Engaging the World

Philosophers enjoy working with ideas that arise as they engage the world. They like to think carefully, looking at ides from more than one perspective and without partisan urgency or desperate defensive moves. Of course, not all people who call themselves philosophers follow this ideal, but it has a long history, having been exemplified by Socrates and others in the ancient world.

The essays in this volume attempt to live up to this ideal, which does not, by the way, prevent Dr. Abegg from reaching strong conclusions—which are, however, always open to challenge.

While parts of some of the essays may be difficult in places for readers not acquainted with philosophy, the shorter essays written recently for this collection are easier to read and also more lively.

As a glance at the table of contents will reveal, the essays in this volume are on topics that should be important for all of us, such as sexual morality, abortion, Sigmund Freud, the relation between science and religion, and efforts to find a meaningful minimal religion.