Death and the Disinterested Spectator

Ann Hartle is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Emory University.

• Preface Introduction Chapter I: Socrates: Penelope and the Bee The Phaedo as Apology; Comedy, Tragedy, Philosophy; Actor or Spectator; Hubris and Irony; Truth and Deception: A.Socrates, B. Phaedo, C. Plato; Transition: From Philosophical Courage to Christian HopeChapter II: Augustine: The Look of Pity Confession and Apology; Laughter, Tears, Trembling and Wonder; Actor or Spectator; Pride and Humility; Truth and Self-Deception; Transition: From Christian Hope to Modern CertitudeChapter III: Descartes: Occupation and Pre-occupation The Discourse as Apology; Laughter, Tears, Trembling, and Wonder; Actor or Spectator; Pride and Humility; Truth and Certitude; Transition and ReturnChapter IV: Conclusion: Death and the Disinterested Spectator Compassion and Distance; Wonder and Death; The Strange and the Familiar; The Fable of Certitude; Philosophy and the Divine:From Disinterested Spectator to Compassionate Actor; Cartesian Presumption,Socratic Victory; Idle Talk and Endless Toil; Weaving the ShroudNotes Works Consulted Index

"This book is a serious attempt to grapple with an absolutely fundamental question: the nature of philosophy in its relation to theory, practice, and death. The method for dealing with this question is also interesting: to discuss the larger question concretely by examining a philosophical dialogue, a theological and philosophical confession, and a philosophical treatise." — Carl G. Vaught