Ethical Wisdom: What Makes Us Good

Matousek, Mark

[Image: Ethical Wisdom: What Makes Us Good]

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.

Publisher: Doubleday Books
US SRP: $ 26.95 US
Binding: Hardcover
Pub Date: May 24, 2011

BISAC Categories:
- Philosophy | Ethics & Moral Philosophy
- Philosophy | Good & Evil
- Family & Relationships | Ethics & Morals
LC Subjects:
-Conduct of life -Values
Dewey: 170
LC Call Number: BF778
LCCN: 2009031047
Features: Bibliography, Price on Product, Dust Cover, Table of Contents, Price on Product - Canadian
Initial Print Run: 30000
Physical Info: 1.2" H x 8.3" L x 5.6" W (0.9 lbs) 251 pages
Carton Quantity: 12

Ethical Wisdom: What Makes Us Good Matousek, Mark
	Item#	Binding	isbn 10	Price
	9780385527897	Hardcover	0385527896	21.25
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.