In this section leading philosophers recommend books on particular philosophical issues and topics. Among others, John Kaag, professor of philosophy at the University of Massachusetts Lowell discusses American philosophy, exploring the transcendentalism of Ralph Waldo Emerson, as well as works by Margaret Fuller, the 19th century feminist, Henry David Thoreau and William James.
Robert Talisse, professor of philosophy at Vanderbilt University, focuses exclusively on pragmatism in the work of American philosophers, and explains how it differs from the straightforward empiricism of the British tradition. He chooses work by C S Pierce, the founder of the pragmatism school, as well as William James and others.
Meanwhile, on more general philosophical issues and topics Tim Crane, professor at the Central European University in Budapest discusses metaphysics and Paul Russell, professor of philosophy at the University of British Columbia chooses his best books on free will and responsibility.
The best books on Aphorisms, recommended by Andrew Hui
The unexamined life is not worth living; nature loves to hide; you can’t step in the same river twice. No doubt we’ve all grown up hearing aphorisms, but perhaps we take their importance for granted. Andrew Hui, the author of the first full book on the theory of the aphorism, guides us through the history of the short philosophical saying from Heraclitus to Nietzsche and beyond.
The best books on American Philosophy, recommended by John Kaag
Should we be moral? Should we love? John Kaag, philosopher and author of American Philosophy: A Love Story and Hiking with Nietzsche: On Becoming Who You Are, puzzles how five American Pragmatist and Transcendentalist philosophers quarrel with these searching questions and other timeless subjects, from faith and belief to human rights.
