Clear Lines to Sore Spots

Philosophy in everyday life

What Robert Pfaller has elaborately deduced in his major books is explained here in concise form using current topics: delicate speech and vulgar presidents. Lockdowns and the good life. Private genders. Climate change and social inequality. Silencing unwelcome criticism. And much more. In interviews, speeches, and short essays, Pfaller clarifies his theses with concrete examples—and makes it clear that “philosophy is not a luxury for intellectuals, but a tool of liberation.” A deepening of his ideas for connoisseurs, a brilliant introduction for the curious, an antidote to the confusion of our times for everyone.

"Again and again, beautiful, clear sentences that deliver illuminating insights." — Tobias Becker, Der Spiegel

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  • Publisher: S. FISCHER
  • Release: 29.04.2026
  • ISBN: 978-3-10-397758-5
  • 272 Pages
  • Author: Robert Pfaller
Buchcover von Clear Lines to Sore Spots
Robert Pfaller Clear Lines to Sore Spots
Portrait von Robert Pfaller
© Peter Rigaud
Robert Pfaller

Robert Pfaller, born in 1962, studied philosophy in Vienna and Berlin and, after guest professorships in Chicago, Berlin, Zurich and Strasbourg, is now a professor of philosophy at the University of Art and Design Linz. From 2009 to 2014, he was a professor of philosophy at the University of Applied Arts Vienna. His books published by Fischer include "Das schmutzige Heilige und die reine Vernunft. Symptome der Gegenwartskultur" (2008), the highly acclaimed study "Wofür es sich zu leben lohnt. Elemente materialistischer Philosophie" (2011), "Zweite Welten. Und andere Lebenselixire" (2012) as well as “Kurze Sätze über gutes Leben” (2015). After "Erwachsenensprache. Über ihr Verschwinden aus Politik und Kultur" (2017), "Die blitzenden Waffen. Über die Macht der Form" was published in 2020. He was awarded the Paul Watzlawick Ring of Honour in 2020.