Overview

Freedom and Limits is a defense of the value of freedom in the context of human finitude. A contribution to the American tradition of philosophy, it focuses attention on moral problems as we encounter them in daily life, where the search for perfection and the incessant drive to meet obligations make it difficult to attain satisfaction. The book argues that uniformity is unproductive: Human natures are varied and changeable, making the effort to impose a unitary good on everyone futile. Moreover, we don't need to strive for more than what is good enough: Finite achievements should be adequate to satisfy finite people. The ultimate aim of the book is to reclaim the role of philosophy as a guide to life. In doing so, it presents discussions of such important philosophers as Fichte, Hegel, Peirce, Dewey, James, and, above all, Santayana.

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9780823260966

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Reviews

Written over a span of fifty years, these trenchant essays are remarkable for their studied consistency, subtle wit, and, happily, accessibility. The epilogue, Physician Assisted Suicide is a 'locus classicus'. -John J. McDermott, Texas A&M University This book brings to the scholarly world a well-organized, informative collection of original and stimulating philosophy reflections by John Lachs, one of the most respected philosophers in America. -Jacqueline Kegley, California State University, Bakersfield

Author Information

John Lachs is Centennial Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University. His latest book is Stoic Pragmatism. Patrick Shade is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Rhodes College.

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