Ethics and the Quest for Wisdom [Hardcover]

This book proposes new ways of seeking common ethical ground in a pluralist world of conflicting cultures and values.This study defends new foundations for ethics and value theory, arguing that ethical principles can be seen to emerge from the philosophical quest for wisdom itself. It will appeal to all who are interested in ethical challenges posed by pluralism and diversity of cultures, and in debates about value relativism.This study defends new foundations for ethics and value theory, arguing that ethical principles can be seen to emerge from the philosophical quest for wisdom itself. It will appeal to all who are interested in ethical challenges posed by pluralism and diversity of cultures, and in debates about value relativism.Modernity has challenged the ancient ideal of a universal quest for wisdom, and today's world of conflicting cultures and values has raised further doubts regarding the possibility of objective ethical standards. Robert Kane refocuses the debate on the philosophical quest for wisdom, and argues that ethical principles about right action and the good life can be seen to emerge from that very quest itself. His book contends that the search for wisdom involves a persistent striving to overcome narrowness of vision that comes from the inevitable limitations of finite points of view. When applied to questions of value and the good life, this striving has ethical implications about the way we should treat ourselves and others. This study argues for the merits of this central thesis against alternative theories in contemporary normative ethics, and discusses its practical applications for social ethics, political philosophy, law and moral education.1. Introduction: pluralism and uncertainty; 2. Openness; 3. The retreat; 4. The moral sphere; 5. Fact and value; 6. Value experiments; 7. Virtues, excellences and forms of life; 8. The fourth dimension; 9. Aspiration; 10. Wisdom; 11. Objective worth; 12. The Bach crystals; 13. Human flourishing; 14. lã2