the value of rigorous philosophical reflection on something that we all want, spend most of our time and energy trying to achieve, fret about endlessly, but understand only dimly, namely, a good life. The Art of Life is both a pleasure to read and an illuminating piece of philosophical work. Kekes brings a lifetime of serious thought to this 'most important of all human activities.'

* The Journal of Ethics *

Kekes belongs to a flourishing school of thought known as 'virtue ethics.' He and his colleagues believe that mainstream moral philosophers since the time of Kant and Bentham have been barking up the wrong tree. Instead of seeking to define morality in terms of abstract universal principles, they should have stuck to the traditional methods of Aristotle and Cicero, exploring what it might mean for particular individuals to have a virtuous or vicious character, or to lead an honourable or a despicable life. The Art of Life is an impressive attempt to tackle this task directly.

* Times Literary Supplement *

Accessibly written, originally conceived, and refreshingly literate, John Kekes's The Art of Life is a book explicitly composed for serious non-specialists who are interested in what philosophical reflection can teach us about living good lives. It is also one that should engage and challenge even the most serious academic philosophers, those whose devotion to specialty is subordinate to something larger.

-- George Harris, College of William and Mary

Arguing that no formalist doctrine such as Kant's can provide universally valid rules for leading a moral life, Kekes instead maintains that the study of admirable individuals furnishes the guidelines we need. Among those Kekes finds worthy of emulation are Montaigne and Thomas More, who balanced public responsibilities with private commitments.... Highly recommended for all public libraries.

* Library Journal *

John Kekes is an important contributor to the literature in ethics and social philosophy. His views are distinctive, typically well-argued, and provocative.

-- Peter A. French, Arizona State University

The Art of Life is an unusually good book. It is philosophically sharp and complex,and avoids easy solutions.

-- Joel Kupperman, University of Connecticut

Author Bio

John Kekes is the author of many books, including The Roots of Evil, The Illusions of Egalitarianism, and The Art of Life, all from Cornell.