Discovering Right and Wrong - Book Report/Review Example

Ethics:Discovering Right and Wrong. Order:352660 Order:352660 Topic: topic is the book in the order description Purpose In the world deeply impacted by materialistic civilization, by industrial and internet revolutions, morality is important today. Pojman has provided the detailed ethical analysis stating that “Most ethical analysis falls into one or more of the following categories:(1) action, (2) conseque3nces, (3) character, and (4) motive. (p.8)The contents of the book cover the vast canvas of the subject that he has tackled, like, what is ethics, ethical relativism, moral objectivism, value and the quest for the good, social contract theory and the motive to be moral, egoism, self-interest and altruism, utilitarianism, Kant and de-ontological theories, virtue theory, religion and ethics, the fact-value problem and moral realism and the challenge of skepticism. The author has achieved the purpose of providing a birds eye view on the theories of ethics, and also the backgrounder information on morality and philosophy. The author given the general overview of the subjects he has tackled in the book. The purpose of any book is served when the author convincingly argues what he feel about a particular subject—in this case, it is ethics, morality and philosophy. The wise one know that they are closely interlinked. Even religion in its pure form( not the religionism as it is practiced in the society in the present times) is part of the topics dealt with by Pojman. Premises: The premises about the totality of the subjects covered in the book find reflection in the definition of Ethics provided in the initial part of the book. Pojman writes on the subject matter that he is going to tackle, thus: “Ethics is that branch of philosophy that deals with how we ought to live, with the idea of the Good, and with concepts such as “right” and “wrong.” But what is philosophy? It is an enterprise that begins with wonder at the marvels and mysteries of the world, that pursues a rational investigation of those marvels and mysteries, seeking wisdom and truth; and that results in a life lived in passionate moral and intellectual integrity.”(p.2) The contents of this book are in pursuance of these ideas. How happy are you? is the normal question, and no one asks, how moral or ethical are you? But the answer to the first question in a positive way can be provided by living life by finding proper answers to the second question. The contents of the book search out proper ethical values, and the way in which one has chosen to live, and mold ones character and relationships with others accordingly. Method of argumentation Pojman does a superb job of illustrating different approaches to ethics, providing examples of practical application of each. This helps the reader develop a critical mind, capable of reasoning his or her way through ethical dilemmas that we all face on a daily basis. Pojman is not afraid to go for the jugular on approaches in which he finds serious flaws, such as cultural and ethical relativism. The reader will find that Pojman does not adhere to one ethical theory in particular, but rather calls for reason and judgment, based on strong moral principles, in every situation. Some situations call for a utilitarian approach, some for a virtue-ethical approach. Whatever approach he takes, however, is based in thorough and sound reasoning. This book makes its readers want to be better people. His method of argumentation makes one overcome the prejudices one has and to find out how one can become ethical and moral person, more real with ones own self and with the society. How to find better integration with the society and transform the negative tendencies of ones life. Evidence adduced in favor of the arguments. Pojman has done the creditable job by illustrating different approaches to ethics. He has supported his viewpoints by giving examples for their practical applications. This helps the reader to find own solutions for the ethical dilemmas that are part of the life of each and every individual. He places his viewpoints without fear or favor and does not hesitate to reach out for the jugular on approaches where he locates serious flows, like cultural and ethical relativism. He doesnt stick to one ethical theory and is inclined to use reason and judgment relying on strong moral principles, as per the demands of a particular situation. He shows how some situations call for a utilitarian approach and some a virtue-ethical approach. These are based on sound reasoning. The reader is inspired to become a better citizen with the changed conviction, for which Pojman writing must get the credit. A critical evaluation of the book in the light of the material discussed in the course. Pojman rejects relativism. But he evaluates both sides(objectivism and relativism) fairly in an impartial manner.He initiates the discussion by making an honorable mention of ethical relativism, by quoting John Ladd. He writes, “ Ethical relativism is the doctrine that the moral rightness and wrongness of actions varies from society to society and that there are no absolute universal moral standards binding on all men at all times. Accordingly, it holds that whether or not it is right for an individual to act in a certain way depends on or is relative to the society to which he belongs.”(p.14) Nevertheless, he abhors relativism. His writing style is clear and conversational and the reader feels as if he talking to the author. That makes the contents interesting to read. The questions posed by him at the beginning of the book, “ What is the nature of morality, and why do we need it? What is the good, and how will we know it? Is it in our interest to be moral? What is the relationship between morality and religion? What is the relationship between morality and law? What is the relationship between morality and etiquette?”(p.2) set the tone for a comprehensive self-inquiry by an individual. He has traversed from the ethical path rooted in Aristotle and Aquinas and tackled the modern thinkers such as Kant, and his process of inquiry reveals his creditable insights. Ethics and morality have the time and place value. He elucidates, this by quoting an example: “Recently, there was a scandal on the beaches of south India where American tourists swam in bikinis, shocking the more modest Indians. There was nothing immoral in itself about wearing bikinis, but given the cultural context, the Americans willfully violated etiquette and were guilty of moral impropriety.”(p.6) Address the issue of whether the writer competently accomplished his goal: The writer, Louis P. Pojman(1935-2005) is eminently suited and has the best credentials to write on the subject of this book. He was Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, at the United States Military Academy and a Life Member of Clare Hall, Cambridge University. He received an M.A. and Ph. D. from Union Theological Seminary/Columbia University. He has also taught in many important Universities. He is a versatile writer in subjects of religion,epistemology, and political philosophy and has 30 books and 100 articles to his credit. In the subjects like ethics, morality and philosophy, one can not say any author can accomplish his goal, the canvas of the subject is vast, but this author has certainly kindled curiosity in my mind to know more about these subjects. Pojman indicates that ethics and morality are no laughing matters and none should not approach them casually. Those are serious issue that concerns humanity. Are there any significant weaknesses in the work? The author has covered the ethical expanse well, in this relatively short book with clear and easy to understand writing style. But the claim that invites readers to discover their own ethical theories, is partially true. Pojman firmly discounts some ethical theories and owns others. Instead of telling what is right and what is wrong—that relativism is bad and objectivism is good,--allow the readers to reach that conclusion of their own. Many readers may not be fascinated to agree with that conclusion, as they may see merit in pursuing relativism. This seems to be an important weakness in the book. What are the strengths? Pojman is an objectivist. His prose is clear and accessible. He has provided the right prescription for the social maladies that have engulfed the society, with the casual approach of human beings for ethical and moral values. Take for example the drug culture that has caught up with the combustible younger generation, and the threat posed by global warming. At the root cause of these gigantic problems lies the neglect of humanity to live the noble life based on ethics and morfality. Pojman, by the examples provided, has proved the urgency of a new honesty and determined mindset and the present lethargic approaches are no longer adequate to challenge the issues of the present times. The contents of the book are wide in scope, yet intimate in interpretation. The book is set up well with three major ideas of ethics with detailed observations on them. The idea of religion has also been well-integrated, which normally the authors on books on the subject of ethics would not like to touch upon, for it is the tough and controversial topic to comment upon. The examples provided by Pojman are real-life incidents and are not cheap generalizations. He states that an individual should be prepared to get to know each other and should not sit tight thinking that ones own pains and burdens are more than enough to handle. What are some of the most valuable points you learned from the book and can apply? The author has critically analyzed how the greatest thinkers of history have interpreted ethics and in the process one is able to decide what is moral and immoral. While conceding that no final judgment is possible on the subject, the author provides sufficient details to master the basics of ethical philosophy. Taking a dig at the civil disobedience movements in the garb of promoting ones political ideology, Pojman writes, “....unless we have an independent moral basis for law, it is hard to see why we have any general duty to obey it. And unless we recognize the priority of a universal moral law, we have no firm basis for justifying our acts of civil disobedience against “unjust laws.” Both the validity of the law and morally motivated disobedience of unjust laws are voided in favor of a power struggle.”(p.22) The ethical values as elucidated in the book has given me good insights as to how to live happily in different phases of life. No human being is born happy but by leading a moral and ethical life, one can achieve happiness. The book is written with a passionate concern for moral values, quest for integrity in personal well-being, by using ones discriminative power. It tells the reader where one should not go wrong, how not to repeat the mistakes once committed, and how not to get lost in life. I learn from some of the stories/examples given, that the shared tapestry of life can be very interesting if one decides to live life based on moral and ethical principles. Such lives will truly open up-- one begins to live for the other. The ideas of controlling, possessing and manipulating fellow human beings for ones self-interest take the backseat, and then given up for good. The conclusion of Pojman that each one has to perfect ones own moral and ethical values has great sociological and psychological significance. Many have been robbed of their childhood. Many women have suffered cruelties in their married life. Many have lived or are living the life of abject poverty. Even though they are part of the same society/nation the perception of moral and ethical values vary from individual to individual. Their ethical values should be to provide them with inner strength and not preach them something in false and superficial styles. Conclusion: Happiness does not fall from the heaven like the gentle rain. It does not come forth by chance or accident. It is the outcome of the ethical and moral values that one has chosen to conduct in ones day to day affairs. Ones inner beauty, will bring forth the glow of light in ones innumerable day to day small actions. Ethical life is not the final destination. It is a journey, it is like a road ever under construction, but never complete. Ethical and moral values bring forth well-being to oneself. Ones harmonious relations are an assurance for the people with whom one interacts. It is impossible to write the final synopsis on the subject of ethics and morality, it means different to different types of people. One can adopt any ethical theory in a broad sense, but not with the love of exactitude. Moral and ethical conditions may change from time to time, change for the same persons during the different phases of ones life. In the modern world, men and women are goal-oriented or career oriented. The present day culture worships success. One has to devise perfect strategies to continue to live life on sound ethical and moral principles, because the possibilities to destroy them are always ready in the wings. *********** Works Cited: Pojman, Louis P: Ethics: Discovering Right and Wrong; Wadsworth Publishing; 5th edition, January 25, 2005. Read More