Robert Nozick (Philosophy Now)

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. Although best known for the hugely influential Anarchy, State, and Utopia (1974), Robert Nozick has eschewed the label ”political philosopher,” as the vast majority of his writings have focused on other areas. Indeed, the breadth of Nozick’s work is perhaps greater than that of any other contemporary philosopher. A. R. Lacey presents the first book to give full and proper discussion of Nozick’s philosophy as a whole and of critical reactions to it, spanning areas as diverse as ethics, epistemology, and philosophy of religion. The book begins by examining Anarchy, State, and Utopia and moves on to Nozick’s noted work on the theory of knowledge and his notion of ”tracking the truth.” Lacey explores the philosopher’s metaphysical writings, including his ”closest continuer theory” of personal identity, and his reflections on free will and the existence of God. He addresses the moral basis of Nozick’s political philosophy in depth. Later chapters discuss his ideas of ”symbolic utility,” his evolutionary account of rationality, and his varying treatments of Newcomb’s Paradox. The book concludes with more general topics, including Nozick’s thoughts on the meaning of life and what those who search for it are really looking for. Given Nozick’s reluctance to respond to his critics, the book’s discussion of the secondary literature on his work is invaluable. Throughout, Lacey finds themes that unite Nozick’s diverse writings, noting, for example, his hostility to coercion of all kinds. Illuminating, informative, and clearly written, the book will be welcomed as an authoritative guide to Nozick’s philosophical thinking. (Source: [Princeton University Press](https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691090450/robert-nozick)) Cover......Page 1 Copyright......Page 5 Contents......Page 6 Preface......Page 8 1. Introduction......Page 10 2. "Anarchy, State, and Utopia": the moral basis......Page 29 3. "Anarchy, State, and Utopia": the political outcome......Page 61 4. The later ethics and politics......Page 82 5. Epistemology......Page 109 6. Rationality......Page 142 7. Metaphysics I: personal identity......Page 169 8. Metaphysics II: explaining existence......Page 186 9. Metaphysics III: free will and retribution......Page 197 10. The meaning of life......Page 208 Guide to further reading......Page 218 Bibliography......Page 230 Index......Page 244 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 a This Book Offers An Extremely Well Done, Detailed Critical Survey Of Nozick's Philosophical Writings And Reactions To Them. I Greatly Enjoyed Reading It.--gilbert Harman, Princeton University This Is A Good Book. It Is Clear And Well Written. I Wanted To Get An Overview Of Nozick's Philosophy, And The Author Did Not Disappoint. I Don't Know Of Anything Else In The Field That Does What This Book Does For Those Who Want An Introduction To, Or Overview Of, The Writings Of Robert Nozick.--scott Arnold, University Of Alabama At Birmingham 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. This book gives a discussion of Nozick's philosophy, including his influential work on the theory of knowledge.