An easy to understand overview of the process of psychoanalysis with illustrative examples.

What can A Christmas Carol teach us about how people change? Can a gift have a meaning that we don't suspect? Offering incisive psychoanalytical insight from stories told out of everyday lives, these tales by practising psychoanalyst Stephen Grosz present a moment of reflection, wisdom and some much-needed sanity over the festive period. A preview for his forthcoming book, The Examined Life, published on 3 January 2013 and serialised on Radio 4 Book of the Week. Contents: Exclusive to the ebook: 'The gift', 'An unexpected ending', 'On knowing' A preview from the forthcoming book, The Examined Life: 'How lovesickness can keep us from love' Advance praise for The Examined Life: ‘The Examined Life is a fascinating collection of quiet stories about very real human predicaments: the listening cure at its best’ – Patrick McGrath ‘I couldn't put this down—I read about other people, but learned about myself at the same time. Real stories can be so much more fascinating than fictional ones, especially with Stephen Grosz. No preaching, no clichés—just wisdom.’ – Victoria Hislop ‘A beautifully judged, wonderfully readable book with a clear and kind voice. There is a rare integrity in the writing: no showing off, just honest attention to each trusted relationship. I read the whole thing in one sitting, cover to cover’ – Ruth Padel

Moral philosophers have traditionally addressed the educated public of their societies on the central questions of morality: what good lives are and what people can do in their particular circumstances to achieve them. John Kekes follows this tradition in both his choice of subject and his intended audience. Kekes discusses the nature and justification of moral traditions, and he argues that there are two general conditions required for all good lives. First, good lives depend on trying to realize personal ideals. Second, good lives also depend on the development of certain character traits, namely, the virtues. In the final chapters, Kekes discusses how these ideals and virtues can form a coherent pattern and how this pattern can be rationally justified. -- From publisher's description.

An original work from a preeminent professor of philosophy at Harvard University, in which happiness, dying, creativity, religious faith, sexuality, good and evil, the ideal and the real, are explored in the grand Socratic tradition. Now in paperback, this bestseller will appeal to anyone concerned with inner transformation and personal growth.

This essential resource helps students synthesize and evaluate information and gauge their progress through The Examined Life Telecourse. The guide offers stimulating and thought-provoking support activities as well as self-test questions and a glossary of terms.

What did Plato contribute to the philosophy of art? What do Pascal's Pensees really say? Everyone knows the names of these philosophers, but few really understand the ideas at the core of western philosophy. In this treasury of western thought, the primary sources speak for themselves. Over 35 excerpts from important philosophers -- including Aristotle and Hume, as well as contemporary thinkers -- offer a solid introduction to philosophy for the curious reader. Leading scholars have carefully chosen the selections, which are arranged according to major discipline, including Philosophy of Religion, Philosophy of Art and Aesthetics, and Metaphysics. These experts have contributed a provocative introductions in their areas of expertise. Unlike other philosophy collections, this book is not a history, a secondary source, or a quick reference. It stands out as an intelligent and accessible compilation of primary source material.