Description
Moralism involves the distortion of moral thought, the distortion of reflection and judgement. It is a vice, and one to which many - from the philosopher to the media pundit to the politician - are highly susceptible. This book examines the nature of moralism in specific moral judgements and the ways in which moral philosophy and theories about morality can themselves become skewed by this vice. This book ranges across a wide range of topics: the problem of the demandingness of morality; the conflict between moral and other values; the contrast between the practice of moral philosophy and other modes of moral thought or reflection; moralism in the media; and, moralism in the public discussion of literature and art. This highly original and provocative book will be of interest to students of philosophy, psychology, theology and media, and to anyone who takes a serious interest in contemporary morality.
Table of Contents
Introduction 1. Moralism and Related Vices 2. The Scarlet Letter: "[A] tale of human frailty and sorrow" 3. Trusting Oneself 4. Overweening Morality 5. Moral Judgement and Moral Reflection 6. Moral Difference 7. Public Moralism Conclusion Notes Bibliography Index
