DescriptionFor much of history, philosophers and religious thinkers have believed there are absolute differences between humans and all other living things. Usually, only humans have been thought capable and deserving of moral standing (either as moral agents, who a…
DescriptionMost people think it's wrong to lie, but sometimes telling the truth seems more hurtful than lying. Secrecy protects the truth and maintains our privacy, but it also can be a way of covering up lies. In an age of instant communication and information glut, what are the limits of privacy? Do public figures forfeit their privacy? Are some people, such as doctors, lawyers, and clergy, more obligated to keep secrets than others? The Morality in Our Age series examines the historical and philosophical background of today's most pressing moral challenges. Though a final "answer" is notoriously elusive in moral discussion, you'll develop a much better insight into the forces and principles at play on today's most serious moral issues, problems, and dilemmas.
DescriptionSome think that humans are naturally aggressive and that wars are unavoidable; others believe that morality demands a pacifist condemnation of all forms of violence. A large middle ground involves the attempt to define "just wars", and rules have been written to govern how war should be conducted among civilized peoples. Is war ever justified? Is aggression, or is the threat of force, an appropriate diplomatic tool? If nuclear war would be a catastrophe, are we morally obligated to avoid it at all costs? The Morality in Our Age series examines the historical and philosophical background of today's most pressing moral challenges. Though a final "answer" is notoriously elusive in moral discussion, you'll develop a much better insight into the forces and principles at play in today's most serious moral issues, problems, and dilemmas.
DescriptionDrugs and alcohol involve personal habits that have significant social consequences. Some have said that we are a society of drinkers and pill takers; much of this consumption is legal. Should the use of intoxicants, stimulants, and drug medications be governed by personal choice or regulation? Which drugs should be legal, and which should be illegal? Is law or persuasion a better method of reform? The Morality in Our Age series examines the historical and philosophical background of today's most pressing moral challenges. Though a final "answer" is notoriously elusive in moral discussion, you'll develop a much better insight into the forces and principles at play on today's most serious moral issues, problems, and dilemmas.
DescriptionThe beginning and ending of life are deeply controversial moral topics with enormous stakes. Most people agree that it is wrong to kill humans, but are fetuses, or people in a deep coma, fully human? Does a person have a moral discretion or "right" to take his or her own life, or to aid another person who does so? And who should bear the cost for those who cannot afford to extend their lives, or to pay for ending an unwanted pregnancy? The Morality in Our Age series examines the historical and philosophical background of today's most pressing moral challenges. Here the realities of money, sex, power, and violence meet the ideals of responsibility, integrity, and moral well-being. Though a final "answer" is notoriously elusive in moral discussion, you'll develop a much better insight into the forces and principles at play on today's most serious moral issues, problems, and dilemmas.
DescriptionOnly a few hundred years ago there emerged the ideal of inalienable rights to life, liberty, property, free speech, freedom of conscience and religion. Yet rights now are routinely claimed to include health care, employment, housing, and education; the Universal Declaration of Human Rights even lists paid vacations. Are rights bestowed by government, or do we possess them simply because we are human? Do we have a "right" to all things we need for a full human life, even if it obligates others to provide them? The Morality in Our Age series examines the historical and philosophical background of today's most pressing moral challenges. Though a final "answer" is notoriously elusive in moral discussion, you'll develop a much better insight into the forces and principles at play on today's most serious moral issues, problems, and dilemmas.
