1st Edition

Robert Nozick

By Alan Lacey Copyright 2001
    256 Pages
    by Routledge

    256 Pages
    by Routledge

    Although best known for the hugely influential Anarchy, State and Utopia, Robert Nozick (1938-2002) eschewed the label 'political philosopher' because the vast majority of his writings and attention have focused on other areas. Indeed the breadth of Nozick's work is perhaps greater than that of any other contemporary philosopher. This book is the first to give full and proper discussion of Nozick's philosophy as a whole, including his influential work on the theory of knowledge, his notion of 'tracking the truth', his metaphysical writings on personal identity and free will, his evolutionary account of rationality, his varying treatments of Newcomb's paradox and his ideas on the meaning of life. Illuminating and informative, the book will be welcomed as an authoritative guide to Nozick's philosophical thinking.

    Preface 1. Introduction 2. Anarchy, State and Utopia: the moral basis 3. Anarchy, State and Utopia: the political outcome 4. The later ethics and politics 5. Epistemology 6. Rationality 7. Metaphysics I: personal identity 8. Metaphysics II: explaining existence 9. Metaphysics III: free will and retribution 10. The meaning of life Guide to further reading Bibliography Index

    Biography

    Alan Lacey