My Search for Meaning: A professor, his students, and 10 Great Conversations Conversations about the most important ideas ever considered: What is truth, good and evil, justice, liberty, equality, law, punishment, honor, friendship, and happiness? A book based on the conversations of a professor and his students, questioning life's dilemmas we all ultimately face. The dialog expresses contemporary concerns and the insights of history into 10 fundamental questions of human existence. Which 10 core questions form the basis for nearly all important personal and social decisions in contemporary society? This book is comprised of a series of conversations between a professor (the author) and his current and former students about 10 seminal ideas and the questions that surround those ideas. The conversations are contemporary in nature, occurring in and around campus, using common human experiences and conversations to make larger points. The 10 questions form the basis for much of what we know about living together successfully in a complicated world. Conversations about these questions will lead readers to think more clearly and make better judgments when faced with difficult life choices. This book is distinguished in combining both the philosophical basis for these timeless questions, while using current conversations among a variety of different students to illustrate their relevance in contemporary life. If a person was to read only one book on the role of fundamental ideas in living and better life and in shaping a better society, this book provides poignant insights in an interesting and highly-readable conversational format. CONTENTS Introduction: Facts and Values 1. Truth What is the truth and why is it so difficult to determine? 2. Good & Evil How do we clearly determine right from wrong actions? 3. Justice Is it possible for everyone to get what he or she deserves? 4. Liberty If freedom is desirable, then why do we place so many limits on it? 5. Equality How should we deal with the inequalities cased by nature, achievement, and opportunity? 6. Law Why is there so much law, and how do we know when there's enough? 7. Punishment What is the purpose of punishment, and is it effective? 8. Friendship Do the obligations of friendship divide us or bring us together? 9. Honor How do we distinguish fame and celebrity from deserved recognition? 10. Happiness If we all are looking to be happy, then why are we so miserable? "Jay Albanese is brilliant, profound, and entertaining, all in one stroke of the pen. My Search for Meaning provoked both laughter and inner silence on virtually every page. I began with the notion that Albanese was talking about his students' quests for virtues like truth, justice, and happiness, but I soon realized I was deeply mistaken. It was about us all." - John Cencich, author The Devil's Garden: A War Crimes Investigator's Story "The dialogue between characters is like reading a compelling play. It's an easy and interesting read that presents complex issues in depth. This book should be read by all professors and students. It's the stuff of real liberal education offered in a way that students will read." - John (Jake) Gibbs, co-author The Mindful Way to Study: Dancing with Your Books "As filtered through the minds of students, Professor Albanese has captured some of life's meaningful insights and wisdom. The amusing and witty narrative between professor and student is engaging and informative. The reader will appreciate the Socratic discourse. This is a well-crafted treatise that takes the reader on a reflective journey." - Peter J. Benekos, co-author Crime Control, Politics, and Policy "Addresses the most serious subjects of life in a light-hearted and easy-to-digest manner. It is a very clever way of writing about philosophy and ethics and weaves the characters and ideas together seamlessly from chapter to chapter - Karol Lucken, co-author: American

Author Biography

Jay S. Albanese is a professor and criminologist in the Wilder School of Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University, and served as Chief of the International Center at the National Institute of Justice, the research arm of the U.S. Department of Justice. He was the first Ph.D. graduate from Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice. Dr. Albanese has made invited presentations in 20 countries, and written and edited 19 books. He is recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award from Virginia Commonwealth University, the Excellence in Research Award and Teaching Excellence Award from Niagara University, the Scholar Award in Criminal Justice from the Virginia Social Science Association, and the Gerhard Mueller Award for outstanding contributions to international criminal justice. He is a past president and fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.