A Theory of Jerks and Other Philosophical Misadventures

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Have you ever wondered why some people behave poorly? Pondered whether a driverless car should sacrifice one life to save others? Found a robot endearing? In this engaging and enlightening work, Eric Schwitzgebel examines these intriguing questions through a philosophical lens. The collection features quirky, accessible essays that explore a wide range of topics, from the consciousness of garden snails to the complexities of time, space, and causation. A recurring theme is the limitations of human intellect, where moral and philosophical reflections often lead to doubts and unexpected conclusions. The history of philosophy reveals how even the most confident thinkers have erred, as seen in discussions of Kant's views on various moral dilemmas. Some essays defy easy categorization, addressing the philosophical implications of dreidels, the evolving nature of profanity, and optimistic fatherhood, yet they remain captivating. Schwitzgebel has curated these pieces from over a thousand published since 2006 on his blog, The Splintered Mind, revising them for this collection. Philosophy has never been this entertaining.