Ultimate Questions

Ultimate Questions cover
Good Books rating 4.0
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Technical
  • ID: 5542
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9781400880454
  • Publisher: Princeton University Press
  • Published: 2016-03-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In 'Ultimate Questions,' Bryan Magee delves into the fundamental need to understand our existence and the world around us. He argues that while reason can take us far, mystery remains, and faith is not knowledge. Magee traces his philosophical journey through the works of Locke, Hume, Kant, and Schopenhauer, urging readers to map the boundaries of meaningfulness and embrace the enigma of existence. This book is a deeply personal meditation on the meaning of life, offering insights into how we should live and face death. Magee's eloquent exploration of the human predicament provides a transformative perspective on our place in the universe, making it a crowning achievement of his distinguished philosophical career.

Reviews
The Guardian · 2017-12-29
insightful 4.00

The book is praised for its accessible introduction to philosophy, building on the author's previous work in television. It is noted for its well-managed and argued points.

The reviewer highlights Bryan Magee's ability to make philosophy accessible to a wider audience, much like his television programs in the 1970s. They appreciate the book's well-managed and argued points, which make complex philosophical ideas understandable. The book is seen as a valuable resource for those looking to explore the fundamentals of philosophy. However, the reviewer notes that the lack of definitive answers might leave some readers feeling a sense of bleakness.


Quick quotes

    Truly great in introducing a lot of us to philosophy through his well managed and argued reasonable programmes on TV in the 70s

    Magee's book is a summation of what he has concluded about 'the fundamentals of the human situation'

    The lack of definitive answers may make some readers feel that this is a bleak outlook

Julian Baggini · Julian Baggini · 2016-03-29
profound 4.25

The book is praised for its deep exploration of philosophical questions, with the author's wonder and curiosity shining through. It is seen as a testament to a lifelong journey in philosophy.

Julian Baggini highlights Bryan Magee's ability to maintain a sense of wonder and curiosity throughout his philosophical journey. They appreciate the depth and breadth of the book's exploration of fundamental questions, making it a testament to Magee's lifelong dedication to philosophy. The reviewer notes that the book is not just an academic exercise but a personal reflection, which adds a layer of authenticity and depth. However, they also mention that the lack of definitive answers might leave some readers feeling a sense of incompleteness.


Quick quotes

    Plato and Aristotle claimed that philosophy begins with wonder. Bryan Magee is proof that for some, the wonder never dies, it only deepens

    This small book is the culmination of a lifetime's thought about some of the deepest and most unfathomable philosophical questions

    Magee doesn't speculate on possible answers, but instead devotes 'Ultimate Questions' to articulating why we absolutely cannot answer these questions

The Independent · 2016-03-24
reflective 3.75

The book is described as a summation of the author's life-long conclusions about the human condition. It is seen as a thoughtful and reflective work.

The reviewer describes Bryan Magee's book as a culmination of his life-long reflections on the human condition. They appreciate the depth and thoughtfulness of the work, which offers a profound exploration of some of the most fundamental questions. The reviewer notes that the book is not just a philosophical treatise but also a personal reflection, making it a unique and valuable read. However, they also mention that the lack of definitive answers might leave some readers feeling unsatisfied.


Quick quotes

    Magee's book is a summation of what he has concluded about 'the fundamentals of the human situation'

    This small book is the culmination of a lifetime's thought about some of the deepest and most unfathomable philosophical questions

    The lack of definitive answers may make some readers feel that this is a bleak outlook