Making Morality: Pragmatist Reconstruction in Ethical Theory

Todd Lekan

ISBN 10: 0826514200 / ISBN 13: 9780826514202

Published by Vanderbilt University Press, 2003

New copy - Usually dispatched within 4 working days. Seller Inventory # B9780826514202

Synopsis:

In this new contribution to moral theory, Todd Lekan argues for a pragmatist conception of morality as an evolving, educational, and fallible practice of everyday life. Drawing on the work of John Dewey, Lekan asserts that moral norms are neither timeless truths nor subjective whims, but habits transmitted through practices. Like the habits that make up medicine or engineering, moral habits are subject to rational evaluation and change according to new challenges and circumstances. This pragmatic interpretation of morality provides a way out of the conundrum of relativism and absolutism.

Building on classical American philosophy to address current philosophical concerns, Lekan's theory revises our basic understanding of moral life and the place of theorizing within that life. Making Morality will prove of great interest to ethical theorists, as it enjoins them to measure theoretical inquiries by how well they produce intellectual tools for problem-solving in dynamic, complex communities.

About the Author: Todd Lekan is assistant professor of philosophy at Muskingum College, New Concord, Ohio.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Making Morality: Pragmatist Reconstruction ...
Publisher: Vanderbilt University Press
Publication Date: 2003
Binding: Hardback
Condition: New