The ancient Greek philosopher Plotinus insisted that philosophy should be concerned with nothing less than "what matters most". This collection of philosophical conversations seeks to honour Plotinus' vision by addressing questions related to the art of living.

Much has been written about the "art of living" and it typically conjures up ideas of therapy, meditation, peace, happiness, and so on. But what about the art of living in the midst of all the spectacular messiness generated by an aggressive, anxiety-ridden, acquisitive and lustful species? The conversations that make up this book explore the questions that matter most to us as citizens of increasingly fractious societies and inhabitants of an increasingly fractured planet. They invite us to think anew about the complexities and challenges involved in living a good life in a world characterized by uncertainty and change.

About the Author

Anthony Morgan is Editor of The Philosopher, the UK's longest-running public philosophy journal, as well as host of the philosophy events series, "On Philosophy". As one of the pioneers of the UK's public philosophy scene, he is actively involved in promoting the value of philosophy beyond academia.

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

Dialogue is the lifeblood of philosophy, and What Matters Most captures the fun and immediacy of the subject in a masterful collection of thoughtful, urgent conversations on some of the most pressing issues of the moment. An invaluable window onto philosophy and its applications, this is a book that, through its many voices, models clearer and more careful ways of thinking.

-- Arianne Shahvisi, author of Arguing for a Better World: How Philosophy Can Help Us Fight for Social Justice



Book Information
ISBN 9781788216241
Author Anthony Morgan
Format Paperback
Page Count 248
Imprint Agenda Publishing
Publisher Agenda Publishing