Title
On Blindness: Letters between Bryan Magee and Martin Milligan,Used
Sold by Ergodebooks, an authorized reseller.
Returns accepted within 30 days | support@ergodebooks.com
Shipping Information
- Free Standard Shipping — United States only
- Processing Time: 1–3 business days
- Estimated Delivery: 3–5 business days after dispatch
- Double-boxed, fully insured & discreetly packaged
- Tracking number sent via email once dispatched
- Orders over $250 require signature upon delivery. Taxes calculated at checkout.
Returns & Refund
Returns accepted within 30 days of delivery.
Damaged or Defective Item
Free return shipping + replacement or full refund
Wrong Item Received
Free return shipping + replacement or full refund
Change of Mind
Return shipping at customer's expense · 25% restocking fee applies
Payment Option
For three centuries, philosophers have held that knowledge derives from experience. If so, it may be possible that blind people, lacking an important component of experiencevisual perceptionknow the world in ways that differ from the rest of us. Curious about this possibility, the noted philosopher, author, and BBC host Bryan Magee began to correspond with Martin Milligan, Dean of the Philosophy Department at the University of Leeds, and himself blind nearly since birth. On Blindness presents their fascinating letters to each other, letters which, as Magee notes, soon "hared off" in unforeseen directions, to delve not only into philosophical questions of perception, but also into the daytoday differences between blind and sighted people and how these differences define their respective worlds.Through these letters, the reader eavesdrops on two brilliant thinkers as they wrestle with important philosophical issues and discuss everything from how to convey the stunning visual beauty of a flamingocovered African lake, to tasting the "brownness" of coffee, to defining sight as "feeling from a distance," to Milligan's description of his own dreams and their significance. Much of this dialogue is quite thoughtprovoking, such as Milligan's assertion that people blind from birth do not "live in a world of darkness," that they don't even have a sense of what darkness is, nor would many of them want their sight restored. And at times the exchanges become rather heated, as when Milligan makes the philosophical argument that "knowing" and "knowing that" are essentially the same, that all knowledge is propositional knowledgean assertion that Magee finds anathema. Likewise, when Magee claims that differences between the sighted and the blind "can only be described as vast," Milligan (who had fought prejudice against the blind all his life) sends back a passionate rebuttal.Here in the course of their wide ranging correspondence, Magee and Milligan probe the limits of what can be known, or expressed, or understood, shedding much light on the writings of such thinkers as Kant, Russell, Schopenhauer, and Wittgenstein, among others. And as they do so, they also bring their readers closer to understanding what divides the blind and the sightedand what brings them both together in the struggle to understand the world.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the page count of 'On Blindness'? A: This book contains two hundred eight pages. The length allows for an in-depth exploration of philosophical discussions between the authors.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book is available in hardcover binding. Hardcover books are durable and provide a premium reading experience.
- Q: What are the dimensions of 'On Blindness'? A: The book measures five point seven five inches in length, one inch in width, and nine inches in height. These dimensions make it easy to hold and store.
- Q: Who are the authors of 'On Blindness'? A: The authors are Bryan Magee and Martin Milligan. Magee is a noted philosopher and author, while Milligan is a dean and blind from birth.
- Q: What philosophical themes does this book cover? A: The book explores themes of perception, knowledge, and the differences between blind and sighted experiences. It delves into deep philosophical questions through letters.
- Q: What is the reading level for 'On Blindness'? A: This book is suitable for adult readers. It engages with complex philosophical ideas that require a mature understanding.
- Q: How should I care for this hardcover book? A: To maintain the book’s condition, store it in a cool, dry place and avoid direct sunlight. Clean gently with a soft cloth if needed.
- Q: Is 'On Blindness' suitable for a philosophy course? A: Yes, this book is suitable for philosophy courses. It presents important discussions on perception and knowledge, enriching academic discourse.
- Q: Can I gift 'On Blindness' to a visually impaired person? A: Yes, gifting this book can be meaningful, especially if the recipient is interested in philosophy. The letters discuss unique perspectives on blindness.
- Q: What if my copy of 'On Blindness' arrives damaged? A: If your copy arrives damaged, contact the seller for a return or replacement. Most sellers have policies in place to address such issues.
- Q: Is there a warranty for 'On Blindness'? A: Typically, books do not come with warranties. However, check with the retailer for their return policy or guarantees.
- Q: How should I store 'On Blindness'? A: Store the book upright on a shelf, away from moisture and direct sunlight. This will help preserve its condition over time.
- Q: What makes 'On Blindness' different from other philosophy books? A: This book is unique as it features a correspondence between a blind philosopher and a sighted one, offering contrasting insights on perception.
- Q: Are there any illustrations in 'On Blindness'? A: No, this book does not contain illustrations. It focuses on textual correspondence between the authors.
- Q: Is 'On Blindness' a good introduction to philosophy? A: Yes, it serves as a good introduction to key philosophical concepts related to perception and knowledge. It’s engaging and thought-provoking.