Albert Schweitzer's Ethical Vision A Sourcebook
The philosophy of Albert Schweitzer has proved widely influential in modern thinking, especially in the field of ethics. His leading ethical idea can be summarized in the phrase "reverence for life" - namely, that good consists in maintaining and perfecting life, and evil consists in destroying and obstructing life. For Schweitzer, all life is sacred. Ethics thus deals with human attitudes and behavior toward all living beings. Unlike many moral philosophers, Schweitzer argues that knowledge of human nature does not provide a sufficient foundation for any adequate moral theory. That is why he bases his ethics on much broader foundations, articulated in his philosophy of civilization and the philosophy of religion. Schweitzer argues that the material aspect of our civilization has become far more important than its spiritual counterpart. Even organized religion has put itself in the service of politics and economy, thereby losing its vitality and moral authority. Schweitzer's ethics of reverence for life, argues Predrag Cicovacki, offers a viable alternative at a time when traditional ethical theories are found inadequate. Schweitzer's robust and un-dogmatic idealism may offer the best antidote to the prevailing relativism and nihilism of the postmodern epoch. His ethical vision directs us toward a new way of building a more just and more peaceful world. Collecting sixteen of Schweitzer's most effective essays, this volume serves as a compelling introduction to this remarkable thinker and humanist.
1136856343
Albert Schweitzer's Ethical Vision A Sourcebook
The philosophy of Albert Schweitzer has proved widely influential in modern thinking, especially in the field of ethics. His leading ethical idea can be summarized in the phrase "reverence for life" - namely, that good consists in maintaining and perfecting life, and evil consists in destroying and obstructing life. For Schweitzer, all life is sacred. Ethics thus deals with human attitudes and behavior toward all living beings. Unlike many moral philosophers, Schweitzer argues that knowledge of human nature does not provide a sufficient foundation for any adequate moral theory. That is why he bases his ethics on much broader foundations, articulated in his philosophy of civilization and the philosophy of religion. Schweitzer argues that the material aspect of our civilization has become far more important than its spiritual counterpart. Even organized religion has put itself in the service of politics and economy, thereby losing its vitality and moral authority. Schweitzer's ethics of reverence for life, argues Predrag Cicovacki, offers a viable alternative at a time when traditional ethical theories are found inadequate. Schweitzer's robust and un-dogmatic idealism may offer the best antidote to the prevailing relativism and nihilism of the postmodern epoch. His ethical vision directs us toward a new way of building a more just and more peaceful world. Collecting sixteen of Schweitzer's most effective essays, this volume serves as a compelling introduction to this remarkable thinker and humanist.
18.89 In Stock
Albert Schweitzer's Ethical Vision A Sourcebook

Albert Schweitzer's Ethical Vision A Sourcebook

by Predrag Cicovacki (Editor)
Albert Schweitzer's Ethical Vision A Sourcebook

Albert Schweitzer's Ethical Vision A Sourcebook

by Predrag Cicovacki (Editor)

eBook

$18.89 

Available on Compatible NOOK devices, the free NOOK App and in My Digital Library.
WANT A NOOK?  Explore Now

Related collections and offers

LEND ME® See Details

Overview

The philosophy of Albert Schweitzer has proved widely influential in modern thinking, especially in the field of ethics. His leading ethical idea can be summarized in the phrase "reverence for life" - namely, that good consists in maintaining and perfecting life, and evil consists in destroying and obstructing life. For Schweitzer, all life is sacred. Ethics thus deals with human attitudes and behavior toward all living beings. Unlike many moral philosophers, Schweitzer argues that knowledge of human nature does not provide a sufficient foundation for any adequate moral theory. That is why he bases his ethics on much broader foundations, articulated in his philosophy of civilization and the philosophy of religion. Schweitzer argues that the material aspect of our civilization has become far more important than its spiritual counterpart. Even organized religion has put itself in the service of politics and economy, thereby losing its vitality and moral authority. Schweitzer's ethics of reverence for life, argues Predrag Cicovacki, offers a viable alternative at a time when traditional ethical theories are found inadequate. Schweitzer's robust and un-dogmatic idealism may offer the best antidote to the prevailing relativism and nihilism of the postmodern epoch. His ethical vision directs us toward a new way of building a more just and more peaceful world. Collecting sixteen of Schweitzer's most effective essays, this volume serves as a compelling introduction to this remarkable thinker and humanist.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780199703326
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication date: 02/02/2009
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
File size: 446 KB

About the Author

Predrag Cicovacki is Associate Professor of Philosophy and Peace Studies at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. He is author of Dostoevsky and the Affirmation of Life and Between Truth and Illusion: Kant at the Crossroads of Modernity.

Table of Contents

Introduction 3

Part I A Foundation of the Ethics of Reverence for Life: Philosophy of Religion and Philosophy of Civilization

1 Western and Indian Thought 33

2 The Historical Jesus 45

3 The Kingdom of God 55

4 Religion in Modern Civilization 75

5 The Decay of Civilization 85

Part II The Ethics of Reverence for Life

6 Civilization and Ethics 103

7 The Optimistic Worldview in Kant 115

8 Schopenhauer and Nietzsche's Quest for Elementary Ethics 123

9 Reverence for Life 135

10 The Ethics of Reverence for Life 153

11 The Problem of Ethics in the Evolution of Human Thought 165

Part III "My Life Is My Argument": The Application of the Ethics of Reverence for Life

12 Bach and Aesthetics 179

13 Goethe the Philosopher 193

14 Gandhi and the Force of Nonviolence 209

15 The Problem of Peace in the World of Today 217

16 My Life Is My Argument 229

Chronology 243

Bibliography 247

Index 251

From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews