ABSTRACT

First published in 1997, this valuable volume is a collection of previously published, clear, non-technical essays brought together in this volume on a wide range of polemical topics including war and peace, love and sex, and life and its meanings. Written between 1979 and 1994, the papers lucidly approach human questions which are of issues to both academic philosophers and the wider, popular audience. Jenny Teichman’s polemics have been written with wit and gusto and her writing displays a talent for puncturing the pretensions of highly reputable thinkers and landing some well-placed blows. Much amusement can be derived from this book, along with much instruction.

part One|48 pages

War and Peace

chapter 2|14 pages

The just war

chapter 3|11 pages

Pacifism and violence

chapter 4|13 pages

How to define terrorism

part Two|36 pages

Love and Sex

chapter 5|7 pages

Love on the couch

chapter 6|3 pages

Henry James among the philosophers

chapter 7|3 pages

Thoughts about love and sex

chapter 8|11 pages

Intention and sex

chapter 9|10 pages

Illegitimacy and literature

part Three|79 pages

Life and its Meanings

chapter 10|9 pages

The false philosophy of Peter Singer

chapter 11|9 pages

Free speech and the public platform

chapter 13|6 pages

Understanding Arendt

chapter 14|4 pages

The Niagara of philosophy

chapter 15|6 pages

Flights of the enchanter

chapter 16|3 pages

Don’t be cruel or reasonable

chapter 17|7 pages

Nihilism refuted?

chapter 18|11 pages

Deconstruction and aerodynamics

chapter 19|9 pages

Life and its meanings