What makes a person's life meaningful? Thaddeus Metz offers a new answer to an ancient question which has recently returned to the philosophical agenda. He proceeds by examining what, if anything, all the conditions that make a life meaningful have in common. The outcome of this process is a philosophical theory of meaning in life. He starts by evaluating existing theories in terms of the classic triad of the good, the true, and the beautiful. He considers whether meaning in life might be about such principles as fulfilling God's purpose, obtaining reward in an afterlife for having been virtuous, being attracted to what merits attraction, leaving the world a better place, connecting to organic unity, or transcending oneself by connecting to what is extensive. He argues that no extant principle satisfactorily accounts for the three-fold significance of morality, enquiry, and creativity, and that the most promising theory is a fresh one according to which meaning in life is a matter of intelligence contoured toward fundamental conditions of human existence.

Meaning in Life

Politics & Social Sciences

METZ, Thaddeus

Philosophy

Oxford University Press

A Relational Moral Theory draws on neglected resources from the Global South and especially the African philosophical tradition to provide a new answer to a perennial philosophical question: what do all morally right actions have in common as distinct from wrong ones? Metz points out that the principles of utility and of respect for autonomy, the two rivals that have dominated western moral theory for the last two centuries, share an individualist premise. Once that common assumption is replaced by a relational perspective given prominence in African ethical thought, a different comprehensive principle, one focused on harmony or friendliness, emerges. Metz argues that this principle corrects the blind spots of the western moral principles, and has implications for a wide array of controversies in applied ethics that an international audience of moral philosophers, professional ethicists, and similar thinkers will find compelling.

A Relational Moral Theory: African Ethics in and beyond the Continent

Jurisprudence in an African Context is devoted to the philosophy of law, in a way that engages earnestly with African thought and the African context. The text features primary texts by leading African intellectuals, putting these into critical dialogue with Western theorists. It addresses core jurisprudential topics, such as the nature and functions of law, the manner in which judges do and should interpret the law, theories of distributive justice, and accounts of civil and criminal justice. These abstract philosophical issues are considered in the context of salient controversies on the African continent, including: how cultural norms should influence judicial interpretation, who is obligated to fight poverty, how to effect land reform, whether to respond punitively to crimes against humanity, and, more broadly, how traditional values might inform contemporary thought and practice. Texts and topics are expounded and evaluated in a clear, accessible manner, and related questions guide readers to actively engage and respond. Jurisprudence in an African Context is suited as core material for courses in jurisprudence (including both legal and political philosophy), and may be of interest to scholars who wish to engage with African thought about the making, interpretation and enforcement of law.

Jurisprudence in an African Context

Oyowe, Oritsegbubemi

Legal Theory & Systems

Exploring the Meaning of Life: An Anthology and Guide

Much more than just an anthology, this survey of humanity's search for the meaning of life includes the latest contributions to the debate, a judicious selection of key canonical essays, and insightful commentary by internationally respected philosophers. 
<ul>
<li>Cutting-edge viewpoint features the most recent contributions to the debate</li> <li>Extensive general introduction offers unprecedented context</li> <li>Leading contemporary philosophers provide insightful introductions to each section</li> </ul>

Fischer, John Martin

Cottingham, John G.

Wielenberg, Erik J.

Thomson, Garrett

Wiley/Blackwell

What Makes Life Meaningful? (Little Debates about Big Questions)

Can human life be meaningful? What does talk about life's meaning even mean? What is God's role, if any, in a meaningful life? These three questions frame this one-of-a-kind debate between two philosophers who have spent most of their professional lives thinking and writing about the topic of life's meaning.

Seachris, Joshua W.

Routledge

This Element critically explores the potential relevance of God or a soul for life's meaning as discussed in recent Anglo-American philosophical literature. There have been four broad views: God or a soul is necessary for meaning in our lives; neither is necessary for it; one or both would greatly enhance the meaning in our lives; one or both would substantially detract from it. This Element familiarizes readers with all four positions, paying particular attention to the latter two, and also presents prima facie objections to them, points out gaps in research agendas and suggests argumentative strategies that merit development.

God, Soul and the Meaning of Life (Elements in the Philosophy of Religion)

Religion & Spirituality

Religious Studies

Cambridge University Press

Conversations about the Meaning of Life (Conversations about Philosophy)

Oppenheimer, Mark

Benatar,David

Werbeloff, Jason

Independently published

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