The Last Word
The Last Word
Thomas Nagel
Sam Harris
Champions rationality in a very compelling way. - Sam Harris
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The Last Word

The Last Word

Thomas Nagel
By
Thomas Nagel
3.8
211
ratings on Goodreads

In "The Last Word," Thomas Nagel embarks on a profound exploration of the battleground between reason and relativism, standing as a beacon of intellect in the philosophical discourse of our times. With lucidity and rigor, Nagel defends the fortress of objectivity, arguing that the fabric of reason is universal, woven from principles that transcend individual perspectives and cultural contingencies. Through a meticulous dissection of relativistic arguments across the domains of language, logic, science, and ethics, he demonstrates that at the core of any meaningful debate lies an unassailable ground of objective truth. Nagel's narrative is not just an academic exercise but a clarion call to reclaim the sanctity of reason in an era increasingly dominated by the quicksands of subjectivism. At a moment when public discourse teeters on the edge of fragmentation, "The Last Word" emerges as a critical intervention, challenging the reader to navigate the tempest of relativistic thought without losing sight of the beacon of objectivity. Nagel's work is a masterful testament to the enduring power of reasoned discourse, offering a systematic rebuttal to the skeptics who question the universality and validity of rational thought. This book is not merely a defense but a celebration of reason, urging us to confront the philosophical dilemmas of our age with courage, clarity, and, above all, a steadfast commitment to truth.

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Released
1996
1 Jan
Length
160
Pages

1

recommendations

recommendation

Champions rationality in a very compelling way. - Sam Harris
To put it schematically, the claim "Everything is subjective" must be nonsense, for it would itself have to be either subjective or objective. But it can't be objective, since in that case it would be false if true. And it can't be subjective, because then it would not rule out any objective claim, including the claim that it is objectively false.
— Thomas Nagel, The Last Word

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