The Heart of Judgment explores the nature, historical significance, and contemporary relevance of practical wisdom. Primarily a work in moral and political thought, it also relies extensively on the latest research in cognitive neuroscience to confirm and extend our understanding of the faculty of judgment. Ever since the ancient Greeks first discussed practical wisdom, the faculty of judgment has been an important topic for philosophers and political theorists. It remains one of the virtues most demanded of our public officials. The greater the liberties and responsibilities accorded to citizens in democratic regimes, the more the health and welfare of society rest upon their exercise of good judgment. While giving full credit to the roles played by reason and deliberation in good judgment, the book underlines the central importance of intuition, emotion, and worldly experience.
• Highlights the rational, emotional, and intuitive components of good judgment • Integrates moral and political philosophy with neuroscience • Focuses on contemporary relevance without sacrificing historical depth
Contents
Introduction; 1. An intellectual history of judgment; 2. The indispensability of experience; 3. The power of the unconscious; 4. The imperative of affect; 5. The riches of narrative; Conclusion.
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