Philosophy does not have to be stuck in the clouds. It can have relevance in everyday life, for everyday people, and
Scott Samuelson attempts to do just that in his book, entitled
The Deepest Human Life: An Introduction to Philosophy for Everyone (University of Chicago Press, 2014). Samuelson weaves in a personal narrative from his experience teaching at Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa and a deep historical exploration of philosophy. His students provide interesting and everyday lessons that the author forges into the foundation for complex philosophical issues. The book is organized into four sections that each focus on a single question, yet vast question:
What is Philosophy? What is Happiness? Is Knowledge of God Possible? and
What is the Nature of Good and Evil?. From Socrates, to Pascal, from the Stoics to Epicureans, Samuelson allows for an easier understanding of advanced philosophical discourse, and without watering down the complexity. He joins
New Books in Education for the interview.