Imagination, understanding, and the virtue of liberality /

In this book, published posthumously, Norton argues for the logical possibility and moral necessity of multiculturalism. By chapters, he (1) demonstrates how "transcendental imagination" enables one to understand others as they appear to themselves; (2) explains why human beings are not irremediably ethnocentric; (3) gives his prescription for cultivating the levitas needed to escape gravitas--the feeling that what is now actual is all that is possible; and (4) advocates the virtue of liberality, "the cultivated disposition to recognize and appreciate truths and values other than one's own." In each of his four chapters, Norton advances his argument by relating it to the openness to possibilities of the developmental state of adolescence. Rejecting dogmatism, Norton does not embrace relativism, for the "ultimate truth about anything" does exist, though as the composite of complementary, alternative, perspectival truths about it. This book owes much to Michael Krausz's writings and friendly offices. Norton has read widely and draws distinctions that advance his position with great skill. He writes clearly and simply. Every college library should include this book. General; undergraduate through professional. J. M. Betz Villanova University