In this extended examination of the Oxford deontologists' claim that rightness cannot be based upon goodness, Johnson argues that although the deontologists' arguments against the utilitarians are (...) valid, their positive position must be rejected. Because Ross's "ought-can" argument and the "infinite regress" argument break down, the moral goodness of motives must be regarded as a necessary but not sufficient condition for moral rightness. Johnson proposes an alternative axiology theory which includes an "organic" as well as a moral and utilitarian goodness.--F. E. B. (shrink)
In this provocative, if puzzling, "treatment of religion on the basis of the methods of empirical and existential philosophy," the author makes common cause with the positivists (...) in rejecting metaphysics as illegitimate system-making. He accepts the conception of philosophy as analysis of languages, but insists that a "situational" or existential analysis must be carried out as well-particularly in the case of the "convictional language" of religion. Precisely what is involved in this "situational" analysis, and how it differs from logical analysis is often hard to tell, and one wishes for a fuller discussion of the cognitive claim of convictional language.--F. E. B. (shrink)
Though hardly technical enough for an ethics course, this comprehensive book of readings would be useful in a course on the ideals of civilizations, Eastern and Western.-- (...) class='Hi'>F. E. B. (shrink)
This rather discursive study draws upon many sources in maintaining that freedom is the touchstone for an understanding of the human condition, both of man's possibility (...) class='Hi'>and his development in a world of chance and change. Kallen argues that mankind can best achieve liberty by adopting a pragmatic view of ideas which neither neglects the actual nor distorts the ideal. -- F. E. B. (shrink)
Jacoby supplements his description of a mystical religious experience with a random survey of favorable interpretations of supranormal experience.--F. E. B.
This popularly written apologetical work stresses the character, claim, and deeds of Jesus Christ in relation to man's need and potential response.--F. E. B.
Parker carefully argues that from a close reading of Calvin's major writings one must conclude that Calvin conceded less to natural theology than is commonly supposed.--F (...) class='Hi'>. E. B. (shrink)
An intellectual defense of Christianity which argues that contemporary apologetics are much too defensive intellectually. Cleobury contends that the insights of the Christian faith are most compatible (...) with an idealistic world view. This he presents and defends with subtlety.--F. E. B. (shrink)
In this subtle but laborious exposition and defense of a difficult doctrine of classical Calvinism, Berkouwer interprets both Calvin and certain classical creedal statements. His defense depends (...) upon the contention that most criticisms of the doctrine rest upon misinterpretations. --F. E. B. (shrink)
Meinecke sought in the nation-state the means for harmonizing the need for power and the demands of justice. This sensitive and scholarly intellectual biography may serve (...) class='Hi'>as a commentary on the important German political philosophers and on German political history over the last 160 years--F. E. B. (shrink)
Two essays in this collection appear to be of special interest. W. K. Frankena presents an acute analysis of the question whether a person can have an (...) obligation without any corresponding motivation, and concludes that the discussion should move to a new level because the arguments on both sides are inconclusive. Gilbert Ryle suggests that it is absurd to talk about forgetting the difference between right and wrong because such "knowledge" is not mere information or technique, but involves appreciation and taking things seriously.--F. E. B. (shrink)
The editor's purpose is to introduce Hegel to the modern reader by means of a digest of Hegel's Phenomenology of Mind, The Science of Logic and (...) class='Hi'> the Philosophy of History. The selections are too brief to be very useful.--F. E. B. (shrink)
A concise summary of what is known and conjectured about the Roman tragic poet Pacuvius and his works. The author notes, in passing, lines from the fragments (...) of the plays which reveal the contemporary interest in philosophical speculation.--F. E. B. (shrink)
A tentative but suggestive attempt to state "the principles of an historical psychology," this book protests against a static view of man and proposes a dynamic theory (...) of human transformation.--F. E. B. (shrink)
A good presentation of an exciting "educator, citizen, reformer in Midwestern America before and after the Civil War," active in the abolitionist movement and founder of two (...) American colleges.--F. E. B. (shrink)
The author conceives of his grandiose world view and proposals for biological human selectivity as based on a new scientific philosophy, but the book seems to share (...) little with either organized science or disciplined philosophy.--F. E. B. (shrink)
Wind makes abundant references to such classical philosophers as Plato, Plotinus, and Seneca in his elucidation of Renaissance works of art in terms of pagan myths and (...) rites. His study is scholarly and full and is well illustrated with excellent plates.--F. E. B. (shrink)
In this extended examination of the Oxford deontologists' claim that rightness cannot be based upon goodness, Johnson argues that although the deontologists' arguments against the utilitarians are (...) valid, their positive position must be rejected. Because Ross's "ought-can" argument and the "infinite regress" argument break down, the moral goodness of motives must be regarded as a necessary but not sufficient condition for moral rightness. Johnson proposes an alternative axiology theory which includes an "organic" as well as a moral and utilitarian goodness.--F. E. B. (shrink)
Melden approaches some important ethical problems by a careful analysis of moral rights in the moral community. A right for him is a moral role or status (...) in the moral community; that community is served and preserved by right action. The discussion, although extremely succinct at times, ranges over a number of important points. -- F. E. B. (shrink)
This introductory essay sketches the problem of the good life by a brief description of moral experience and discusses some major alternative answers. Freund suggests that the (...) good life has as its final value "the unity of communion, fellowship, and creativeness" and concludes with a plea for a re-examination of our educational procedures.--F. E. B. (shrink)
McIntyre defines history as "meaningful occurrence, and more particularly occurrence the meaning of which is a construct out of certain categories, namely, Necessity, Providence, Incarnation, Freedom and (...) Memory."--F. E. B. (shrink)
A study of Teresa of Avila, Luther, Freud, Heidegger and Barth provides Berthold with a basis for a phenomenological analysis of anxiety. Anxiety is polar in nature, (...) implying both longing and fear, and a desire and threat to its fulfillment. Berthold believes his analysis provides a mediating position between the Thomistic and Calvinistic anthropologies.--F. E. B. (shrink)
