Review by Choice Review
In recent years, a growing number of philosophers have written on the vice of moralism, both to describe it and also to explain what is wrong with being moralistic. Taylor (Flinders Univ., Australia) offers a new approach to this set of problems. He argues that moralism "involves excessive or unreasonable negative judgments or assessments of others and perhaps also of oneself," and he clearly distinguishes moralism from related themes such as hypocrisy and self-righteousness. Through a very careful analysis of Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, Taylor shows that moralism is problematic because it does not connect with the other person but reduces that person instead to the status of a moral example. Likewise, he offers a thoughtful reading of J. M. Coetzee's book Disgrace, and considers other recent examples, such as the controversy surrounding Bill Henson's 2008 photography exhibit in Sydney. Taylor's analysis shows how moralism disregards nonmoral values, and how even "correct" moral judgments are inadequate if they do not involve pity or an ongoing concern for the other person. This is a well-argued, timely book that shows the relevance of philosophy for contemporary life. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through researchers/faculty. R. White Creighton University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
