When political theorists teach the history of political philosophy, they typically skip from the ancient Greeks and Cicero to Augustine in the fifth century and Thomas Aquinas in the thirteenth, and then on to the origins of modernity with Machiavelli and beyond. Paul Stern aims to change this settled narrative and makes a powerful case for treating Dante Alighieri, arguably the greatest poet of medieval Christendom, as a political philosopher of the first rank. In Dante's Philosophical Life, Stern argues that Purgatorio's depiction of the ascent to Earthly Paradise, that is, the summit of Mount Purgatory, was intended to give instruction on how to live the philosophic life, understood in its classical form as "love of wisdom." As an object of love, however, wisdom must be sought by the human soul, rather than possessed. But before the search can be undertaken, the soul needs to consider from where it begins: its nature and its good. In Stern's interpretation of Purgatorio, Dante's intense concern for political life follows from this need, for it is law that supplies the notions of good that shape the soul's understanding and it is law, especially its limits, that provides the most evident display of the soul's enduring hopes. According to Stern, Dante places inquiry regarding human nature and its good at the heart of philosophic investigation, thereby rehabilitating the highest form of reasoned judgment or prudence. Philosophy thus understood is neither a body of doctrines easily situated in a Christian framework nor a set of intellectual tools best used for predetermined theological ends, but a way of life. Stern's claim that Dante was arguing for prudence against dogmatisms of every kind addresses a question of contemporary concern: whether reason can guide a life.

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This book seeks to clarify the precise structure of self-consciousness and self-determination and elucidates their significance for our philosophical understanding of self-knowledge and human agency. The analysis challenges traditional models of theoretical self-knowledge and practical self-relation and elaborates an account of rationally grounded responsibility that jointly fulfills the demands of autonomy and authenticity.Tugendhat's study is a unique synthesis of the contemporary Anglo-American philosophical approach with an abiding concern for classical philosophical problems. It brings the methods of linguistic analysis to bear on such epistemological, moral, and metaphysical issues as the meaning and interconnections of self-knowledge, ego identity, rational self-understanding, and freedom of the will.In this context, the views of Wittgenstein, Heidegger, Mead, and Hegel are searchingly examined. The philosophical testimony of Kierkegaard, Freud, Habermas, and others is also presented and weighed.Self-Consciousness and Self-Determination is based on a series of lectures given at Heidelberg. Ernst Tugendhat is currently Professor of Philosophy at the Freie Universitat in Berlin. The book is included in the series Studies in Contemporary German Social Thought, edited by Thomas McCarthy."

The Theaetetus is one of the most widely studied of any of the Platonic dialogues because its dominant theme concerns the significant philosophical question, what is knowledge? In this book Paul Stern provides a full-length treatment of its political character in relationship to this dominant theme. He argues that this approach sheds significant light on the distinctiveness of the Socratic way of life, with respect to both its initial justification and its ultimate character. More specifically, he argues that Socrates' revolutionary decision to subject political life to philosophic reflection, the decision that leads directly to his trial and execution, is based on his awareness of the elusiveness of comprehensive knowledge and the implications of that elusiveness for the validity of philosophic inquiry. This view of Socrates' rationale has important consequences for our understanding of political philosophy and of the validity of the life of reason itself.

I found the book extremely interesting and informative. I was particularly impressed with the practical advice given in the text, advice that is not often found in the legal literature. . . . The writing is clear and compelling, and Paul Stern's style is perfect: he entertains as he educates. --Thomas D. Lyon, The Law School, University of Southern California, Los Angeles Called upon to educate courtroom decision makers, the expert witness provides testimony that is critical to achieving intelligent and just verdicts. Few judges and jury members possess the knowledge base needed to adequately understand complexities of human behavior as they relate to acts of interpersonal violence. While the lay witness can testify to actual incidents or observations, it is the "expert witness" who can provide forensic significance to such evidence. With this vital insight, courts can more accurately assess and weigh evidence, leading to more informed and appropriate decisions. Timely and accessible, The Preparation and Presentation of Expert Testimony clearly defines the need for and role of expert witnesses in litigation. Author Paul Stern demystifies the process while providing practical, stepwise guidance for those who want to prepare and present expert testimony with confidence and clarity. Beginning with discussions of the who, what, and why of expert testimony, the book also defines the role of the expert, including ethical and professional issues that may arise. Filled with tips, techniques, and case examples, chapters also show expert witnesses and attorneys how to prepare for court, how to present testimony in the most convincing and credible manner possible, how to deal with cross-examination, and how to cross-examine irresponsible expert witnesses. Anyone who may be called upon to testify--or participate in court in any way--in cases of interpersonal violence will find this book an invaluable resource. In particular, mental health professionals, medical personnel, scientists, investigators, attorneys, and judges will want to use the book to prepare themselves for the rigors involved in every aspect of expert testimony.

"I found the book extremely interesting and informative. I was particularly impressed with the practical advice given in the text, advice that is not often found in the legal literature. . . . The writing is clear and compelling, and Paul Stern's style is perfect: he entertains as he educates." --Thomas D. Lyon, The Law School, University of Southern California, Los Angeles Called upon to educate courtroom decision makers, the expert witness provides testimony that is critical to achieving intelligent and just verdicts. Few judges and jury members possess the knowledge base needed to adequately understand complexities of human behavior as they relate to acts of interpersonal violence. While the lay witness can testify to actual incidents or observations, it is the "expert witness" who can provide forensic significance to such evidence. With this vital insight, courts can more accurately assess and weigh evidence, leading to more informed and appropriate decisions. Timely and accessible, The Preparation and Presentation of Expert Testimony clearly defines the need for and role of expert witnesses in litigation. Author Paul Stern demystifies the process while providing practical, stepwise guidance for those who want to prepare and present expert testimony with confidence and clarity. Beginning with discussions of the who, what, and why of expert testimony, the book also defines the role of the expert, including ethical and professional issues that may arise. Filled with tips, techniques, and case examples, chapters also show expert witnesses and attorneys how to prepare for court, how to present testimony in the most convincing and credible manner possible, how to deal with cross-examination, and how to cross-examine irresponsible expert witnesses. Anyone who may be called upon to testify--or participate in court in any way--in cases of interpersonal violence will find this book an invaluable resource. In particular, mental health professionals, medical personnel, scientists, investigators, attorneys, and judges will want to use the book to prepare themselves for the rigors involved in every aspect of expert testimony.