series: Grundthemen Philosophie

Published by De Gruyter

Grundthemen Philosophie

Edited by: Dieter Birnbacher, Pirmin Stekeler-Weithofer and Holm Tetens

ISSN: 1862-1244

Overview
Volumes

Philosophy is the attempt to answer particular questions using transparent and convincing argument. Fundamental philosophical questions are questions about our understanding of the world in general and our place in it. As a matter of principle, these questions can only be answered through controversy. The series Basic Topics in Philosophy aims to provide a space for the discussion of such fundamental philosophical questions. Instead of providing a comprehensive introductory presentation, each volume will take issue with selected historical positions in order to analyse the particular problem and discuss possible solutions. At the same time, the authors will set their own marks and take up positions, so that the result will not be merely a view of the history of philosophy, but also a systematic contribution to the problem under discussion.

The volumes in the series are intended equally for students of philosophy and other subjects and for professional philosophers. In addition, the series is aimed at all those readers with an interest in fundamental questions of philosophy.

Supplementary Materials

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Topics

book: Geschichte

Book 2021

Geschichte

Christian Thies

Philosophy’s interest in history was awakened in the eighteenth century. After the horrible experiences of the twentieth century, its interest in history seemed to drift into the background. However, this work shows that history continues to be a vital subject of interest for philosophy.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110717686
ISBN:: 9783110717686
ISBN:: 9783110717600
ISBN:: 9783110717754
Subject:: History
Subject:: Theories, Methods, and Auxiliary Sciences
Subject:: Theory
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Philosophy of Science
Subject:: Philosophy of the Humanities and Cultural sciences
Subject:: Political Philosophy and Social Philosophy
Subject:: Social Sciences
Subject:: Sociology
Subject:: Sociological Theory
Publisher:: De Gruyter

book: Freundschaft

Book 2020

Freundschaft

Svenja Wiertz

This volume offers an overview of philosophical conceptions of friendship. Different forms of friendship are demarcated based on differentiated levels of commitment and shared practices. The study examines current social developments such as individualization and digitalization in terms of their impacts on friendship.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110703238
ISBN:: 9783110703238
ISBN:: 9783110703214
ISBN:: 9783110703252
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Political Philosophy and Social Philosophy
Subject:: Philosophical Anthropology
Subject:: Selected Philosophers
Subject:: Aristoteles
Subject:: Philosophy, other
Publisher:: De Gruyter

book: Epistemische Ungerechtigkeiten

Book Ahead of Publication 2024

Epistemische Ungerechtigkeiten

Hilkje Charlotte Hänel

Who is believed and who is not? Who has a voice and who does not? Theories of epistemic injustice, epistemic oppression, and epistemic violence are receiving increasing attention both within and outside of scholarship, which can be seen in social movements like #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter. This book provides a systematic overview of this broad debate by discussing various theories and shining light on their predecessors.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.0000/9783110759792
ISBN:: 9783110759792
ISBN:: 9783110759976
ISBN:: 9783110759730
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: History of Philosophy
Subject:: Modern Philosophy
Subject:: 20th and 21st Century Philosophy
Subject:: Epistemology
Publisher:: De Gruyter

book: Künstliche Intelligenz

Book 2022

Künstliche Intelligenz

Bert Heinrichs, Jan-Hendrik Heinrichs, Markus Rüther

This book examines the various fields of application for artificial intelligence and attempts to analyze them philosophically. It takes a wide range of perspectives, which cover both anthropological and ethical issues, as well as questions about evaluating future developments in this field of research.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110746433
ISBN:: 9783110746433
ISBN:: 9783110746549
ISBN:: 9783110746273
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: History of Philosophy
Subject:: Modern Philosophy
Subject:: 20th and 21st Century Philosophy
Subject:: Ethics
Subject:: Applied Ethics
Subject:: Applied Ethics, other
Subject:: Philosophical Anthropology
Publisher:: De Gruyter

Book 2021

Strafe

Oliver Hallich

Strafen ist ein Alltagsphänomen. Nicht nur der Staat droht normübertretenden Bürgern Strafen an, auch Eltern können ihre Kinder, Lehrer ihre Schüler und Partner einander durch soziale Sanktionen wie den Entzug von Anerkennung oder soziale Ausgrenzung strafen. Weil Strafen oft mit der Zufügung erheblichen Leidens einhergehen, sind sie rechtfertigungsbedürftig. In diesem Buch wird die in der Philosophie seit jeher thematisierte Frage nach der Rechtfertigung staatlichen wie sozialen Strafens erneut gestellt. Klassische philosophische Positionen zum Problem der Strafrechtfertigung werden kritisch rekonstruiert, um diejenigen Elemente in ihnen zu isolieren und zusammenzuführen, die sich als kritikresistent erweisen. Das Resultat ist eine Theorie, die am Präventionsgedanken als Kriterium der Strafrechtfertigung orientiert ist, aber zugleich an einer Vergeltungstheorie in einer spezifischen Lesart, nämlich als einer Theorie des Strafverstehens, festhält. Sie unterscheidet zwischen nicht-moralischen Gründen für das Strafen und moralischen Gründen dagegen und erkennt an, dass es ein nicht aufhebbares Spannungsverhältnis zwischen zweckrationalen Gründen für das Strafen und moralischen Gründen dagegen gibt.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110732610
ISBN:: 9783110732610
ISBN:: 9783110732658
ISBN:: 9783110737516
Subject:: Law
Subject:: History, Philosophy and Sociology of Law
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Ethics
Subject:: Applied Ethics
Subject:: Applied Ethics, other
Subject:: Political Philosophy and Social Philosophy
Subject:: Philosophy of Law
Publisher:: De Gruyter

book: Wissenschaft

Book 2021

Wissenschaft

Andreas Bartels

Science is the systematic form of man’s search for knowledge. It aims to explain observed facts and to discover new facts. Theories and models are a means of accomplishing this aim. The book draws on examples from a range of natural sciences and humanities to illustrate how theoretical assumptions and notions facilitate explanations and discoveries, thus demonstrating the difference between science and everyday knowledge.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110651607
ISBN:: 9783110651607
ISBN:: 9783110648249
ISBN:: 9783110648614
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Epistemology
Subject:: Philosophy of Science
Subject:: General Philosophy of Science
Publisher:: De Gruyter

Book 2020

Technik

Dieter Wandschneider

The subject of this book is technology’s global domination. It addresses various issues, including technical rationality, artificial intelligence, and watershed historical moments – as well as unintended knock-on effects, such as when technical liberation morphs into structural constraint. Ultimately, it suggests a compelling need for a “post-classical” ethics in response to mass technology.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110623697
ISBN:: 9783110623697
ISBN:: 9783110621488
ISBN:: 9783110621426
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: History of Philosophy
Subject:: Modern Philosophy
Subject:: 20th and 21st Century Philosophy
Subject:: Philosophy, other
Publisher:: De Gruyter

Book 2018

Ursachen

Andreas Hüttemann

This book presents a systematic overview of the major theories of causation: regularity theory, counterfactual theory, process theory, and more recent forms of interventionism. In addition, it develops a new variation on process theory. For this new edition, Andreas Hüttemann has included the latest scholarship and further developed his argument.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110594829
ISBN:: 9783110594829
ISBN:: 9783110592924
ISBN:: 9783110595253
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Metaphysics, Ontology
Subject:: Epistemology
Subject:: Philosophy of Science
Subject:: General Philosophy of Science
Publisher:: De Gruyter

book: Naturgesetze

Book 2020

Naturgesetze

Siegfried Jaag, Markus Schrenk

The fact that the world obeys natural laws makes it possible to predict, explain, and deliberately manipulate natural processes. The idea of natural laws is thus an integral part of the scientific and philosophical conception of reality. This book provides a systematic overview of the most important philosophical theories of natural law and concludes with an innovative twist on the best-systems theory.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110517842
ISBN:: 9783110517842
ISBN:: 9783110516784
ISBN:: 9783110516944
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: History of Philosophy
Subject:: History of Philosophy, other
Subject:: Philosophy of Science
Publisher:: De Gruyter

book: Willensfreiheit

Book Open Access 2017

Willensfreiheit

Geert Keil

More Cite Download EPUB Download PDF

This book surveys recent debates on freedom of will, incorporating the implications of modern brain research. The author develops an original, capability-based conception of freedom of will. Geert Keil proposes that the well-understood capability for deciding one way or another is reconcilable with the findings of empirical science, but not with the metaphysical doctrine of determinism.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110534511
ISBN:: 9783110534511
ISBN:: 9783110533484
ISBN:: 9783110533453
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Metaphysics, Ontology
Subject:: Philosophical Anthropology
Publisher:: De Gruyter

Book 2017

Tod

Dieter Birnbacher

Death is among the oldest themes in philosophy. Many philosophers have viewed death as the most important underlying motivation for engaging in philosophy. The subject of death encompasses anthropology, ethics, and metaphysics. This volume addresses contemporary discussions on death and dying while also considering the historical background that is crucial for understanding the current debate.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110534498
ISBN:: 9783110534498
ISBN:: 9783110533521
ISBN:: 9783110533446
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Ethics
Subject:: Metaphysics, Ontology
Subject:: Philosophical Anthropology
Subject:: Theology and Religion
Subject:: Systematic Theology and Philosophy of Religion
Subject:: Ethics
Publisher:: De Gruyter

Book 2016

Hoffnung

Ingolf U. Dalferth

Hope is not primarily a form of awareness directed at the future. Rather, it is an awareness of the possibilities of the good. Hope is an endangered form of awareness, for it is susceptible to misunderstanding and misuse. This study examines the multi-faceted phenomenon of hope from various perspectives in European intellectual history. It reveals the possibilities and limits of hope while distinguishing between its viable and questionable forms.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110491968
ISBN:: 9783110491968
ISBN:: 9783110494679
ISBN:: 9783110491869
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: History of Philosophy
Subject:: History of Philosophy, other
Subject:: Ethics
Subject:: Philosophy of Religion
Subject:: Philosophical Anthropology
Publisher:: De Gruyter

Book 2016

Zahlen

Vojtech Kolman

This book examines the role that numbers and reflection on mathematical subjects and truths has played and continues to play in philosophy as a whole. The evolution of the concept of number from natural numbers to real and the transfinite numbers of set theory is developed as a prototype of various Wittgensteinian "language games."

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110482461
ISBN:: 9783110482461
ISBN:: 9783110480887
ISBN:: 9783110480924
Subject:: Mathematics
Subject:: History and Philosophy
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Epistemology
Subject:: Philosophy of Science
Publisher:: De Gruyter

book: Relativismus

Book 2016

Relativismus

Bernd Irlenborn

Does relativism challenge the rationality of philosophy, science, and culture? This book is intended as a critical introduction to the complex question of relativism. It explores the term and its history, debates about familiar propositions of relativism regarding the nature of truth as well as the relationship between pluralism, tolerance, and relativism.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110463545
ISBN:: 9783110463545
ISBN:: 9783110462494
ISBN:: 9783110462470
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Ethics
Subject:: Epistemology
Publisher:: De Gruyter

book: Wahrscheinlichkeit

Book 2015

Wahrscheinlichkeit

Gerhard Schurz

While the experimental sciences address statistical probability, philosophy looks at probability in a subjective sense as gradations of rational belief. Schurz develops a dualistic approach to combine these two notions. Drawing on Kant, he asserts that a subjective probability theory without statistical probability is blind, but statistical probability without subjective probability theory is empty.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110420364
ISBN:: 9783110425505
ISBN:: 9783110420364
ISBN:: 9783110420562
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Philosophy of Science
Publisher:: De Gruyter

book: Demokratie

Book 2015

Demokratie

Peter Rinderle

This book aims to describe and evaluate the idea of democracy. Rinderle examines the historical origins of democracy, its normative foundations and political mechanisms, and presents contemporary challenges and possible contexts of application. Through clear terminology and specific examples, the author seeks to allow a broad range of readers to reach well-grounded conclusions about the theme of democracy.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110349252
ISBN:: 978-3-11-039936-3
ISBN:: 978-3-11-034925-2
ISBN:: 9783110399509
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Political Philosophy and Social Philosophy
Publisher:: De Gruyter

book: Erkenntnis

Book 2015

Erkenntnis

Gottfried Gabriel

The study aims at expanding the idea of knowledge beyond the notion of descriptive knowledge. It examines a pluralism of scientific, philosophical, literary, and aesthetic forms of knowledge. This pluralism is not relativistic but complementary. Different ways of knowing enrich each other – thus facilitating a more comprehensive and differentiated conception of the world.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110408652
ISBN:: 978-3-11-040815-7
ISBN:: 978-3-11-040865-2
ISBN:: 9783110408676
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Epistemology
Subject:: Aesthetics
Publisher:: De Gruyter

Book 2014

Das Gute

Thomas Hoffmann

A persistent puzzle in mainstream contemporary moral philosophy is why people should strive to do good and to be good. Today it is often ignored that there is more to the human nature than what can be described by natural sciences - morality and practical rationality. The Good proposes a hermeneutical naturalism that elucidates the ways that goodness can be a practical part of human nature.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110363876
ISBN:: 978-3-11-035531-4
ISBN:: 978-3-11-036387-6
ISBN:: 9783110385731
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Ethics
Subject:: Metaphysics, Ontology
Publisher:: De Gruyter

book: Wirtschaft

Book 2013

Wirtschaft

Michael S. Aßländer

Thinkers since antiquity have understood economics as a value-free science whose primary interest is the market. In this study, Michael S. Aßländer examines a variety of writers and theories as he charts the history of the societal meaning attached to economics and its emergence as an independent scientific discipline. Suited for both beginner and advanced students.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110306385
ISBN:: 978-3-11-030620-0
ISBN:: 978-3-11-030638-5
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Philosophy of Science
Publisher:: De Gruyter

Book 2013

Glaube

Ansgar Beckermann

Is it rational to believe in God or other supernatural powers? Are there good epistemic reasons for holding religious convictions, facts that speak for their truth? The empirical evidence would seem to suggest there are not. Posters of St. Christopher do not reduce the number of accidents on passing roads; miraculous cures do not occur more frequently in Lourdes than elsewhere in the world; and prayer provides no more help to us today than burnt offerings did to people of antiquity. As for theological defense, traditional proofs for the existence of God come up short as well. The belief that the principle of sufficient reason implies God's existence is nothing more than a leap of faith. And Darwin’s theories explain the origin of species and the complexities of evolution far better than the assumption of an intelligent creator can. Even attempts at theodicy fail in the end. Whoever lets a person suffer to reach some other goal treats people as a means and thus acts immorally. An honest review of the evidence does not speak for the existence of God; quite the contrary. The world’s suffering offers a conclusive argument against it.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110308792
ISBN:: 978-3-11-027985-6
ISBN:: 978-3-11-030879-2
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Metaphysics, Ontology
Subject:: Epistemology
Subject:: Philosophy of Religion
Subject:: Theology and Religion
Subject:: Systematic Theology and Philosophy of Religion
Subject:: Philosophy of Religion
Publisher:: De Gruyter

book: Gerechtigkeit

Book 2012

Gerechtigkeit

Stephan Schlothfeldt

Justice has multiple facets. This volume examines retributive justice as well as transactional justice, and places special emphasis on distributive justice. The author establishes that an egalitarian understanding of distributive justice is superior to a model of justice based upon merit and need. The study shows that justice is undoubtedly an important category, one that is underdetermined in influential moral theories, but that justice cannot be the only standard for moral action. This volume in the Basic Topics in Philosophy series creates an important foundation for further discussion of the topic.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110292695
ISBN:: 978-3-11-029256-5
ISBN:: 978-3-11-029269-5
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Ethics
Subject:: Political Philosophy and Social Philosophy
Subject:: Philosophy of Law
Publisher:: De Gruyter

Book 2005

Gott

Thomas Rentsch

In this volume, Thomas Rentsch discusses the cultural dimension of religion and the "problem of god".

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110908022
ISBN:: 978-3-11-017692-6
ISBN:: 978-3-11-090802-2
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Philosophy of Religion
Subject:: Theology and Religion
Subject:: Systematic Theology and Philosophy of Religion
Subject:: Philosophy of Religion
Subject:: Religious Studies
Subject:: Introductions and Overviews
Publisher:: De Gruyter

book: Willensfreiheit

Book 2012

Willensfreiheit

Geert Keil

This book provides an overview of the very latest developments in the freedom of will debate, including a discussion of the ramifications of brain research for the problem of freedom. The author, Geert Keil, also presents an original thesis. He disagrees with the consensus among philosophers that the power to act otherwise is irreconcilable with a scientific world view. He argues instead that although we are unable to change the laws of nature and are not the “first movers,” neither is an absolute requirement for free will.

This new, revised edition also discusses the debate sparked by the initial publication of the book.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110279580
ISBN:: 978-3-11-027947-4
ISBN:: 978-3-11-027958-0
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Metaphysics, Ontology
Subject:: Philosophical Anthropology
Publisher:: De Gruyter

Book 2012

Person

Michael Quante

The identity of a person has to be analyzed in terms of three questions: What determines the entity of a person? What has to happen so that a person from yesterday is ‘identical’ to the person of today? What do we regard as identity in the sense of self-understanding and self-awareness? This book shows how in our everyday understanding the two ‘identities’ of human persons - persistence and personality - intertwine.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110279566
ISBN:: 978-3-11-027946-7
ISBN:: 978-3-11-027956-6
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Metaphysics, Ontology
Publisher:: De Gruyter

book: Person

Book 2007

Person

Michael Quante

The philosophical question of the identity of a person has not been posed precisely enough. Contrary to the term’s use in everyday life, and even within philosophy, the identity of a person is not a unified phenomenon. Rather, the identity of a person has to be analysed in terms of the following questions:

What determines the entity of a person?
What has to happen so that a person from yesterday is ‘identical’ to the person of today?
What do we regard as identity in the sense of self-understanding and self-awareness?

This book shows how in our everyday understanding the two ‘identities’ of human persons – persistence and personality – intertwine.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110907360
ISBN:: 978-3-11-018190-6
ISBN:: 978-3-11-090736-0
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Metaphysics, Ontology
Publisher:: De Gruyter

book: Anerkennung

Book 2014

Anerkennung

Heikki Ikäheimo, Nadine Mooren

Over the past two decades scholars in the fields of political and social philosophy have devoted much time to the subject of recognition. But what is recognition, exactly? Who (or what) can (or should) be recognized? What role does it play for individuals and society? This volume discusses these and other central questions from historical and systematic perspectives. In doing so, it helps define the framework of the discussion and advance recognition studies.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110254143
ISBN:: 978-3-11-025412-9
ISBN:: 978-3-11-025414-3
ISBN:: 9783110391947
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: History of Philosophy
Subject:: Modern Philosophy
Subject:: 18th and 19th Century Philosophy
Subject:: Political Philosophy and Social Philosophy
Subject:: Philosophical Anthropology
Publisher:: De Gruyter

Book 2011

Der Leib

Hermann Schmitz

The entity in this book is neither soul nor body. It is that which has been forgotten since Greek classicism, that which can be perceived without the help of sight or touch, in shock, in - for example - fear, pain, hunger, thirst, revulsion, lust, rapture, freshness, tiredness, when feelings of affect are awakened, in sensations of movement, in the direction of gaze. Using new concepts dealing with expansion and dynamics, this forgotten entity is brought out of the shadows and examined with the aid of examples. This work examines the role of the "Leib", according to its meaning, in the structure of the individual person, in the feeling of feelings, in art, history, space, time, soul, body. The book ends with a sketch of the different ways in which the "Leib" has been addressed, from the ideas of Homer up to the present.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110250992
ISBN:: 978-3-11-025098-5
ISBN:: 978-3-11-025099-2
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: History of Philosophy
Subject:: Modern Philosophy
Subject:: 20th and 21st Century Philosophy
Subject:: Philosophical Anthropology
Subject:: Selected Philosophical Movements
Subject:: Hermeneutics
Subject:: Philosophy of Culture
Publisher:: De Gruyter

Book 2011

Bildung

Kirsten Meyer

Education, knowledge, equal opportunity, autonomy and a good life. These are the keywords shaping current social debate. Is education just an economic program or does knowledge have a value in its own right? Does education promise autonomy and a good life? What educational goals should the state set? What does the decree of equal opportunity mean?

In ancient philosophy, an interest in education grew out of the core question of human happiness and a good life. By reviving that connection this book returns education to the philosophical agenda.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110250978
ISBN:: 978-3-11-025096-1
ISBN:: 978-3-11-025097-8
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Ethics
Subject:: Political Philosophy and Social Philosophy
Subject:: Philosophy of Law
Publisher:: De Gruyter

Book 2011

Das Böse

Jean-Claude Wolf

The evil - “das Böse” - stands for dreadful deeds and neglect. Its symbolism is that of the impure, the dark and the inferior. It takes hold through habits and institutions, in collective collaboration, in exclusion and marginalization, excessive punishments and despotism. Evil is also rife in the “war against evil”. As well as the means of prevention, a broad spectrum of reflection and consideration is also devoted to past evil in the form of remembering, guilt and remorse. As responses to evil, reprimand and punishment are two-edged weapons. Corrective measures are considered, such as moderate and constructive egoism, rather than "solutions" to eliminate evil.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110250862
ISBN:: 978-3-11-025085-5
ISBN:: 978-3-11-025086-2
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Ethics
Subject:: Political Philosophy and Social Philosophy
Subject:: Philosophy of Religion
Subject:: Philosophical Anthropology
Publisher:: De Gruyter

book: Selbsttäuschung

Book 2010

Selbsttäuschung

Kathi Beier

Self-deception is a problematic phenomenon because it seems so deeply irrational. Previous philosophical accounts have not succeeded in making clear the way in which it is a "failure of reason." The present author argues that self-deception is a privative phenomenon, i.e. a deviation from immanent norms, as well an ethical phenomenon. According to this approach, self-deception is motivated epistemic caprice that is tempting when we see our idea of a good life threatened.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110229325
ISBN:: 978-3-11-022931-8
ISBN:: 978-3-11-022932-5
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: History of Philosophy
Subject:: Ancient Philosophy
Subject:: Modern Philosophy
Subject:: 20th and 21st Century Philosophy
Subject:: Ethics
Subject:: Metaphysics, Ontology
Publisher:: De Gruyter

book: Menschliches Leben

Book 2009

Menschliches Leben

Sebastian Knell, Marcel Weber

Human existence and its temporal limits are central themes of western culture. In addition to discussing fundamental metaphysical questions (what distinguishes a living from a dead thing?) and ethical questions (what status does a human embryo have?), this book examines questions surrounding the possibility of radically extending one's life through new a anti-aging therapies. Does adding years to one's life make one happier?

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110219845
ISBN:: 978-3-11-021983-8
ISBN:: 978-3-11-021984-5
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Ethics
Subject:: Applied Ethics
Subject:: Bio Ethics and Ethics of Medicine, Ethics of Science
Subject:: Metaphysics, Ontology
Subject:: Philosophical Anthropology
Publisher:: De Gruyter

Book 2013

Wissen

Elke Brendel

What is knowledge? How do we achieve it? Why is it worth striving for? Is knowledge possible at all? Starting from these traditional questions about the nature, source, and value of knowledge, as well as its possibility and limits, the author investigates the most important positions in current epistemology. She then defends her own approach which meets the requirements of epistemology and philosophy of language with regard to a philosophically satisfying conception of knowledge.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110220131
ISBN:: 978-3-11-022012-4
ISBN:: 978-3-11-022013-1
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Epistemology
Subject:: Philosophy of Language
Subject:: Philosophy of Science
Publisher:: De Gruyter

book: Risikoethik

Book 2012

Risikoethik

Julian Nida-Rümelin, Johann Schulenburg, Benjamin Rath

Rationally coping with situations with uncertain consequences is a matter of universal concern in modern societies.
Here a critique of current paradigms of dealing with risk is the starting point for developing an ethics of risk that also takes into account individual rights and justice. The basis for this work is provided by a clear terminological analysis, as well as insights derived from modern decision theory. In addition, the application of this conception of the ethics of risk to contract theory serves to elucidate its political relevance.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110219982
ISBN:: 978-3-11-021997-5
ISBN:: 978-3-11-021998-2
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Ethics
Subject:: Applied Ethics
Subject:: Bio Ethics and Ethics of Medicine, Ethics of Science
Subject:: Philosophy of Science
Subject:: Political Philosophy and Social Philosophy
Publisher:: De Gruyter

Book 2008

Kunst

Henning Tegtmeyer

Art and philosophy are two fundamental modes of expression of human self-consciousness. What differentiates and what connects them? Only philosophy can answer this question. The question is both a fundamental question of philosophy as well as a question of the significance of art for human self-understanding. All forms of art are to be considered. Finally, philosophical contemplation of art leads to a consideration of the connection between truth and beauty.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110211641
ISBN:: 978-3-11-020462-9
ISBN:: 978-3-11-021164-1
Subject:: Architecture and Design
Subject:: Architecture and Design, other
Subject:: Arts
Subject:: Arts, general
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Aesthetics
Publisher:: De Gruyter

Book 2008

Religion

Hans Julius Schneider

This book offers a succinct and comprehensible presentation of what religion is about and how it is related to other intellectual areas (particularly to science). It emphasizes the practical side of religion (religious experience, Zen-meditation, personal growth) and considers Buddhism in addition to Christianity. The resulting view of religion leaves behind skeptical misgivings but at the same time is open for interreligious dialogue.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110212112
ISBN:: 978-3-11-019598-9
ISBN:: 978-3-11-021211-2
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Metaphysics, Ontology
Subject:: Philosophy of Religion
Subject:: Theology and Religion
Subject:: Systematic Theology and Philosophy of Religion
Subject:: Philosophy of Religion
Publisher:: De Gruyter

book: Das gute Leben

Book 2007

Das gute Leben

Dagmar Fenner

"How should I live?"
This fundamental question of philosophy calls us to decide how we wish to shape our entire life. We always live with the knowledge of a past that forms our present and future life, while also always seeing an open future stretched before our eyes. We know our finitude and of our pending death. The limits on our life time challenge us to reflect on which life possibilities at our disposal we wish to wish to live. By means of a general analysis and critique of the human mode of existence, the following study attempts to guide readers to decisions which are answerable and justifiable to themselves and others.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110931136
ISBN:: 978-3-11-019562-0
ISBN:: 978-3-11-093113-6
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Ethics
Publisher:: De Gruyter

book: Willensfreiheit

Book 2007

Willensfreiheit

Geert Keil

This book provides an overview of the recent free will debate and considers the consequences of neuroscientific research for the problem of freedom. In the process of surveying the field, the author develops an original position. He takes issue with the broad philosophical consensus that at least one kind of freedom is incompatible with the scientific worldview -- namely, the ability to make decisions one way or another exactly the same circumstances. The book argues that, on closer examination, this so-called libertarian view of freedom (which we accept in our everyday lives) does not contradict any facts but only philosophical doctrines. Although we're unable to alter physical laws, nor are we "first movers," this isn't required for us to have acted otherwise under the same circumstances.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110931143
ISBN:: 978-3-11-019561-3
ISBN:: 978-3-11-093114-3
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Metaphysics, Ontology
Subject:: Philosophical Anthropology
Publisher:: De Gruyter

book: Perfektionierung des Menschen

Book 2007

Perfektionierung des Menschen

Bernward Gesang

We have only just begun to manipulate human beings with technology. We are able to change people through genetic technology, operations, and chemical compounds. Should we eliminate our illnesses through genetic intervention? Should we also improve our “normal” properties and form humanity anew – people with infrared vision, people with a higher intelligence, or even chimeras, that is a mixes of human and animal. A lot of this is clearly still science fiction, but we already need to decide whether to take memory pills and mood-enhancing drugs. How would a world full of improved people look?
This book wants to evaluate “enhancement,” i.e. the attempt to improve normal properties of healthy people through intervention is their bodies.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110931150
ISBN:: 978-3-11-019560-6
ISBN:: 978-3-11-093115-0
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Ethics
Subject:: Applied Ethics
Subject:: Bio Ethics and Ethics of Medicine, Ethics of Science
Subject:: Philosophy of Science
Subject:: Political Philosophy and Social Philosophy
Subject:: Philosophical Anthropology
Publisher:: De Gruyter

book: Raum-Zeit

Book 2009

Raum-Zeit

Martin Carrier

The philosophical treatment of space and time has had a long history. This continuing interest stems not least from the fact that space and time form the basis of movement.

Space-time philosophy encompasses a wide range of subjects, many of which, on first inspection, do not seem to have anything to do with space and time. Space-time philosophy is a matter of causality and probability, the Big Bang and Heat Death. It is a matter of the origins of each term’s meaning and the inability to experience space-time theory first hand. It is a matter of Achilles and the turtle, as well as, Maxwell’s demon.

In dealing with space-time, one does not deal solely with space and time.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110214093
ISBN:: 978-3-11-017694-0
ISBN:: 978-3-11-021409-3
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Epistemology
Subject:: Philosophy of Science
Subject:: Philosophy, other
Publisher:: De Gruyter

Book 2007

Erklären

Thomas Bartelborth

The search for explanations is involved in every aspect of our lives. Through explaining the world around us, we seek to understand it. Striving to explain as many different phenomena as possible is also a central goal of scientific research. With the help of explanations, we are able to intervene in the events surrounding us. But what defines a good explanation? This book presents the most prominent views on the subject and develops a theory of its own. In so doing, the author lays bare the ontological assumptions bound up with theories of explanation and provides criteria for judging the quality of an explanation.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110916867
ISBN:: 978-3-11-019433-3
ISBN:: 978-3-11-091686-7
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Metaphysics, Ontology
Subject:: Philosophy of Science
Publisher:: De Gruyter

Book 2016

Recht

Matthias Kaufmann

Right is best conceptualized today through the paradigm of different forms of negotiation. This has implications for classical themes such as legitimacy, sovereignty, freedom, and equality, as well as justice in a national and international context. The protection and preservation of human rights serves as a criterion of successful negotiation, and for this reason, is a central focus of this book.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110272499
ISBN:: 9783110272499
ISBN:: 9783110390964
ISBN:: 9783110272185
Subject:: Law
Subject:: History, Philosophy and Sociology of Law
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Philosophy of Law
Publisher:: De Gruyter

Book 2018

Existenz

Andreas Luckner, Sebastian Ostritsch

If we had a clear grasp of existence, it would be no problem for us to understand what it means not to exist. However, existence seems to be fundamental insofar as we cannot conceptually get around it. This raises a challenging question: if non-existence is unthinkable and inexpressible, can we truly understand what we mean by "existence?" This book argues that we can.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110272413
ISBN:: 9783110272413
ISBN:: 9783110390957
ISBN:: 9783110272147
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Metaphysics, Ontology
Publisher:: De Gruyter

Book 2011

Sinn

Pirmin Stekeler-Weithofer

The question of meaning is perceived as being at the root of religion. Philosophy presents secular competition with its radical criticism of the concretizations used in theological language and of the way meaning is derived from "holy" - in other words inviolable - values of a god. This consideration of meaning has not always dealt with worldly purposes and other-worldly goals. Rather it has revolved around achieving a reasonable understanding of the subject itself and the right position in relation to it or - as in the case of the meaning of human life - living a good life overall.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110254167
ISBN:: 978-3-11-025415-0
ISBN:: 978-3-11-025416-7
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: History of Philosophy
Subject:: Modern Philosophy
Subject:: 18th and 19th Century Philosophy
Subject:: Metaphysics, Ontology
Subject:: Philosophy of Language
Subject:: Philosophy of Religion
Publisher:: De Gruyter

Book 2013

Ursachen

Andreas Hüttemann

The concept of cause plays a central role in explaining, controlling, and assigning responsibility for events. Despite the concept’s long history in philosophy, there is still no clear consensus on whether strict causal relationships even exist.

This new volume follows the proven format of the Basic Questions in Philosophy series: After a discussion of the concept's history, the author offers his own approach with a view to contemporary debates, linking current perspectives in philosophy with modern theories in the natural sciences.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110227314
ISBN:: 978-3-11-019047-2
ISBN:: 978-3-11-022731-4
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Epistemology
Subject:: Philosophy of Science
Publisher:: De Gruyter

book: Ideologie

Book 2012

Ideologie

Peter Tepe

“Ideology – that is so passé”: This widely prevalent underestimation of ideology is unjustified. The cognitive theory of ideology presented in this looks at ideologies in three dimensions: in terms of epistemology, as forms of needs-based thinking; and in terms of worldviews.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110227277
ISBN:: 978-3-11-019051-9
ISBN:: 978-3-11-022727-7
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Epistemology
Subject:: Philosophical Anthropology
Subject:: Philosophy of Culture
Publisher:: De Gruyter

book: Natürlichkeit

Book 2006

Natürlichkeit

Dieter Birnbacher

In everyday morality, “naturalness” definitely continues to be a positively charged term. It plays a significant role wherever technical progress opens up natural processes to human control, for example in reproductive medicine, genetics and modern agriculture. This book enquires into the reasons and motives for the privileged position of the (relatively) natural over the (relatively) artificial and seeks out its roots in the history of ideas.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110193695
ISBN:: 978-3-11-018554-6
ISBN:: 978-3-11-019369-5
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Ethics
Subject:: Applied Ethics
Subject:: Bio Ethics and Ethics of Medicine, Ethics of Science
Subject:: Philosophy of Science
Publisher:: De Gruyter

book: Philosophiegeschichte

Book 2006

Philosophiegeschichte

Pirmin Stekeler-Weithofer

The author addresses various crucial approaches to the history of philosophy - narrative, philological, hermeneutic, and systematic. He elaborates especially the principles of each approach and puts special focus on their capacity to properly comprehend current problems.

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110193992
ISBN:: 978-3-11-018556-0
ISBN:: 978-3-11-019399-2
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Philosophy, other
Publisher:: De Gruyter

Book 2005

Klugheit

Andreas Luckner

An engaging and interesting volume on the philosophical subject "prudence".

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110898309
ISBN:: 978-3-11-017706-0
ISBN:: 978-3-11-089830-9
Subject:: Philosophy
Subject:: Ethics
Subject:: Philosophy of Law
Subject:: Philosophy, other
Publisher:: De Gruyter

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