Summaries of books about Ethics & Morality:
Midlife
A Philosophical Guide
Kieran Setiya
The book explores the philosophical dimensions of midlife, addressing the existential questions and crises that often arise during this period. It offers insights and practical advice on how to find fulfillment and navigate the challenges of middle age through the lens of philosophical thought and theories.
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The Life You Can Save
How to Do Your Part to End World Poverty: 10th Anniversary ed. Edition
Peter Singer
The book argues for the moral imperative of affluent individuals to donate a portion of their income to alleviate global poverty, presenting evidence and ethical reasoning to support this claim. It also provides practical guidance on how to effectively contribute to this cause, including recommendations for the most efficient charities and organizations to support.
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The Theory of Moral Sentiments
Adam Smith
The book explores the nature of ethical judgments, arguing that moral feelings stem from sympathy, and it examines the way individuals' ability to cultivate virtue depends on their social context and innate character traits. It delves into the roles of self-interest, the impartial spectator, and the desire for mutual sympathy of sentiments in shaping moral actions and societal norms.
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Life Is Hard
How Philosophy Can Help Us Find Our Way
Kieran Setiya
The book explores philosophical concepts and theories to address the challenges and adversities inherent in human life, offering insights and practical advice on how to navigate hardship and find meaning. It delves into topics such as mortality, failure, and the search for happiness, drawing from a range of philosophical traditions to provide guidance and solace.
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Economics of Good and Evil
The Quest for Economic Meaning from Gilgamesh to Wall Street
Tomas Sedlacek|Vaclav Havel
The book explores the historical and philosophical roots of economics, tracing its evolution from ancient myths and religions to modern-day financial systems. It challenges the conventional view of economics as a value-free science, arguing instead that it is deeply intertwined with moral philosophy and human values.
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Right/Wrong
How Technology Transforms Our Ethics
Juan Enriquez
The book explores the profound impact of technological advancements on human ethics, examining how innovations from gene editing to social media reshape our moral landscapes. It delves into the challenges of navigating ethical dilemmas in an era where technology outpaces traditional moral frameworks and societal norms.
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Out of Character
Surprising Truths About the Liar, Cheat, Sinner Lurking in All of Us
David DeSteno|Piercarlo Valdesolo
The book explores the psychological mechanisms that drive individuals to act against their own ethical codes, revealing how emotions like compassion, gratitude, and pride can influence moral behavior. It combines scientific research with anecdotes to challenge the notion that human morality is fixed, suggesting that context and internal states often dictate whether a person will act virtuously or not.
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Ethics
A Very Short Introduction
Simon Blackburn
The book provides a concise exploration of ethical philosophy, discussing major moral theories and the challenges of making ethical decisions. It examines topics such as egoism, virtue, duty, and the role of reason in moral judgment, aiming to clarify how we can establish moral principles in our lives.
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Finding Meaning in an Imperfect World
Iddo Landau
The book offers a philosophical exploration of the concept of meaning in life, arguing against the notion that life is inherently meaningless and providing practical advice on how individuals can find significance in their own lives. It examines various aspects of human existence, including achievements, relationships, and personal identity, to demonstrate how meaning is accessible and can be cultivated through different perspectives and actions.
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Upheavals of Thought
The Intelligence of Emotions
Martha C. Nussbaum
The book explores the role of emotions in individual reasoning and social justice, arguing that emotions are not just irrational impulses but complex and intelligent responses that are integral to our thoughts and moral judgments. It examines the philosophical and psychological aspects of emotions, drawing from literature, music, and art to understand their importance in personal and political realms.
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