The Task of Criticism

Erudite and eloquent John William Miller''s writing engages readers with his earthy treatment of basic philosophical questions. Designed as an introduction to a compelling historicist philosophy this volume presents Miller''s best and most representative essays in a single authoritative edition. Miller (1895-1978) taught at Williams College and he is well known for his extraordinary teaching (described in Masters: Portraits of Great Teachers). He was also a philosopher of the first rank who arrived at a strikingly original reinterpretation of the history of philosophy and the perennial philosophical problems especially dualism. Challenging the dogmatism and nihilism that mark so much of recent philosophy Miller advocated a thoughtful and engaged approach to lifeone that revitalizes philosophical activity embraces history and joins reflection with participation in a democratic community. The editors have selected twenty-nine essays and have composed succinct introductions to each. Joseph P. Fell has contributed a general introduction that places Miller''s thought in context and exhibits the contemporary relevance of his philosophy.