Moral philosophy and the modern world /

This volume is a series of reflections on the nature of morality and the moral challenges facing the modern world. It is divided into two parts, "The Practice of Prudence" and "The Labor of the Negative." The prose is often elegant, and some of what Verene (Emory Univ.) has to say is true and insightful. Too often, however, his views are announced rather than defended. This book would have been substantially improved had the author simply ignored views for which he has no sympathy or working knowledge. At times his comments are simply false, as when he asserts that modern philosophers lacked concern for virtue, or when he claims that contemporary philosophical discussions have failed to seriously consider sociopathy. His views are surprisingly politically correct--he is against political correctness, against entitlement, and against terrorism. His conclusion that one must "turn to prudence" is not a serious suggestion for dealing with terrorism, and to the extent that it is a move in the right direction, utilitarianism provides a more sophisticated view. Worse, his assertion that all one really needs to know about terrorism is that "terrorists cause terrorism"--rather any deeper moral or factual analysis--is irresponsible or worse. Summing Up: Optional. Professionals. J. H. Spence Adrian College