Of Reality

March 1, 2016

Is reality a bad thing? Vattimo (emeritus philosophy, Univ. of Turin; A Farewell to Truth) argues that at best the idea of a fixed reality is inaccessible and unnecessary. Taking reality seriously, however, privileges certain interpretations as foundational and consequently is oppressive. The book is composed of Vattimo's 1998 Leuven and 2010 Gifford Lectures, followed by a series of appendixes. This may seem to make for a fractured anthology, yet it flows smoothly. Vattimo's initial touchstone is Friedrich Nietzsche's aphorism, "There are no facts, only interpretations--And is this too an interpretation?" This leads into Martin Heidegger's idea of dasein, followed by Vattimo's synthesis "weak thought," a sort of nihilism. To oversimplify matters, Vattimo takes Heidegger's modification of Edmund Husserl and relieves it of any fixed ontology. Vattimo then continues with a critique of epistemological foundationalism--starting with Alfred Tarski's principle that "P" is true if and only if P. In presenting his thesis, Vattimo ably takes on both continental and analytical tradition, including standard arguments against nihilism. The appendixes are indispensable in unpacking the two densely argued lecture series. VERDICT An engaging and refreshing read for any serious student of philosophy, regardless of one's approach.--James Wetherbee, Wingate Univ. Libs., NC

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