Product Description

In The Last Word, Thomas Nagel, a leading philosopher and Professor of Law, presents a sustained defense of reason against the attacks of subjectivism, delivering systematic rebuttals against its many relativistic claims in the fields of language, logic, ethics, and science. He proposes that reason reflects objective principles whose validity is independent of different points of view, and continues to argue that reason is universal because its only prerequisite is the ability to think systematically and with intelligence. Dismissing relativism as theoretical chic and inconsequential intellectual flourish, he predicts its ultimate stultifying effect on public discourse. The Last Word is a vigorous defense of reason and its universal narratives. Resisting what he describes as the eventual demise of intellectual discourse, Nagel's work sets a new standard in the debate: this book presents the clarity and simplicity of objective reason. Nagel's construction of a coherent framework beyond subjectivism is refreshing, timely, and impressive, and should generate intense interest both within and outside the philosophical community.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #465264 in Books
• Published on: 2003-01-23
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

About the Author
Dr. Thomas Nagel is a Professor of Philosophy and Law at New York University.

Customer Reviews

a defense of objective knowledge against postmodernism
Nagel takes on a daunting task: to refute the current philosophical fashion, postmodernism. Going against the grain of contemporary academic thought, Nagel asserts that there are indeed truths that do not depend on our social or cultural perspective. He defends objective truth in logic, science, and even ethics. I have some sympathy for his position, and appreciate the many good points he asserts. In the end, though, I think his refutations are not quite up to the task he has set himself. Still, it is a good effort...and in any event a readable window onto an important contemporary battle in philosophy.

good one
A Rorty-bashing classic. A must read for pragmatists. Whether Nagel has really given the last word in favor of the realists is another question.

Nagel makes an excellent case for naturalism and reason
As a graduate student in Religious Studies and Philosophy, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and plan to reference it in my papers. Although, this may not have been the author's intent, his logical and objective approaches to reason, help support the universal and exceptionless principles of the faith! Should be a must-read for any theologian as pointed out in recent religious periodicals like Christianity Today.