William Desmond Libri

William Desmond's collected writings showcase his profound philosophical insights and explorations of key themes such as identity, community, and the nature of being. This compilation reflects his career's breadth, highlighting his unique perspective on contemporary issues and the interplay between philosophy and everyday life. Readers will find a rich tapestry of thought that invites deep reflection and engagement with Desmond's influential ideas.

The book delves into the philosophical tension between sameness and otherness, particularly in the context of Hegelian dialectic. William Desmond presents a constructive perspective, arguing for the importance of preserving the genuine aspects of dialectic while addressing its limitations in recognizing difference. He introduces the concept of the Metaxological, a discourse that acknowledges the human desire for wholeness while remaining open to irreducible otherness. Through this lens, Desmond explores themes such as the nature of the self, the dynamics of desire, and the metaphysical quest for ultimate origin.

The book delves into the complex relationship between metaphysics and existence, emphasizing the dual aspects of intimacy and strangeness in being. William Desmond argues that without recognizing this intimacy, individuals risk becoming alienated from existence, while overlooking the mystery leads to complacency. By tracing the origins of metaphysical debates through Kant's critique and Hegel's philosophy, it seeks to renew metaphysical thought and address the nuanced tensions that shape our understanding of being.

This is the culmination of a systematic metaphysics written by a world-class philosopher, demonstrating the need for a renewal of metaphysics.

Hegel's philosophy of religion, particularly his concept of God, is critically examined in this book. William Desmond delves into the unique aspects of Hegel's approach, highlighting its influence and the inherent challenges it presents. By taking into account the specific characteristics of Christianity, Hegel offers a distinct perspective on traditional philosophical questions about God. This work engages deeply with Hegel's ideas, providing fresh interpretations and insights into his complex thought and its implications for modern philosophical discourse.

Explains Cynicism's rise in popularity in the ancient world by exploring the set of attitudes that collectively formed the Greek praise of poverty. The author argues that economic, military, and philosophical thought contains explicit criticisms of wealth and praise of poverty. This is a work of ancient Cynicism and its classical environment.

Engaging with the works of philosophers like Pascal, Kant, and Nietzsche, this book explores the deep connection between philosophy and religion through meditative reflections on universal human experiences such as love, courage, and peace. William Desmond seeks to renew this ancient companionship by examining how philosophy can address questions raised by religion, rather than merely critiquing it. He advocates for a dialogue that transcends subjective and objective extremes, aiming for a deeper understanding of the divine and the intimate aspects of human existence.

Focusing on the devaluation of being and ethical nihilism, the book explores the origins of value and the nature of ethical communities. It emphasizes the need for a thorough reevaluation of what it means to be good, linking ethical considerations to the broader question of existence. This work is part of a planned trilogy, suggesting a deeper philosophical inquiry into ethics and being.

This volume comprises studies written by prominent scholars working in the field of German Idealism. These scholars come from the English speaking philosophical world and Continental Europe. They treat major aspects of the place of religion in Idealism, Romanticism and other schools of thought and culture. They also discuss the tensions and relations between religion and philosophy in terms of the specific form they take in German Idealism, and in terms of the effect they still have on contemporary culture. The authors consider figures such as Kant, Fichte, Hegel, and Jacobi. The book will prove very informative to researchers and teachers working in the fields of philosophy, philosophy of religion, and classical German philosophy.