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More About This Textbook
Overview
Luck touches us all. "Why me?" we complain when things go wrong—though seldom when things go right. But although luck has a firm hold on all our lives, we seldom reflect on it in a cogent, concerted way.
In Luck, one of our most eminent philosophers offers a realistic view of the nature and operation of luck to help us come to sensible terms with life in a chaotic world. Differentiating luck from fate (inexorable destiny) and fortune (mere chance), Nicholas Rescher weaves a colorful tapestry of historical examples, from the use of lots in the Old and New Testaments to Thomas Gataker’s treatise of 1619 on the great English lottery of 1612, from casino gambling to playing the stock market. Because we are creatures of limited knowledge who do and must make decisions in the light of incomplete information, Rescher argues, we are inevitably at the mercy of luck. It behooves us to learn more about it.
An esteemed American philospher offers a realistic view of the nature and operation of luck in order to come to sensible terms with life in a chaotic world. In topics that range from antiquity to the present, from lotteries to business, from romance to war, Rescher explains how people can reduce reliance on luck alone to improve the odds in everyday life.
Editorial Reviews
Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly
Luck, an unpredictable, uncontrollable force bringing good or ill fortune into our personal lives, has a vast impact on human affairs, declares University of Pittsburgh philosophy professor Rescher. In a wise, sensible inquiry that throws a floodlight on a topic shrouded in misconceptions, he explores the role of luck in accidents, windfalls, lost or gained opportunities, flukish victimizations; in work, love, daily affairs, elections, war, games and science. Citing Spinoza and the Book of Job, he mulls the unmerited misfortunes that befall good people. Using Pascal, Leibniz and game theory, he interprets gambling as a microcosm of life. Rescher believes that astrology and superstitions are a waste of energy. Instead, he argues, people can guard against bad luck through common caution, insurance, keeping the odds on one's side and extending one's knowledge. He further urges alertness, preparedness and thoughtful timing as means to create and seize favorable opportunities. (Oct.)From Barnes & Noble
What are the chances for good luck and bad luck? How is luck different from fate and fortune? Do we have any control over luck? Through historical and everyday examples, a philosopher shows how we can come to terms with luck in a chaotic world, and even manage it to some extent.Product Details
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