Paul Fairfield Book order

Exploring John Dewey's extensive philosophical contributions, the book delves into his evolution from post-Hegelian idealism to pragmatic experimentalism, covering ethics, political theory, education, aesthetics, and religion. It contextualizes his ideas within the historical backdrop of his life (1859-1952) and highlights his role as a leading public intellectual in early 20th-century America, offering insights into both his philosophical developments and personal experiences.

Exploring a wide array of contemporary issues, the essays delve into philosophical themes such as the significance of reading, free speech, and the quest for meaning. Each of the 75 reflections is crafted to be brief and accessible, embodying Montaigne's notion of "essais" as personal attempts at understanding. Topics include the role of existentialism in modern life, the tension between individuality and mass society, and a tribute to Bob Dylan's songwriting genius, making these essays both thought-provoking and relevant for today's readers.

Deep disagreements exist regarding what thinking and critical thinking are and to what extent they are teachable. Thinking is learned in some measure by all, but not everything that is learnable is also teachable in an institutional setting. In questioning the relationship between teachability and learnability, Fairfield investigates the implications of thinking as inquiry, education as the cultivation of agency, and self-education. By challenging some of the standard conceptions of thinking, the author explores the limits of teachability and advances critiques of standardized tests, digital learning technologies, and managerialism in education.

Focusing on the philosophical exploration of death, this work delves into themes relevant to phenomenology and existentialism. It serves as a crucial resource for students in various disciplines, including religion, anthropology, and medical humanities, offering insights that bridge these fields. The inquiry invites readers to reflect on the nature of existence and the human experience of mortality.

This work critically analyzes the foundational principles that support democratic governance. It challenges traditional assumptions about the legitimacy of democratic systems and explores alternative perspectives on political justification. By delving into philosophical arguments and contemporary debates, the book aims to redefine the criteria for assessing democracy's value and effectiveness in society, encouraging readers to rethink the relationship between democracy and moral justification.

The book explores the necessity of redefining moral selfhood within liberalism, drawing on insights from various liberal philosophers. Fairfield argues for a new understanding that incorporates contemporary critiques while maintaining the core principles of liberal individualism. This innovative approach seeks to reconcile traditional liberal values with modern philosophical challenges, offering a fresh perspective on the evolution of liberal thought.

Theorizing Praxis investigates the theory/practice relation in philosophy, particularly within the fields of hermeneutics, ethics, and the philosophy of education. In so doing, it uncovers important areas of common ground between hermeneutical and pragmatist philosophy. Paul Fairfield defends a «practice-immanent» method of theorizing, which is indebted to both traditions and aims to explicitly articulate the spontaneously emergent constitutional dynamics of social practices rather than continue the project of transcendental theory construction.