{"product_id":"liberation-from-self-a-theory-of-personal-autonomy-detailed","title":"Liberation from Self: A Theory of Personal Autonomy - Detailed","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of Liberation from Self: A Theory of Personal Autonomy, the bottom line is clear: this book is for readers who want a rigorous, psychologically informed reconception of autonomy rather than another abstract essay about free will. Bernard Berofsky offers the most detailed and comprehensive treatment of autonomy currently available, arguing persuasively that autonomy is better understood as liberation from physiological and psychological afflictions rather than origination within an isolated self. If you want a careful, scholarly examination that challenges standard philosophical assumptions, this is the work to read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eComprehensive treatment:\u003c\/strong\u003e The book surveys and integrates a wide range of arguments so readers get a full, systematic account of autonomy rather than a narrow critique.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNovel conception:\u003c\/strong\u003e Berofsky argues for autonomy as liberation from disabling conditions, offering a fresh alternative to theories that emphasize origination in the self.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePsychological emphasis:\u003c\/strong\u003e The argument pays close attention to psychology, making the analysis more empirically sensible and relevant to real human limitations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScholarly depth:\u003c\/strong\u003e The treatment is sophisticated and detailed, suitable for graduate students, scholars, and serious general readers interested in political and moral theory.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTheoretical clarity:\u003c\/strong\u003e The author systematically explains why the idea of autonomy as origination is seductive but ultimately illusory, helping readers follow complex objections and responses.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is best suited to philosophy students, academics, and thoughtful general readers who want a deep dive into theories of personal autonomy and its relation to psychology. Professionals in ethics, political theory, and mental health who seek a concept of autonomy tied to liberation from disabling conditions will find the scholarly argument especially useful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaders looking for a light introduction or a short popular overview of autonomy should look elsewhere, as the book's density and emphasis on systematic, philosophical argument make it a heavier, more demanding read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides a uniquely comprehensive and detailed analysis of autonomy not commonly found in shorter treatments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnchors the concept of autonomy in psychology, increasing relevance to real-world human experience.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOffers a persuasive alternative to the common idea of autonomy as origination, prompting re-evaluation of familiar positions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe book's level of scholarly detail and theoretical density may be challenging for casual readers seeking a brief overview.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTitle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLiberation from Self: A Theory of Personal Autonomy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAuthor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBernard Berofsky\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScope\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eComprehensive philosophical treatment of autonomy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMain thesis\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAutonomy as liberation from physiological and psychological afflictions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproach\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePsychologically informed, critical of origination-based autonomy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAudience\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScholars, graduate students, serious general readers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBerofsky's Liberation from Self stands out as a rigorous reconceptualization of autonomy that links philosophical theory to psychological realities. Serious readers and scholars should buy it because it challenges entrenched assumptions and offers a coherent, comprehensive alternative that is valuable for ethics and political thought.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the book defend a scientific account of autonomy?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt emphasizes psychological evidence and the disabling effects of afflictions, but it remains a philosophical, not an empirical, defense of autonomy as liberation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this suitable for undergraduate courses?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAdvanced undergraduates in philosophy or political theory may find it useful, though instructors should be prepared for its theoretical density.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the author reject all traditional views of autonomy?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBerofsky critiques the idea of autonomy as origination in the self and proposes a different conception focused on liberation from disabling conditions rather than simple rejection of earlier work.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bernard Berofsky","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48775421722843,"sku":"0521480450","price":101.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/517kZJhL0uL._SL1360.jpg?v=1778823602","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/liberation-from-self-a-theory-of-personal-autonomy-detailed","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}