Ethical Wisdom

The Search for a Moral Life

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology, Health & Well Being, Self Help, Self Improvement
Cover of the book Ethical Wisdom by Mark Matousek, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Mark Matousek ISBN: 9780385532600
Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group Publication: May 24, 2011
Imprint: Anchor Language: English
Author: Mark Matousek
ISBN: 9780385532600
Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
Publication: May 24, 2011
Imprint: Anchor
Language: English

Since the days of the first primitive tribes, we have tried to determine why one man is good and another evil. Mark Matousek arrives at the answer in Ethical Wisdom.

Contrary to what we've been taught in our reason-obsessed culture, emotions are the bedrock of ethical life; without them, human beings cannot be empathic, moral, or good.

But how do we make the judgment call between self-interest and caring for others? What does being good really mean? Which parts of morality are biological, which ethical? When should instinct be trusted and when does it lead us into trouble? How can we know ourselves to be good amidst the hypocrisy, fears, and sabotaging appetites that pervade our two-sided natures?

Drawing on the latest scientific research and interviews with social scientists, spiritual leaders, ex-cons, altruists, and philosophers, Matousek examines morality from a scientific, sociological, and anthropological standpoint. Each chapter features a series of questions, readings, interviews, parables, and anecdotes that zoom in on a particular niche of moral inquiry, making this book both utilitarian and fun.

Ethical Wisdom is an insightful and important book for readers crisscrossing their own murky moral terrain.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Since the days of the first primitive tribes, we have tried to determine why one man is good and another evil. Mark Matousek arrives at the answer in Ethical Wisdom.

Contrary to what we've been taught in our reason-obsessed culture, emotions are the bedrock of ethical life; without them, human beings cannot be empathic, moral, or good.

But how do we make the judgment call between self-interest and caring for others? What does being good really mean? Which parts of morality are biological, which ethical? When should instinct be trusted and when does it lead us into trouble? How can we know ourselves to be good amidst the hypocrisy, fears, and sabotaging appetites that pervade our two-sided natures?

Drawing on the latest scientific research and interviews with social scientists, spiritual leaders, ex-cons, altruists, and philosophers, Matousek examines morality from a scientific, sociological, and anthropological standpoint. Each chapter features a series of questions, readings, interviews, parables, and anecdotes that zoom in on a particular niche of moral inquiry, making this book both utilitarian and fun.

Ethical Wisdom is an insightful and important book for readers crisscrossing their own murky moral terrain.

More books from Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

Cover of the book In the Kingdom of Men by Mark Matousek
Cover of the book The Spanish Prisoner and The Winslow Boy by Mark Matousek
Cover of the book In a Free State by Mark Matousek
Cover of the book Anatomy of Injustice by Mark Matousek
Cover of the book The American Civil War by Mark Matousek
Cover of the book Sea Lovers by Mark Matousek
Cover of the book In the Kitchen with Rosie by Mark Matousek
Cover of the book Top Dog by Mark Matousek
Cover of the book The Mourning Sexton by Mark Matousek
Cover of the book The Last Campaign by Mark Matousek
Cover of the book Almost Perfect by Mark Matousek
Cover of the book Magician of the Modern by Mark Matousek
Cover of the book Byron by Mark Matousek
Cover of the book For Common Things by Mark Matousek
Cover of the book A Woman in Charge by Mark Matousek
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy