Pessimism of the Intellect, Optimism of the Will

This collection of Kai Nielsen's writings has been conceived as a tribute to the Canadian political philosopher, a self-described "liberal socialist cosmopolitan nationalist." Editors Rondel (philosophy, Ryerson U., Canada) and Sager (philosophy, Portland State U., US), who both studied under Nielsen at Concordia U., have selected 13 essays as broadly representative of Nielsen's thought, organizing them into three sections thematically concerned with: critical theory and metaphilosophy; egalitarianism and socialism; and cosmopolitanism, nationalism, and global justice. Included as an afterword, is an interview with Nielsen on various subjects in political philosophy. Distributed in the US by Michigan State U. Press. Annotation c2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)