In Praise of Speaking

In Praise of Speaking highlights and extols the central role of conversation in the activity of doing philosophy. From its origins in platonic dialogue and in the peripatetic tradition, philosophy in the West has long been a discussion between human beings seeking a communion of ideas. In the contemporary professionalization of philosophy in the academy, in highly specialized conferences and jargon-filled discourse, this simple insight into the search for wisdom is often covered over. This book works to reanimate the ancient philosophical focus thematically and practically.

Both a tribute to and a celebration of the work of distinguished scholar and philosopher Adriaan Peperzak, this volume is a collection of short essays that reflect his influence in the thinking of some of his former students. In Praise of Speaking, and Living with Philosophy were the themes of two symposia organized in Peperzak’s honour and with his active collaboration. Each was held in a format that emphasized dialogue over declamation. Gathered here are the fruits of those meetings, including contributions by Adriaan Peperzak. Catriona Hanley introduces, edits and organizes the volume, as well as providing commentary.

Adriaan Theodoor Peperzak is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Loyola University Chicago, where since 1991 he was the Arthur J. Schmitt chair. He was previously at Katholieke Universiteit Nijmegen (now Radboud University). Catriona Hanley is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Loyola University Maryland, where she also founded the Peace and Justice Studies program.