Anthony Rudd Libri

This thoughtful book argues that skepticism -- the view that reliable knowledge is beyond our grasp -- is unavoidable unless knowledge is thought of not as merely an intellectual matter but as crucial to practical activity and emotional life. Author Anthony Rudd ties this idea to the work of Wittgenstein and Heidegger, exploring important similarities between the former's reminders of the "expressive" character of human experience and the latter's account of ways to experience the physical world "expressively."

Exploring the concept of selfhood, Anthony Rudd offers a fresh perspective by integrating Kierkegaard's philosophy. He argues that the inherent tensions within the self can be resolved by recognizing an objective Good as a guiding principle. This approach revives an ancient view that emphasizes the ethical and evaluative dimensions of human existence, challenging contemporary notions of self-identity.

Exploring the Ottoman Empire's history, the book delves into its territorial expansion from the thirteenth century, highlighting its dominance in the Middle East and Southeastern Europe for over 400 years. It challenges the common perception of the Empire as solely militaristic by examining the surprising lack of significant rebellion in the Balkans during this period. The author seeks to uncover the factors that contributed to the Empire's relatively stable rule over a diverse population with varying cultures and religions, offering a nuanced view of its governance.