In Vivo
A Phenomenology of Life-Defining Moments
An exploration of the pivotal moments that transform and shape our lives.
Description
The course of human life, punctuated by unexpected and transformative moments, is never uniform. What are the characteristics of such life-defining moments, what responses do they evoke, and how do they transform the lives of those who experience them? In Vivo explores foundational questions and pivotal moments of the human experience – engagement with a foreign culture, the decision to break free from unfortunate experiences, a generous action undertaken in the context of an otherwise regular day – in terms of their life-altering potential. Through illustrative examples, both real and fictional, Csepregi reveals the primacy of personal feelings in shaping human life and demonstrates the formative power of spontaneity outside the traditional context of formal education. These moments, and particularly the way they disrupt ordinary temporal order, Csepregi argues, are the lived experiences of our vitality. In an age marked by increasing anxiety about the homogenizing tendencies of contemporary life, In Vivo is timely and revelatory. Informed by a range of philosophical thinking and examples from art, music, and literature, it illustrates opportunities for meaningful reflection that are available to everyone, and urges the reader to engage with them.
Reviews
"The author readily adopts a phenomenological stance used as a craft rather than a "theory." We are thus dispensed from the development of a complex theoretical apparatus, which is there. but only discreetly. This is nothing short of refreshing -- we see phenomenology in action right away, much like we appreciate a musical piece without musical training -- an experience beautifully described in the book. A captivating and enjoyable to read." Science and Esprit
"Csepregi offers an appealing combination of academic depth with actual wisdom. He gives loving descriptions of concrete experience in accessible language-doing phenomenology without indulging in phenomenological jargon." Review of Metaphysics
"With its lucid language, In Vivo will enthrall philosophers and intellectuals. Csepregi establishes a dialogue between diverse traditions, using the best of various philosophies in order to develop a singular point of view." Gaëlle Fiasse, McGill University