Meaningfulness is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Susan Wolf, the Edna J. Koury Professor of Philosophy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This fascinating conversation explores what it is to live an ethical, meaningful life in keeping with her book, Meaning in Life and Why It Matters, the role that love, fulfillment, self-interest and happiness play in giving meaning to one’s life, and how meaningful activities occur when “subjective attraction meets objective attractiveness”.
“Ideas Roadshow is a terrific resource. Howard Burton’s superb interviewing skills bring out the best in his subjects, making their work accessible without oversimplifying or dumbing down. It is an honor to be part of the series.’‘
— Susan Wolf
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Takin’ It To The Streets, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
- Philosophical Engagement – The appeal of thinking deeply
- Investigating Motivation – Beyond pleasure and duty
- Exploring Fulfillment – A key subjective metric
- Subjective Meets Objective – Interpreting a “waste of time”
- Objectivity Emerges – The meaning of mistakes
- Why Meaning Matters, Part I – A personal perspective
- Enter Sisyphus – The meaning of rolling stones
- Frames of Reference – Cosmic questions and endoxic icons
- Why Meaning Matters, Part II – Improving theoretical understanding
- Towards a Meaningful World – Making it real
- Beyond Happiness – Pursuing what you love
Available in electronic format on all major booksellers, including:
Meaningfulness is also part of the five-part Ideas Roadshow Collection, Conversations About Philosophy, Volume 2, which is available in hardcover, paperback and electronic format.
