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Reasonable Self-Esteem, Second EditionA Life of Meaning |
eBook Available
A philosophical investigation of the moral ideal of reasonable self-esteem.
For this new edition, Keshen has written an extensive introductory essay in which he explores the contrast between his philosophical approach to self-esteem and the approach of many psychologists.
In this fascinating look at the philosophy of self-esteem, Richard Keshen develops and defends the idea of reasonable self-esteem -- a concept based on an ideal of reasonableness -- and argues that individuals who think of themselves in terms of this paradigm will lead happier and more fulfilling lives.
Keshen presents a set of guidelines for analysing self-esteem and examines various factors that influence our self-esteem, such as other people's evaluations, comparisons with others, social relationships, and inherent qualities. He asserts that self-esteem not founded on individual achievement leads to a continual search for external supports and is easily shaken when such supports are not found. A key element of Keshen's argument is the ideal of egalitarian respect, and he shows how we can integrate this ideal into our lives.
Reasonable Self-Esteem demonstrates the attraction of a life in which reasonableness is a central commitment. It will appeal to those with an interest in philosophy, ethics, and moral psychology and is essential reading for those concerned with self-esteem.
In this fascinating look at the philosophy of self-esteem, Richard Keshen develops and defends the idea of reasonable self-esteem -- a concept based on an ideal of reasonableness -- and argues that individuals who think of themselves in terms of this paradigm will lead happier and more fulfilling lives.
Keshen presents a set of guidelines for analysing self-esteem and examines various factors that influence our self-esteem, such as other people's evaluations, comparisons with others, social relationships, and inherent qualities. He asserts that self-esteem not founded on individual achievement leads to a continual search for external supports and is easily shaken when such supports are not found. A key element of Keshen's argument is the ideal of egalitarian respect, and he shows how we can integrate this ideal into our lives.
Reasonable Self-Esteem demonstrates the attraction of a life in which reasonableness is a central commitment. It will appeal to those with an interest in philosophy, ethics, and moral psychology and is essential reading for those concerned with self-esteem.
Details
232 Pages, 6 x 9
ISBN 9780773550711
May 2017
Formats: Paperback, eBook
"Reasonable Self-Esteem is a splendid achievement. Richard Keshen has unravelled the presuppositions of reasonable self-esteem, illustrated them by well-chosen examples, and woven them together with tight moral reasoning in order to produce a persuasive and most appealing answer to an ancient but vital question: How must I live, if I am to think well of myself? This is an original work, informed by a humane and optimistic view of life. It draws together the ideas of living well and living with concern for others. It does much to restore wisdom and knowledge of everyday human psychology to their proper place in moral philosophy." Peter Singer, Centre for Human Bioethics, Monash University
“The work is highly original…it is the book on the phenomenology of self-esteem. Furthermore, the book produces an ingenious and comprehensive scheme of concepts for dealing with self-esteem.” Hugo Meynell, University of Calgary
“The discussion throughout the book is rich, stimulating, and frequently insightful.” Ethics
“This book will certainly generate dynamic discussion among philosophers and professional [psychologists] interested in the….necessity ad consequences of self-esteem.” CHOICE
“Keshen’s book is both well-argued and carefully reasoned” Dialogue
“There is much of value here, including a range of clear-sighted insights into how many of us do and ought to view ourselves and others.” Mind
“This is a great footnote to the ‘unexamined life is not worth living’ - a fine example of applied philosophy that is not applied ethics". Humanist in Canada
“In a book that stands in striking contrast to ‘pop psychology’ books on self-esteem, a philosopher explores self-esteem from the position of the ‘reasonable person’…..Using rigorous analysis, he espouses a self-esteem that is grounded in individual achievement".Canadian Book Review Annual
“The work is highly original…it is the book on the phenomenology of self-esteem. Furthermore, the book produces an ingenious and comprehensive scheme of concepts for dealing with self-esteem.” Hugo Meynell, University of Calgary
“The discussion throughout the book is rich, stimulating, and frequently insightful.” Ethics
“This book will certainly generate dynamic discussion among philosophers and professional [psychologists] interested in the….necessity ad consequences of self-esteem.” CHOICE
“Keshen’s book is both well-argued and carefully reasoned” Dialogue
“There is much of value here, including a range of clear-sighted insights into how many of us do and ought to view ourselves and others.” Mind
“This is a great footnote to the ‘unexamined life is not worth living’ - a fine example of applied philosophy that is not applied ethics". Humanist in Canada
“In a book that stands in striking contrast to ‘pop psychology’ books on self-esteem, a philosopher explores self-esteem from the position of the ‘reasonable person’…..Using rigorous analysis, he espouses a self-esteem that is grounded in individual achievement".Canadian Book Review Annual
Richard Keshen is an emeritus professor of philosophy at Cape Breton University and a member of the Common Room at Wolfson College, Oxford University.
PART TWO ELEMENTS IN A WAY OF LIFE
6 Finding Meaning in Reasonableness 91
Self-respect is distinguished from self-esteem.
It is argued that being a self-respecting
teacher, carpenter, etc., involves attributing
positive worth to a tradition or quasi-tradition.
It is shown that reasonableness, as I define it,
can be thought of as a tradition. Hence, the
RP can have the benefit of seeing herself as
self-respecting qua RP. It is argued that part
of the tradition of reasonableness includes
science. It is shown how the RP of a certain
temperament has meaning added to her life
through contributing to science, either by
being a scientist herself or by being a genuine
appreciator of science.
7 Egalitarian Respect 115
The attitude of treating people as equals, or
egalitarian respect, is interpreted. Egalitarian
respect is bifurcated into two further attitudes:
the belief that one does not count for
less than others, which is the attitude of
egalitarian self-respect, and the belief that one
does not count for more than others, which
is the attitude of other-respect. These attitudes
are analysed in terms of five criteria.
It is argued that neither Kantian nor utilitarian
strategies can be successful in justifying
egalitarian respect in such a way that the
attitude can be deeply anchored in our
personalities.
8 "I Do Not Count for Less ..." 135
This chapter argues that the RP, on account
of her nature, is particularly suited to
having egalitarian self-respect.
9 "I Do Not Count for More ..." 146
This chapter argues that the RP'S nature is
congruent with other-respect. Other-respect,
in its fullest sense, is grounded in perspectivecreating
experiences, that is, experiences which
cause us to see any other person as an equal.
Two such experiences are discussed: (a) our
common mortality and (b) our common subjection
to fortune. It is argued that the RP'S
nature dismantles barriers in himself which
often cause people not to take such experiences
to heart. It is then argued that the
guidelines dispose the RP to give expression
to egalitarian perceptions. For these reasons,
other-respect has expressive significance for
him and so is integrated into his self-esteem.
Notes 173
Bibliography 193
Index 201
