Cynicism

Ansgar Allen

151 ratings by Goodreads

Language: English

Published by MIT Press Ltd, US, 2020

0262537885 / 9780262537889

Series: Book 49 of 115 - MIT Press Essential Knowledge

  • Softcover
  • New
See all details

Seller: Rarewaves USA, HEBRON, KY, U.S.A.Rarewaves USA

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since June 10, 2025

Softcover

Condition: New

£ 11.30

 Free Shipping 
Ships within U.S.A.

Quantity: Over 20 available

Add to basket
Free 30-day returns

Item description from seller

A short history of cynicism, from the fearless speech of the ancient Greeks to the jaded negativity of the present.Everyone's a cynic, yet few will admit it. Today's cynics excuse themselves half-heartedly-"I hate to be a cynic, but."-before making their pronouncements. Narrowly opportunistic, always on the take, contemporary cynicism has nothing positive to contribute. The Cynicism of the ancient Greeks, however, was very different. This Cynicism was a marginal philosophy practiced by a small band of eccentrics. Bold and shameless, it was committed to transforming the values on which civilization depends. In this volume of the MIT Press Essential Knowledge series, Ansgar Allen charts the long history of cynicism, from the "fearless speech" of Greek Cynics in the fourth century BCE to the contemporary cynic's lack of social and political convictions.Allen describes ancient Cynicism as an improvised philosophy and a way of life disposed to scandalize contemporaries, subjecting their cultural commitments to derision. He chronicles the subsequent "purification" of Cynicism by the Stoics; Renaissance and Enlightenment appropriations of Cynicism, drawing on the writings of Shakespeare, Rabelais, Rousseau, de Sade, and others; and the transition from Cynicism (the philosophy) to cynicism (the modern attitude), exploring contemporary cynicism from the perspectives of its leftist, liberal, and conservative critics. Finally, he considers the possibility of a radical cynicism that admits and affirms the danger it poses to contemporary society.…

Seller Inventory # LU-9780262537889

Title
Cynicism
Author
Ansgar Allen
Publisher
MIT Press Ltd, US
Publication year
2020
Condition
New
Binding
Paperback
Language
English
ISBN 10
0262537885
ISBN 13
9780262537889
Series
Book 49 of 115: MIT Press Essential Knowledge

Rarewaves USA

HEBRON, KY, U.S.A.

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since June 10, 2025

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Item13 to 14 business days13 to 16 business days
First item£ 0.00£ 0.00
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.

Payment methods

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay

Seller's business information

Rarewaves USA

10100 West Sample Road, Ste 101
Coral Springs, FL U.S.A. 33065