Gabor Csepregi, In vivo. A Phenomenology of Life-Defining Moments. Montreal & Kingston-London-Chicago, McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2019, 15 × 22,8 cm, x-205 p., ISBN 978-0-7735-5663-8

This is a book about philosophy “in” life, in vivo, more than “of” life. It uses the gaze and resources of the phenomenological method to explore some experiences shared by many of us at one point or other in our lives. The author, Gabor Csepregi, is a well-known Canadian philosopher and phenomenologist, who has written extensively on the body, music, play, sports, spontaneity, among many other themes. This book, however, seems more of a synthesis of a long phenomenological exploration of the human person, than a series of descriptions of human traits and actions. In that way, it is a marking contribution to Philosophical Anthropology. The book is presented as a “phenomenology of life-defining moments.” Some of these moments, such as leaving one’s family and familiar surroundings, may be life-transforming in their radicality. Others, such as listening to a beautiful piece of music, although life-transforming, may still be part of “ordinary life.” In any case, an “implicit contention” of the book is that “there is, in every human life, a possibility of transformation and renewal” (p. 7). In addition, the book seeks to underline the “positive side of life” in spite of the difficulties sometimes involved in these life-transforming experiences. The book addresses six “vital experiences” providing the theme of each chapter (p. 5): deciding, breaking away, immersing in a foreign culture, following a model, listening to music and acting ethically. “I believe, Csepregi writes, that the disclosure and import of all these supreme moments is one of the worthwhile aims of the philosophy of the human person.” (p. 5) 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. “Phenomenology is, in this respect, a critique of the unnuanced application of some abstract categories to human existence.” (p. 11) It stays close to human experience before deploying theoretical structures. “Philosophy based on phenomenology is an effort of awakening to the wonder of the world.” (p. 11) We are pulled in to take part in the craft of phenomenological description and analysis applied to some shared experiences. That is why the book will certainly appeal to specialists who will discover a fine application of their method. But the book also appeals to a more general audience as readers will often recognize on the pages themselves and some of their experiences. We have all felt the anxiety and loneliness of crucial decisions, the anguish and sorrow of leaving loved ones and our familiar setting. We have all been transfixed by beautiful musical compositions or performances. Hopefully, we have had models, mentors, and guides in our lives. We are always called to ethical action. Each of these experiences are given a chapter exploring their different dimensions, relying on a variety of sources. In philosophy, Kierkegaard, Scheler, Marcel, and so many others serve as our guides. Literature supplies a rich array of examples, featuring Borges, Stendhal and Tolstoy, among others. History is often called to share the stories of men and women who have faced in an exemplary way many of the experiences described in the book. Sometimes, the author shares interesting personal stories to illustrate his points. This appeal to multiple sources of understanding of life defining moments makes the book all the more captivating and enjoyable to read. Chapter one, “Logic of Exception” examines the …