The Moral Fool: A Case for Amorality by Hans-Georg Moeller (English) Paperback B

Description: The Moral Fool by Hans-Georg Moeller An expert on Eastern religions and social-systems theory, Hans-Georg Moeller questions the perceived goodness of morality and those who claim morality is inherently positive. Critiquing the ethical "fanaticism" of Western moralists, such as Immanuel Kant, Lawrence Kohlberg, John Rawls, and the Utilitarians, Moeller points to the absurd fundamentalisms and impracticable prescriptions that arise from definitions of good. He advances instead a theory of "moral foolishness," or moral asceticism, extracted from the "amoral" philosophers of East Asia and such thinkers as Ludwig Wittgenstein and Niklas Luhmann. The moral fool doesnt understand why ethics are necessarily good, and he isnt convinced that the moral perspective is always positive. In this way, he is like most people, and Moeller defends this foolishness against ethical pathologies that support the death penalty, just wars, and even Jerry Springers crude moral theater. Comparing and contrasting the religious philosophies of Christianity, Daoism, and Zen Buddhism throughout, Moeller presents a compelling argument in favor of amorality. FORMAT Paperback LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Publisher Description Justice, equality, and righteousness-these are some of our greatest moral convictions. Yet in times of social conflict, morals can become rigid, making religious war, ethnic cleansing, and political purges possible. Morality, therefore, can be viewed as pathology-a rhetorical, psychological, and social tool that is used and abused as a weapon. An expert on Eastern philosophies and social systems theory, Hans-Georg Moeller questions the perceived goodness of morality and those who claim morality is inherently positive. Critiquing the ethical "fanaticism" of Western moralists, such as Immanuel Kant, Lawrence Kohlberg, John Rawls, and the utilitarians, Moeller points to the absurd fundamentalisms and impracticable prescriptions arising from definitions of good. Instead he advances a theory of "moral foolishness," or moral asceticism, extracted from the "amoral" philosophers of East Asia and such thinkers as Ludwig Wittgenstein and Niklas Luhmann. The moral fool doesnt understand why ethics are necessarily good, and he isnt convinced that the moral perspective is always positive. In this way he is like most people, and Moeller defends this foolishness against ethical pathologies that support the death penalty, just wars, and even Jerry Springers crude moral theater. Comparing and contrasting the religious philosophies of Christianity, Daoism, and Zen Buddhism, Moeller presents a persuasive argument in favor of amorality. Notes The Moral Fool fully and easily engages the philosophical issues that are present in contemporary life. Hans-Georg Moeller moves naturally from more theoretical discussions to the analysis of concrete social phenomena. His facility with applying philosophical discussions is what makes his book important, relevant, and engaging, not to mention provocative, remarkably clear, and even funny. In fact, this book is the best attempt I have read to bring Chinese philosophy into contemporary philosophical discussion. -- Franklin Perkins, DePaul University Author Biography Hans-Georg Moeller is senior lecturer in the Philosophy Department at University College Cork, Ireland. His publications on Daoism and social systems theory include Choice Outstanding Academic Title The Philosophy of the Daodejing as well as a translation of the Daodejing, Daoism Explained: From the Dream of the Butterfly to the Fishnet Allegory, and Luhmann Explained: From Souls to Systems. Table of Contents Acknowledgments Introduction: Is It Good to Be Good? Part 1. On Amorality 1. The Moral Fool 2. Negative Ethics Part 2. A Pathology of Ethics 3. The Redundancy of Ethics 4. The "Morality of Anger" 5. Ethics and Aesthetics 6. The Presumptions of Philosophical Ethics 7. The Myth of Moral Progress Part 3. Ethics in Contemporary Society 8. For the Separation of Morality and Law 9. Morality and Civil Rights 10. How to Get a Death Verdict 11. Masters of War 12. Ethics and the Mass Media Conclusion: Applied Amorality Notes Index Review Moeller shows just how germane and engaging public philosophy can be. Booklist (starred review) This is a landmark study that anyone who champions ethics and morality must confront. Very highly recommended Library Journal (starred review) Highly recommended. Choice Succint and savory, The Moral Fool poses a number of interesting and complex questions... By proceeding from a highly original blend of insightful Asian and Western perspetives, it is an engaging piece of work that should serve to initiate and stimulate fruitful discussion on what morality is supposed to do for us in our modern world. Philosophy East and West Promotional The Moral Fool fully and easily engages the philosophical issues that are present in contemporary life. Hans-Georg Moeller moves naturally from more theoretical discussions to the analysis of concrete social phenomena. His facility with applying philosophical discussions is what makes his book important, relevant, and engaging, not to mention provocative, remarkably clear, and even funny. In fact, this book is the best attempt I have read to bring Chinese philosophy into contemporary philosophical discussion. -- Franklin Perkins, DePaul University Prizes Winner of Choice Outstanding Academic Title 2017 Review Quote "This is a landmark study that anyone who champions ethics and morality must confront. Very highly recommended" -- Library Journal (starred review) Promotional "Headline" How dangerous is the desire to be good? Description for Bookstore Choice Outstanding Academic Title, 2010 Details ISBN0231145098 Author Hans-Georg Moeller Short Title MORAL FOOL Publisher Columbia University Press Language English ISBN-10 0231145098 ISBN-13 9780231145091 Media Book Format Paperback DEWEY 171.7 Year 2009 Imprint Columbia University Press Subtitle A Case for Amorality Place of Publication New York Country of Publication United States Edition 2nd Birth 1964 Translated from English UK Release Date 2009-07-15 AU Release Date 2009-07-15 NZ Release Date 2009-07-15 US Release Date 2009-07-15 Pages 224 Publication Date 2009-07-15 Audience Professional & Vocational We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! 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