
Universalism vs. Relativism
Making Moral Judgments in a Changing, Pluralistic, and Threatening World
Don Browning(Editor)
Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Published on 15. August 2006
Book
Paperback/Softback
210 pages
978-0-7425-5090-2 (ISBN)
Description
In formulating this collection, Don Browning asked his contributors to respond to a simple question: Has moral relativism run its course? The threats of terrorism, reproductive technology, and globalization have forced us to ask anew whether there are universal moral truths upon which to base political and ethical judgments. In this timely edited collection, distinguished scholars present and test the best answers to this question. This dialogue includes contributions from widely-recognized scholars Richard Bernstein, Amitai Etzioni, Jean Bethke Elshtain, William Galston, Franklin Gamwell, Timothy Jackson, James Turner Johnson, John Kelsay, and Jean Porter.
Although the conflict between universalism and relativism is a complex issue with many parts, the contributors to this volume tackle the question at hand in an engaging, thought-provoking manner. These insightful responses temper the strong antithesis between universalism and relativism and retain sensitivity to how language and history shape the context of our moral decisions. This important and relevant work of contemporary political and social thought is ideal for use in the classroom across many disciplines including political science, philosophy, ethics, theology, and law.
Although the conflict between universalism and relativism is a complex issue with many parts, the contributors to this volume tackle the question at hand in an engaging, thought-provoking manner. These insightful responses temper the strong antithesis between universalism and relativism and retain sensitivity to how language and history shape the context of our moral decisions. This important and relevant work of contemporary political and social thought is ideal for use in the classroom across many disciplines including political science, philosophy, ethics, theology, and law.
Reviews / Votes
These fine essays offer a rich and diverse set of answers to one of the most pressing questions in moral and political thought today: How can we get beyond the critiques of moral universalism of the past two or three decades without returning to the kinds of universalism against which those critiques were directed? Thanks to the high quality of the essays and the wide range of perspectives, this collection will influence discussions of universalism and relativism in moral philosophy, social and political theory, and religious studies. -- Gerald McKenny, associate professor of theology, University of Notre Dame Recommended. * Choice Reviews * ...the volume is a solid contribution....Anyone interested in moral and cultural pluralism will find this rewarding reading. -- 2008 * Political Studies Review * The thoughtful, accessible essays in Universalism vs. Relativism shine a clarifying light on the often murky controversy over moral relativism. Anyone who wants to understand the various dimensions of that controversy should read this collection. -- Michael J. Perry, author of Toward a Theory of Human Rights: Religion, Law, Courts (2006)More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight
349 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7425-5090-2 (9780742550902)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Don Browning is Alexander Campbell Professor Emeritus of Religious Ethics and the Social Sciences at the University of Chicago Divinity School.
Content
Chapter 1 Preface
Chapter 2 List of Contributors
Chapter 3 Introduction
Part 4 Part I: Foundationalism v. Antifoundationalism
Chapter 5 Can We Justify Moral Norms?
Chapter 6 Self-Evident Truth (Beyond Relativism)
Chapter 7 The Origin of Moral Norms
Part 8 Part II: Approaches from Human Nature
Chapter 9 Moral Ideals and Human Nature
Chapter 10 Can We Justify Universal Moral Norms? Yes, with Qualifications
Part 11 Part III: Common Ground through Historical Understanding
Chapter 12 Searching for Common Ground: Ethical Tradition at the Interface with International Law
Chapter 13 Christians, Muslims, and the Conduct of War
Part 14 Part IV: Multidimensional Approaches
Chapter 15 Universalism and Relativism: Some Lessons from Gandhi
Chapter 16 Concrete Levels of Being and Their Political Implications
Chapter 17 Response
Chapter 18 Response
Chapter 2 List of Contributors
Chapter 3 Introduction
Part 4 Part I: Foundationalism v. Antifoundationalism
Chapter 5 Can We Justify Moral Norms?
Chapter 6 Self-Evident Truth (Beyond Relativism)
Chapter 7 The Origin of Moral Norms
Part 8 Part II: Approaches from Human Nature
Chapter 9 Moral Ideals and Human Nature
Chapter 10 Can We Justify Universal Moral Norms? Yes, with Qualifications
Part 11 Part III: Common Ground through Historical Understanding
Chapter 12 Searching for Common Ground: Ethical Tradition at the Interface with International Law
Chapter 13 Christians, Muslims, and the Conduct of War
Part 14 Part IV: Multidimensional Approaches
Chapter 15 Universalism and Relativism: Some Lessons from Gandhi
Chapter 16 Concrete Levels of Being and Their Political Implications
Chapter 17 Response
Chapter 18 Response