| Published by Universal Publishers | Publication Date: JUNE 2007 | ||||
Buy the book directly from the U.S. publisher
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The author
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autobiography
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| If you'd like to discuss any of the philosophical and cultural issues
raised here, such as Platonism, Friendship, Epistemology, Subjective-Relativism
vs Objective-Realism,
The threat of Islam, Science and Religion, The Philosophy of Mind and Consciousness, Conscience and Authority, Democracy and Monarchy..... |
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| This book is written for everyone who seeks for truth and meaning in
their life. Most books of "spirituality" are far removed from intellectual
rigor, and most books of "philosophy" are so dry and analytic as to be
unattractive to someone looking for a sense of significance in their life.
This book seeks to bridge the gap.
This is an "Old Age" book. Its theme is that we have lost sight of reality and attempted to substitute "what we think we want to be true" for "what is in fact true". In doing so, we have turned our life both as individuals and as a society on its head. We have attempted what Jesus of Nazareth warned us would never work. We have intruded a new philosophy into existing external structures, institutions and patterns of life. We have attempted to put "New Wine in Old Skins" and found that they have burst open. The rational response to our present predicament is to declare our experiment with Subjective Relativism a failure and to reverse that fateful decision. It is now well past the time that we should rescue what we can of the old philosophy and re-express it in those new external structures, institutions and patterns of life which are now appropriate. I hope that you will find a refreshing perspective in these pages and be motivated to take forward some of the ideas they contain into the battle between ignorance and deceit that rages about us. |
In the first few theoretical chapters I first try to answer the question:
"What is life and what is its purpose?" I then consider what it is to be
human, and attempt to establish an anthropology that is at core personal,
spiritual and individualistic.
Next, I explore what it is to come to know or to believe something. I then elucidate how faith - rightly understood - is basic to all knowledge, whether philosophical or scientific. Next, I discuss what it means to say that something is "good" or "evil". In the more practical chapters that follow I first consider why it is rational and right for the individual to be gentle and just - and how it is in their own selfish interest to be kind to others. I then discuss the nature of friendship - arguing that this is the base value on which all human society is constructed. Next, I discuss the dangers inherent in the popular view of multiculturalism
and propose an alternate approach. Then I criticize contemporary educational
theory and practice before offering some thoughts on medical ethic, one
of today's most divisive issues. Finally, I discuss Democracy in theory
and practice and suggest options and alternatives.
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| I hope that you will find the book intellectually stimulating, and
not too annoying. If it brings to a clearer focus in your mind ideas that
were always latent, then my task will have been largely achieved. If it
stimulates in you an interest to learn more of Plato and Socrates, then
I will be pleased. If you come to have a desire to search for truth, beauty
and justice whatever the cost, then I will be well content.
"O dear Pan and all the other gods of this place; grant that I may be
beautiful within. Let all my possessions be in friendly harmony with what
is within. May I consider the wise man rich. As for gold, let me have as
much as a moderate man could bear and carry with him. Do we need anything
else, Phaedrus? I believe my prayer is enough for me."
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Comment from a prospective purchaser. Thanks for sharing the information of this book... I hope to purchase a copy as soon as I have some spare change :-) I read some of the excerpt available at Universal Publishers and am impressed with the depth of thought I have already found there. Comment from someone reading a first draft: I can honestly say that the excellent piece of work that you are currently embarking on is outstanding. A very informative and inspiring ethical and spiritual outlook on our current social climate with creativity and imagination - honesty and the moral fibres of goodness aare being destroyed for a consumer cyborg that does not think or have feelings or contemplates community as the heart of any civilisation. Plato would be proud of you, Stephen! Comment from a work colleague You are publishing your book - that's a bigger project than my
Comment from a reader Your observations on Friendship are excellent: cogent, coherent, beautifully presented and even moving. |
Extracts from the first professional review
Dr Lovatt's book is a comprehensive look at how the teachings and philosophy of Plato have relevance in today's complex world. Every aspect of human experience falls under the microscope of the author's understanding of Plato's maxims, including sexuality, politics, the exterior world of nature, and the process of scientific discovery. The author invites his readers to see the world through Plato's eyes, and make their own conclusions about the meaning of life. "Old Wine in New Skins: Plato's Wisdom for Today's World" is exhaustively researched and Plato's works and those of other thinkers such as Origen, Thomas Aquinas, Karl Popper, various popes, King Charles I of England and even Voldemort (the villain of the popular Harry Potter books) are liberally sprinkled throughout the text. Dr Lovatt invites his readers to questions their own beliefs, and offers his point of view as an explanation of questions which have been posed through the ages. This work should give readers much to ponder as they reflect on the author's perspective on the meaning of life. |
