Taking Ourselves Seriously and Getting It Right

Taking Ourselves Seriously and Getting It Right collects two lectures by philosopher Harry Frankfurt, along with responses from Christine Korsgaard, Michael Bratman, and Meir Dan-Cohen. Frankfurt presents his core ideas about practical reason, self-knowledge, and love. The lectures build on Frankfurt's earlier work regarding free will, moral responsibility, and the nature of caring. He examines how humans make decisions and form commitments, exploring the relationship between reason and volition. The respondents engage with Frankfurt's arguments through different philosophical frameworks, creating a dialogue about rationality and human agency. Their perspectives add depth to the central questions about how people should approach important life choices. This compact work connects to fundamental questions about human nature and what makes a life meaningful. The examination of how we decide what to care about, and whether we can actively shape our own wills, speaks to universal concerns about authenticity and purpose.

Readers view this as a philosophical exploration that builds on Frankfurt's earlier work but lacks the depth and impact of "On Bullshit." Several note that the book feels more like lecture transcripts than a cohesive text. Readers appreciated: - Clear explanations of complex ideas about rationality and love - Engaging responses from critics in the latter sections - Concise length makes it accessible Common criticisms: - Too brief and underdeveloped compared to his other works - Repetitive arguments that don't advance beyond previous books - High price for a short text One reader noted: "It reads like rough lecture notes rather than a polished philosophical argument." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (42 ratings) Amazon: 3.9/5 (8 reviews) The book receives fewer reviews and ratings than Frankfurt's other works, suggesting limited reach among general readers.

On Truth by Harry Frankfurt A philosophical exploration of truth's role in human society and why it matters beyond mere accuracy.

The View From Nowhere by Thomas Nagel An examination of objectivity and subjectivity in human thought and how these perspectives shape our understanding of reality.

Sources of the Self by Charles Taylor A comprehensive investigation into how modern identity formation relates to moral frameworks and self-understanding.

Practical Ethics by Peter Singer An analysis of how moral philosophy applies to concrete decisions in everyday life and policy-making.

The Nature of Rationality by Robert Nozick A detailed study of decision-making processes and the foundations of rational thought in human behavior.

🎓 Harry Frankfurt is Professor Emeritus at Princeton University and previously taught at Yale and Rockefeller University. His work in moral philosophy and free will has influenced generations of thinkers. 💭 The book originated from Frankfurt's 2004 Tanner Lectures at Stanford University, which were later expanded and published with responses from distinguished philosophers Christine Korsgaard and Michael Bratman. 📚 Despite its academic origins, the book became unexpectedly popular among general readers, much like Frankfurt's previous bestseller "On Bullshit," which spent 27 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. 🤔 The central concept of the book—how we should take ourselves seriously—builds on Frankfurt's earlier work about the importance of what we care about and how it shapes our identity. 🔍 Frankfurt challenges the common philosophical view that reason and morality are supreme guides for human behavior, arguing instead that love and caring are more fundamental to understanding human nature.