The Essential Mary Midgley

Mary Midgley

Psychology Press, 2005 - Philosophy - 413 pages

Feared and admired in equal measure, Mary Midgley has carefully yet profoundly challenged many of the scientific and moral orthodoxies of the twentieth century. The Essential Mary Midgley collects for the first time the very best of this famous philosopher's work, described by the Financial Times as 'common sense philosophy of the highest order'.

This unrivalled introduction to a great philosopher and brilliant writer incorporates carefully selected excerpts from Mary Midgley's bestselling books, including Wickedness, Beast and Man, Science and Poetry, and The Myths We Live By. With a specially written foreword by James Lovelock, this classic text presents a superb and eminently readable insight into questions she has returned to time and again in her renowned sharp prose. This anthology discusses major topics, such as the roots of human nature, reason and imagination, the myths of science and the importance of holism in thinking about science and the environment.

Contents

• Part One The Roots of Human Nature: 21
• Part Two Philosophizing out in the World: 143
• Wisdom and Contemplation: 153
• The Withdrawal of Moral Philosophy: 163
• Escaping from Solitude: 184
• The Human Heart and Other Organs: 198
• On Trying Out Ones New Sword on a Chance Wayfarer: 218
• Part Three The Myths of Science: 225
• Evolutionary Dramas: 239
• The Irresistible Escalator: 246
• The Service of Self and the Service of Kali: 257
• Biotechnology and the Yuk Factor: 269
• The Supernatural Engineer: 281
• The Remarkable Masculine Birth Of Time: 290
• Part Four Reason and Imagination: 303
• The Sources of Thought: 306
• The Quest for Permanence: 319
• Putting Our Selves Together Again: 330
• A Plague on Both Their Houses: 340
• Putting it All Together: 347
• Individualism and the Concept of Gaia: 349
• The Role of Wonder: 359
• Why there is Such a Thing as Society: 367
• The Unity of Life: 373
• Notes: 379
• Bibliography: 400
• Index: 405

About the author

Mary Midgely (1919-2018)was a moral philosopher and the author of many books, most recently The Myths We Live By.

Bibliographic information

• Title: The Essential Mary Midgley; Bibliogr. : p.400-404; Issue 57 of ISSR Library; The Essential Mary Midgley, David Midgley
• Author: Mary Midgley
• Editors: Mary Midgley, David Midgley
• Edition: illustrated, reprint
• Publisher: Psychology Press, 2005
• ISBN: 041534641X, 9780415346412
• Length: 413 pages
• Subjects: Philosophy / General