Kevin Vader

I grew up a science and math geek, with a strong interest in philosophy as well. When I was young I thought I would solve all the key issues about whether there is a soul, how it is I have free will in a world of cause and effect, whether God exists, and all the other tough questions.

I earned two bachelor's degrees, along with an MA in mathematics and a PhD in philosophy. I have taught philosophy classes, but most of my life I've earned my living as a mathematician working in the business sector.

I was reluctant to ever consider 12 Step Recovery. But when I finally came to learn about it, I was surprised by the insights and began reading lots of books on recovery and the history of AA. What most amazed me at meetings is how important it is for people in recovery to live a good life. "How to live" is not just an abstract question in a philosophy class. For many, living a good life is a matter of life or death.

This book is about that pursuit of living a good life. I think I've learned more in recovery about how to live than all my previous years studying philosophy. I thought I would share this by writing an academic philosophy article on 12 step recovery as a significant enhancement to Virtue Ethics. But life events led me to write something a good deal simpler and more practical that could be read by anyone, not just some philosophy professors.

I'm still a novice in recovery, but I think Farewell Darth Vader is a good introduction. I don't have the experience of 20 years in AA, but I do still remember what it is to be a newcomer. And as a philosopher I think I have a unique approach: it's about the principles of AA - the principles of how to live. These principles don't require you to believe in God or adopt any mystical worldview. My approach is a simple no-nonsense one that I hope is acceptable whether you believe in God or not. More importantly, I hope it may actually be useful in living well.

Feel free to ask questions.