Traditional philosophy places a singular emphasis on tragedy, acting under the assumption that tragedy is more profound than comedy. Gelven argues that comedy deserves equal if not greater attention from philosophy. Through the interpretative readings and concrete analysis of three classical works, Gelven shows that comedy provides an access to truth unavailable by any other means. Silvius in Shakespeares's As You Like It, Cherubino in Mozart'...
This thoroughly revised commentary uses the most recent insights in Heidegger studies to lead the reader through the sometimes difficult text of "Being and Time." The clearly marked section-by-section analysis explains the structure of "Being and Time, " illuminates obscure passages, and presents examples of human experience to elucidate Heidegger's points. So that the reader does not lose sight of the main argument, Gelven summarizes the rele...
How do we ask the great questions? What does it mean to ask so profoundly? What does it mean for us to ask at all? Michael Gelven confronts these questions as he explores humans as self-reflecting thinkers. He recognizes two central phenomena as fundamental: the recognition of our own possibility lying within our existence and the realization of our suspension between total ignorance and complete knowledge. Using concrete analyses, Gelven inve...
Explores the transformation humans undergo when they do metaphysics. Author Michael Gelven suggests that thinking metaphysically transforms us, and consequently the nature of metaphysics it self is transformational, Using concrete existential phenomena such as the learning process, how children mature into adults, and how fear can develop into courage, he establishes an understanding of metaphysical transformation.
Traditional philosophy places a singular emphasis on tragedy, acting under the assumption that tragedy is more profound than comedy. Gelven argues that comedy deserves equal if not greater attention from philosophy. Through the interpretative readings and concrete analysis of three classical works, Gelven shows that comedy provides an access to truth unavailable by any other means. Silvius in Shakespeares's As You Like It, Cherubino in Mozart'...
Most of us have felt, at one time or another, an attraction to the idea that fate plays a role in our lives. It is difficult to dismiss entirely the notion that certain things were somehow meant to be. Perhaps key events did not just happen but were inevitable, maybe even a part of our destiny. As thoughtful and critical beings, however, we may find that we cannot explain to ourselves or to others just what fate means. In this groundbreaking w...
Explores the transformation humans undergo when they do metaphysics. Author Michael Gelven suggests that thinking metaphysically transforms us, and consequently the nature of metaphysics it self is transformational, Using concrete existential phenomena such as the learning process, how children mature into adults, and how fear can develop into courage, he establishes an understanding of metaphysical transformation.
In this original and compelling exploration of the meaning of the term 'fine' and the phenomenon of refinement, noted scholar Michael Gelven reflects on the relationship between refinement and existence. Beginning with a study of perceptual refinement, Gelven shows how in some cases this refinement discloses an existential essence--as an architect shows us what it means to dwell. Gelven then moves to a refinement of self, not equating it with ...
In this original and compelling exploration of the meaning of the term 'fine' and the phenomenon of refinement, noted scholar Michael Gelven reflects on the relationship between refinement and existence. Beginning with a study of perceptual refinement, Gelven shows how in some cases this refinement discloses an existential essence¿as an architect shows us what it means to dwell. Gelven then moves to a refinement of self, not equating it with v...
This work studies hope as a phenomenon that both reveals and belongs to our status of being human. To understand that status, we must understand what it means to hope, which profoundly surpasses both psychological wish or desire and the "merely religious" belief in salvation. The author looks at hope in all its concrete manifestation: He examines works of art, some of which depict hope in unflattering terms as delusional, while others see it a...
