The Metaphysics of Autonomy: The Reconciliation of Ancient and Modern Ideals of the Person

by M. Coeckelbergh

Overview

Coeckelbergh (philosophy, U. of Maastricht) investigates whether it is possible to construct a viable and acceptable ideal of the autonomous person, and if so, whether it come with a price. He begins by setting out what he believes to be the modern ideal of autonomy, contrasting it with the ancient ideals of Plato and Augustine, and trying to reconcile the two. Then he explores possible alternatives, from Sartre, the Frankfurt school, Kant, and T. Hill's interpretation of Kant. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781349519897
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication date:	07/12/2004
Edition description:	Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2004
Pages:	222
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Mark Coeckelbergh is a lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Maastricht.

Table of Contents

Preface PART I The Modern Ideal of Autonomy Ancient Ideals of the Person: Plato and Augustine Problems with the Modern Ideal: The Need for Extension Using Plato and Augustine to Fill the Gap PART II Sartrean Existentialism: Extreme Freedom and Groundless Choice Frankfurt Hill's Idea of Autonomy The Ideal of the Person in Kant's Groundwork Bibliography Notes

Editorial Reviews

'The author has a mastery of the literature on moral and political autonomy... [he has] made an interesting and original contribution to what is a vital contemporary debate.' - Professor Timothy O'Hagan, University of East Anglia

From the Publisher