Books by Gary (University of Birmingham Cox

What is goodness? Is goodness achievable, and if so, how? If being a good person is a matter of doing the right thing, then what is the right thing to do? Is it acting rationally, promoting happiness, exercising moderation in all things or respecting the freedom of others, or is it somehow a concoction of all these abilities, wisely adjusted to suit circumstances? In this instructive, entertaining and often humorous book, Gary Cox, best-selling author of How to Be an Existentialist and How to Be a Philosopher, investigates the phenomenon of goodness and what, if anything, it is to be a good person and a paragon of virtue.Part easygoing exploration of the age-old subject of moral philosophy, part personal development and improvement manual, How to Be Good carefully leads you on a fascinating journey through the often strange and surprising world of ethics, with ideas from Aristotle, Kant, Nietzsche and a host of other moral philosophers.

A witty and entertaining classic, this book offers clear advice on how to live according to the principles of existentialism formulated by Nietzsche, Sartre, Camus, and the other great philosophers of the tradition. An attack on contemporary excuse culture, the book urges us to face the hard existential truths of the human condition. By revealing that we are all inescapably free and responsible - 'condemned to be free' as Sartre says - the book empowers us to be the master of our own destiny. Making fun of the existentialist's reputation as gloomy and pessimistic, instead Cox reveals an honest, uplifting and life changing philosophy! This revised edition includes more pointers on how to be a true existentialist, particularly in a 'post-truth' world, and reflections on the newly released diaries of Simone de Beauvoir.

Provides an introduction to the work of Sartre, the twentieth-century thinker and writer. This book identifies four themes that run through his oeuvre, consciousness, freedom, bad faith and authenticity, and explores them, building up an overview of Sartre's philosophy in its entirety. It covers the core concepts that recur throughout his work.

Covers the major works, ideas and influences of Jean-Paul Sartre. This dictionary contains entries which include definitions of various terms used in Sartre's writings and synopses of his works, novels and plays. It is intended for those who read or study Sartre, existentialism or 20th Century Continental Philosophy.

The Existentialist's Guide to Death, the Universe and Nothingness is an entertaining philosophical guide to life, love, hate, freedom, sex, anxiety, God and death; a guide to everything and nothing. Gary Cox, bestselling author of How to Be an Existentialist and How to Be a Philosopher, takes us on an exciting journey through the central themes of existentialism, a philosophy of the human condition. The Existentialist's Guide fascinates, informs, provokes and inspires as it explores existentialism's uncompromising view of human reality. It leaves the reader with no illusions about how hard it is to live honestly and achieve authenticity. It has, however, a redeeming humour that sets the wisdom of the great existentialist philosophers alongside the wit of great musicians and comedians. A realistic self-help book for anyone interested in personal empowerment, The Existentialist's Guide offers a wealth of profound philosophical insight into life, the universe and everything.

Offers an accessible introduction to the extensive fictional writings of Jean-Paul Sartre. Providing comprehensive coverage of his short stories, novels and plays, this book examines the close links between the ideas and themes in his fiction and those put forward in his formal philosophical works.