Böcker av Philip (John Dewey Professor Emeritus of Philosophy Kitcher

This inaugural volume in the Munich Lectures in Ethics series presents lectures by noted philosopher Philip Kitcher. In these lectures Kitcher develops further the pragmatist approach to moral philosophy, begun in his book The Ethical Project. He uses three historical examples of moral progress-the abolition of chattel slavery, the expansion of opportunities for women, and the increasing acceptance of same-sex love-to propose methods for moral inquiry. Inhis recommended methodology, Kitcher sees moral progress, for individuals and for societies, through collective discussions that become more inclusive, better informed, and involve participants more inclined to engage with the perspectives of others and aim at actions tolerable by all. The volume isintroduced by Jan-Christoph Heilinger and contains commentaries from distinguished scholars Amia Srinivasan, Susan Neiman, and Rahel Jaeggi, and Kitcher's response to their commentaries.

What's the use of philosophy? Many a philosopher has been asked this question - in either a skeptical or curious tone of voice. Philip Kitcher here aims to grapple with this perhaps most important philosophical question: what the point of philosophy is, and what it should and can be. This short manifesto by an eminent figure should attract wide attention in its urgent and sweeping call for reform.