Morality's Muddy Waters

Morality's Muddy Waters

Author: George Cotkin

Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press

Published: 2011-06-06

Total Pages: 274

ISBN-13: 0812204832

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In the face of an uncertain and dangerous world, Americans yearn for a firm moral compass, a clear set of ethical guidelines. But as history shows, by reducing complex situations to simple cases of right or wrong we often go astray. In Morality's Muddy Waters, historian George Cotkin offers a clarion call on behalf of moral complexity. Revisiting several defining moments in the twentieth century—the American bombing of civilians during World War II, the My Lai massacre, racism in the South, capital punishment, the invasion of Iraq—Cotkin chronicles how historical figures have grappled with the problem of evil and moral responsibility—sometimes successfully, oftentimes not. In the process, he offers a wide-ranging tour of modern American history. Taken together, Cotkin maintains, these episodes reveal that the central concepts of morality—evil, empathy, and virtue—are both necessary and troubling. Without empathy, for example, we fail to inhabit the world of others; with it, we sometimes elevate individual suffering over political complexities. For Cotkin, close historical analysis may help reenergize these concepts for ethical thinking and acting. Morality's Muddy Waters argues for a moral turn in the way we study and think about history, maintaining that even when answers to ethical dilemmas prove elusive, the act of grappling with them is invaluable.


Book Synopsis Morality's Muddy Waters by : George Cotkin

Download or read book Morality's Muddy Waters written by George Cotkin and published by University of Pennsylvania Press. This book was released on 2011-06-06 with total page 274 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the face of an uncertain and dangerous world, Americans yearn for a firm moral compass, a clear set of ethical guidelines. But as history shows, by reducing complex situations to simple cases of right or wrong we often go astray. In Morality's Muddy Waters, historian George Cotkin offers a clarion call on behalf of moral complexity. Revisiting several defining moments in the twentieth century—the American bombing of civilians during World War II, the My Lai massacre, racism in the South, capital punishment, the invasion of Iraq—Cotkin chronicles how historical figures have grappled with the problem of evil and moral responsibility—sometimes successfully, oftentimes not. In the process, he offers a wide-ranging tour of modern American history. Taken together, Cotkin maintains, these episodes reveal that the central concepts of morality—evil, empathy, and virtue—are both necessary and troubling. Without empathy, for example, we fail to inhabit the world of others; with it, we sometimes elevate individual suffering over political complexities. For Cotkin, close historical analysis may help reenergize these concepts for ethical thinking and acting. Morality's Muddy Waters argues for a moral turn in the way we study and think about history, maintaining that even when answers to ethical dilemmas prove elusive, the act of grappling with them is invaluable.


Just War Theory and Civilian Casualties

Just War Theory and Civilian Casualties

Author: Marcus Schulzke

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2017-08-10

Total Pages: 251

ISBN-13: 1107189691

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This book addresses the inadequacies of just war theory and international law regarding civilian rights, developing new principles of individual restorative justice.


Book Synopsis Just War Theory and Civilian Casualties by : Marcus Schulzke

Download or read book Just War Theory and Civilian Casualties written by Marcus Schulzke and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2017-08-10 with total page 251 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book addresses the inadequacies of just war theory and international law regarding civilian rights, developing new principles of individual restorative justice.


Transatlantic Democracy in the Twentieth Century

Transatlantic Democracy in the Twentieth Century

Author: Paul Nolte

Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG

Published: 2016-10-10

Total Pages: 202

ISBN-13: 3110490498

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Transatlantic democracy in the 20th century - this concept goes beyond the idea of an American civilizing mission in Europe after two World Wars, and certainly beyond the notion of re-educating Germans, and making them fit for Western institutions after Nazism. As democracy is being contested anew in the beginning of the 21st century, a much more complicated landscape of democracy since 1900 emerges. Transfer was not a one-way-street, and patterns of conflict and transformation affected both American and European political societies. American democracy may not be reduced to a resilient defense of original traditions, while the narrative of German democracy is more than redemption from catastrophe. The essays in this volume contribute to a new history of transatlantic democracy that accounts for its manifold experiences and constant renegotiations, up to the current challenges of American and European populism.


Book Synopsis Transatlantic Democracy in the Twentieth Century by : Paul Nolte

Download or read book Transatlantic Democracy in the Twentieth Century written by Paul Nolte and published by Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG. This book was released on 2016-10-10 with total page 202 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Transatlantic democracy in the 20th century - this concept goes beyond the idea of an American civilizing mission in Europe after two World Wars, and certainly beyond the notion of re-educating Germans, and making them fit for Western institutions after Nazism. As democracy is being contested anew in the beginning of the 21st century, a much more complicated landscape of democracy since 1900 emerges. Transfer was not a one-way-street, and patterns of conflict and transformation affected both American and European political societies. American democracy may not be reduced to a resilient defense of original traditions, while the narrative of German democracy is more than redemption from catastrophe. The essays in this volume contribute to a new history of transatlantic democracy that accounts for its manifold experiences and constant renegotiations, up to the current challenges of American and European populism.


Uncertain Empire

Uncertain Empire

Author: Joel Isaac

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2012-09-06

Total Pages: 313

ISBN-13: 0199826129

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Uncertain Empire examines the idea of the Cold War and its application to the writing of American history.


Book Synopsis Uncertain Empire by : Joel Isaac

Download or read book Uncertain Empire written by Joel Isaac and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2012-09-06 with total page 313 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Uncertain Empire examines the idea of the Cold War and its application to the writing of American history.


Morality

Morality

Author: James Platt

Publisher:

Published: 1878

Total Pages: 216

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis Morality by : James Platt

Download or read book Morality written by James Platt and published by . This book was released on 1878 with total page 216 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Troubled Waters

Troubled Waters

Author: Patrick Troy

Publisher: ANU E Press

Published: 2008-06-01

Total Pages: 228

ISBN-13: 1921313846

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Australian cities have traditionally relied for their water on a 'predict-and-provide' philosophy that gives primacy to big engineering solutions. In more recent years privatised water authorities, seeking to maximise consumption and profits, have reinforced the emphasis on increasing supply. Now the cities must cope with the stresses these policies have imposed on the eco-systems from which they harvest water, into which they discharge wastes, and on which they are located. Residents are having to pay more for their water, while the cities themselves are becoming less sustainable. Must we build more dams and desalination plants, or should we be managing the demand for urban water more prudently? This book explores the demand for urban water and how it has changed in response to shifting social mores over the past century. It explains how demand for centralised provision of water might be reshaped to enable the cities to better cope with expected changes in supply as our climate changes. And it discusses the implications of property rights in water for proposals to privatise water services.


Book Synopsis Troubled Waters by : Patrick Troy

Download or read book Troubled Waters written by Patrick Troy and published by ANU E Press. This book was released on 2008-06-01 with total page 228 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Australian cities have traditionally relied for their water on a 'predict-and-provide' philosophy that gives primacy to big engineering solutions. In more recent years privatised water authorities, seeking to maximise consumption and profits, have reinforced the emphasis on increasing supply. Now the cities must cope with the stresses these policies have imposed on the eco-systems from which they harvest water, into which they discharge wastes, and on which they are located. Residents are having to pay more for their water, while the cities themselves are becoming less sustainable. Must we build more dams and desalination plants, or should we be managing the demand for urban water more prudently? This book explores the demand for urban water and how it has changed in response to shifting social mores over the past century. It explains how demand for centralised provision of water might be reshaped to enable the cities to better cope with expected changes in supply as our climate changes. And it discusses the implications of property rights in water for proposals to privatise water services.


Ethics in Mental Health-Substance Use

Ethics in Mental Health-Substance Use

Author: David B. Cooper

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2017-05-08

Total Pages: 261

ISBN-13: 1351773550

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Ethics in Mental Health-Substance Use aims to explore the comprehensive concerns and dilemmas occurring from mental health and substance use problems, and to inform, develop, and educate by sharing and pooling knowledge, and enhancing expertise, in this fast developing region of ethics and ethical care and practice. This volume concentrates on ethical concerns, dilemmas, and concepts specifically interrelated, as a collation of problem(s) that directly or indirectly affect the life of the individual and family. Whilst presenting a balanced view of what is ethically best practice today, this title challenges concepts and stimulates debate, exploring all aspects of the development in treatment, intervention and care responses, and the adoption of research-led best practice.


Book Synopsis Ethics in Mental Health-Substance Use by : David B. Cooper

Download or read book Ethics in Mental Health-Substance Use written by David B. Cooper and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2017-05-08 with total page 261 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Ethics in Mental Health-Substance Use aims to explore the comprehensive concerns and dilemmas occurring from mental health and substance use problems, and to inform, develop, and educate by sharing and pooling knowledge, and enhancing expertise, in this fast developing region of ethics and ethical care and practice. This volume concentrates on ethical concerns, dilemmas, and concepts specifically interrelated, as a collation of problem(s) that directly or indirectly affect the life of the individual and family. Whilst presenting a balanced view of what is ethically best practice today, this title challenges concepts and stimulates debate, exploring all aspects of the development in treatment, intervention and care responses, and the adoption of research-led best practice.


Politically Correct Moral Autonomy: Christianity Besieged! Stirring the Melting Pot to a Boil

Politically Correct Moral Autonomy: Christianity Besieged! Stirring the Melting Pot to a Boil

Author: Ferd Wagner

Publisher: AuthorHouse

Published: 2022-06-15

Total Pages: 228

ISBN-13: 1665559098

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On what basis should we accept or reject political or social philosophies that insist human nature, human wisdom and human cooperation have the potential to resolve our issues and problems if we buy into the morality espoused by liberal politics and liberal resolutions? Should we side with progressives who see most people as good, free to self-determine their own standards and will do the right thing if given the opportunity? Or with the right political and social contracts proposed by the “correct” party who see the morality of the liberal government as our correct way of achieving peace and prosperity? Should Christians have a place at the table? The challenge here and in all such debates is what constitutes acceptable moral standards and practices that accurately represent the will of the majority without denying the legal, social and moral rights of the minority? Then the question becomes how to correctly implement those standards. Here, each side should be challenged to present evidence and facts that either refute or prove the posited solutions or reforms can be validated by an acceptable objective authority or unbiased source. At this point, the debate demands proof or corroboration that the authorities being identified are trustworthy and beyond reproof. Is the authority a person, institution, document or charismatic leader and speaker? What evidence or past experiences corroborate their integrity and wisdom in dealing with the issue at hand? If you combine or spread the authority from the four different entities listed above, are you more likely to get subjective solutions based on human nature and human experience or divine solutions based on Christian theology and practice? One standard will insist that merit, integrity, honor and personal accountability is the better way to create more ethical and harmonious relationships while the other looks more towards fairness, inclusion and equality as the keys to harmony and prosperity. Here is where the rubber hits the road. Can any human, political party or institution claim superiority over all other authorities? If so, which one? In our system of government, a president and in most situations, his political party rules the roost for four years. Often, they dramatically change the moral and ethical atmosphere, refuting the direction of the preceding administration. Our checks and balances are primarily politically manipulated by the party in power and frequently are more rigged than balanced. Should our system be predicated on scriptural truth whose default is ethical accountability across the board or continue down the path where what is politically pragmatic and pluralistic enough to maintain control and power is the default? Political correctness cannot please all the people all the time. Nothing can. Which groups then should get priority; the ethical, accountable, sacrificial individuals and organizations, or the self-serving, you owe me, I deserve it groups who feel entitled to special privileges or rights? Meritocracy or hypocrisy? God’s ethics or man’s identity politics’ morality?


Book Synopsis Politically Correct Moral Autonomy: Christianity Besieged! Stirring the Melting Pot to a Boil by : Ferd Wagner

Download or read book Politically Correct Moral Autonomy: Christianity Besieged! Stirring the Melting Pot to a Boil written by Ferd Wagner and published by AuthorHouse. This book was released on 2022-06-15 with total page 228 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: On what basis should we accept or reject political or social philosophies that insist human nature, human wisdom and human cooperation have the potential to resolve our issues and problems if we buy into the morality espoused by liberal politics and liberal resolutions? Should we side with progressives who see most people as good, free to self-determine their own standards and will do the right thing if given the opportunity? Or with the right political and social contracts proposed by the “correct” party who see the morality of the liberal government as our correct way of achieving peace and prosperity? Should Christians have a place at the table? The challenge here and in all such debates is what constitutes acceptable moral standards and practices that accurately represent the will of the majority without denying the legal, social and moral rights of the minority? Then the question becomes how to correctly implement those standards. Here, each side should be challenged to present evidence and facts that either refute or prove the posited solutions or reforms can be validated by an acceptable objective authority or unbiased source. At this point, the debate demands proof or corroboration that the authorities being identified are trustworthy and beyond reproof. Is the authority a person, institution, document or charismatic leader and speaker? What evidence or past experiences corroborate their integrity and wisdom in dealing with the issue at hand? If you combine or spread the authority from the four different entities listed above, are you more likely to get subjective solutions based on human nature and human experience or divine solutions based on Christian theology and practice? One standard will insist that merit, integrity, honor and personal accountability is the better way to create more ethical and harmonious relationships while the other looks more towards fairness, inclusion and equality as the keys to harmony and prosperity. Here is where the rubber hits the road. Can any human, political party or institution claim superiority over all other authorities? If so, which one? In our system of government, a president and in most situations, his political party rules the roost for four years. Often, they dramatically change the moral and ethical atmosphere, refuting the direction of the preceding administration. Our checks and balances are primarily politically manipulated by the party in power and frequently are more rigged than balanced. Should our system be predicated on scriptural truth whose default is ethical accountability across the board or continue down the path where what is politically pragmatic and pluralistic enough to maintain control and power is the default? Political correctness cannot please all the people all the time. Nothing can. Which groups then should get priority; the ethical, accountable, sacrificial individuals and organizations, or the self-serving, you owe me, I deserve it groups who feel entitled to special privileges or rights? Meritocracy or hypocrisy? God’s ethics or man’s identity politics’ morality?


Situating Existentialism

Situating Existentialism

Author: Jonathan Judaken

Publisher: Columbia University Press

Published: 2012-06-05

Total Pages: 441

ISBN-13: 0231519672

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This anthology provides a history of the systemization and canonization of existentialism, a quintessentially antisystemic mode of thought. Situating existentialism within the history of ideas, it features new readings on the most influential works in the existential canon, exploring their formative contexts and the cultural dialogues of which they were a part. Emphasizing the multidisciplinary and global nature of existential arguments, the chosen texts relate to philosophy, religion, literature, theater, and culture and reflect European, Russian, Latin American, African, and American strains of thought. Readings are grouped into three thematic categories: national contexts, existentialism and religion, and transcultural migrations that explore the reception of existentialism. The volume explains how literary giants such as Dostoevsky and Tolstoy were incorporated into the existentialist fold and how inclusion into the canon recast the work of Kierkegaard and Nietzsche, and it describes the roles played by Jaspers and Heidegger in Germany and the Paris School of existentialism in France. Essays address not only frequently assigned works but also underappreciated discoveries, underscoring their vital relevance to contemporary critical debate. Designed to speak to a new generation's concerns, the collection deploys a diverse range of voices to interrogate the fundamental questions of the human condition.


Book Synopsis Situating Existentialism by : Jonathan Judaken

Download or read book Situating Existentialism written by Jonathan Judaken and published by Columbia University Press. This book was released on 2012-06-05 with total page 441 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This anthology provides a history of the systemization and canonization of existentialism, a quintessentially antisystemic mode of thought. Situating existentialism within the history of ideas, it features new readings on the most influential works in the existential canon, exploring their formative contexts and the cultural dialogues of which they were a part. Emphasizing the multidisciplinary and global nature of existential arguments, the chosen texts relate to philosophy, religion, literature, theater, and culture and reflect European, Russian, Latin American, African, and American strains of thought. Readings are grouped into three thematic categories: national contexts, existentialism and religion, and transcultural migrations that explore the reception of existentialism. The volume explains how literary giants such as Dostoevsky and Tolstoy were incorporated into the existentialist fold and how inclusion into the canon recast the work of Kierkegaard and Nietzsche, and it describes the roles played by Jaspers and Heidegger in Germany and the Paris School of existentialism in France. Essays address not only frequently assigned works but also underappreciated discoveries, underscoring their vital relevance to contemporary critical debate. Designed to speak to a new generation's concerns, the collection deploys a diverse range of voices to interrogate the fundamental questions of the human condition.


Conservation and Practical Morality

Conservation and Practical Morality

Author: Les Brown

Publisher: Springer

Published: 1987-06-18

Total Pages: 231

ISBN-13: 1349085278

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Book Synopsis Conservation and Practical Morality by : Les Brown

Download or read book Conservation and Practical Morality written by Les Brown and published by Springer. This book was released on 1987-06-18 with total page 231 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: