Philosophical Explanations

In this highly original work, Robert Nozick develops new views on philosophy’s central topics and weaves them into a unified philosophical perspective. It is many years since a major work in English has ranged so widely over philosophy’s fundamental questions such as the identity of the self, knowledge and skepticism, free will, the reason for existence, the foundations of ethics, and the meaning of life.

Writing in a distinctive and personal philosophical voice, Mr. Nozick presents a new mode of philosophizing. Instead of the usual goals of proof or forcing acceptance, this book seeks philosophical explanations and understanding, staying true to the original motivations for being interested in philosophy.

Combining new concepts, daring hypotheses, rigorous reasoning, and playful exploration, the book exemplifies how philosophy can be part of the humanities.