By the Grace of Guile: The Role of Deception in Natural History and Human Affairs

by Loyal Rue

Book Overview

The nihilists are right, admits philosopher Loyal Rue. The universe is blind and aimless, indifferent to us and void of meaning. There are no absolute truths and no objective values. There is no right or wrong way to live, only alternative ways. There is no correct reading of a text or a picture or a dance. God is dead, nihilism reigns. But, Rue adds, nihilism is a truth inconsistent with personal happiness and social coherence. What we need instead...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195075080
• ISBN13: 9780195075083
• Release Date: March 1994
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Mistitled Major Work

The title ought to be "Towards A Theory of Biocentrism." The first half of the book rigorously establishes the philosophical credentials for the author's subsequent claim that there is no point in deceiving people. We may as well face facts, and work towards making life better if we can and if we have enough time left. If you are looking for a project to commit yourself to passionately and with proper intellectual justification, then consider Professor Rue's proposal here. In an age committed to pseudo-sophisticated slacking, here is offered a direction and a purpose and a means of participating in cosmological processes.