Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

The Weight of Things explores the hard questions of our daily lives, examining both classic and contemporary accounts of what it means to lead 'the good life'.

Looks at the views of philosophers such as Aristotle, the Stoics, Mill, Nietzsche, and Sartre as well as contributions from other traditions, such as Buddhism
Incorporates key arguments from contemporary philosophers including Peter Singer, Martha Nussbaum, Robert Nozick, John Finnis, and Susan Wolf
Uses examples from biography, literature, history, movies and media, and the news
Gives a fresh perspective on the hard questions of our daily lives
An engaging read; an excellent book for both students and general readers

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Introduction
• 1 This Mortal World
• 2 Strange Lives
• 3 Reason and Luck
• 4 Is Happiness All That Matters?
• 5 Necessities
• 6 Puzzles of Diversity
• 7 Hard Choices
• 8 Trying to be Good
• 9 The Religious Realm
• 10 Taking Aim
• Notes
• Bibliography
• Acknowledgments
• Index

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Kazez (Southern Methodist Univ.) provides a bracing forum for engagement with the "centuries-old questions" of the meaning and value of a "good" life. Recognizing that no author can provide definitive answers to these questions, Kazez presents a framework within which readers may contemplate their own ideas. Her treatment of the religious life is disappointing. Religion is seen as a necessary element, but then "only if a union with God is possible," and even this is claimed to be insufficient for happiness. She then airily adds, "maybe ... I'm missing the point." The continued casual dismissal of the religious stance detracts from the overall balance of the text. Of great interest, however, is her discussion of "moral sainthood," using Peter Singer and Paul Farmer as examples of saints who put family and friends on the same moral footing as strangers. Farmer especially is lauded, while also being described as too busy to "spend much time . . . with his wife and their young child." This could easily spark healthy classroom debate. Kazez concludes by claiming that there ought to be no "specific standard" by which to measure happiness: "the good life is my life." Fluid writing, accompanied by a provocative thesis, will make this book a challenging addition to most undergraduate collections. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers. S. J. Shaw Prairie View A&M University

Author notes provided by Syndetics

Jean Kazez received a PhD in philosophy from the University of Arizona in 1991. She divides her time between writing and adjunct teaching at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where she lives with her husband and two children.