Books matching: morality and ethics
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A sharp, witty, and still-relevant takedown of eugenic thinking that brims with moral and philosophical insight. Worth reading for anyone who loves thought-provoking social commentary.
In the book Eugenics and Other Evils, G. K. Chesterton takes on the eugenists and their immoral and unethical program for human breeding, critiquing both positive and negative eugenics. Through a series of paradoxes, Chesterton condemns the program as immoral and unethical, consistent with his Roman Catholic beliefs. He contrasts the servile state towards servility and advocates for a distributivist state, championing property rights and individual liberty. The book also delves into the social Darwinist views of the capitalist class and their involvement in supporting eugenics.
The root formula of an epoch is always an unwritten law, just as the law that is the first of all laws, that which protects life from the murderer, is written nowhere in the Statute Book. Nevertheless...1922•180 pages- #2
Save:'Perfect People' by Peter James is a gripping thriller that delves into the controversial topic of genetic modification. The story follows a couple, John and Naomi, who turn to a geneticist, Dr. Leo Dettore, in their quest to have a child free of genetic diseases. As they navigate the process of selecting traits for their future child, they are faced with ethical dilemmas and unforeseen consequences. The narrative unfolds with twists and turns, keeping the readers on the edge of their seats, while also provoking thought on the implications of altering human genetics.
The book addresses complex issues surrounding genetic manipulation, morality, and the consequences of playing "God." Through well-developed characters and a thought-provoking storyline, Peter James explores the potential risks and ethical considerations of creating "designer babies." The writing style is engaging, blending elements of science fiction with mystery, making the readers question the boundaries of science and morality.
Late on an April afternoon, thirty nautical miles east of Cape Cod, a wind-blown young couple with luggage and worried faces are standing on the helicopter deck of a converted cruise liner, gripping t...2001•530 pages A fun, highly readable primer on moral philosophy for beginners, with plenty of laughs and food for thought - especially recommended for fans of Michael Schur’s shows. It’s not a substitute for deep philosophy, but it’s a great way to start thinking about how to do good in everyday life.
'How to Be Perfect: The Correct Answer to Every Moral Question' by Michael Schur is a humorous and accessible exploration of various philosophical concepts related to morality. The author delves into topics like the Trolley Problem, existentialism, and ethical dilemmas, all while infusing the narrative with witty asides and references to popular culture. Schur's conversational tone and unique writing style make the audiobook format engaging, drawing parallels to the themes explored in The Good Place TV series. The footnotes in the book add depth to the discussions, creating a conversational and informative reading experience.
If I surveyed a thousand people and asked them if they think it’s okay to punch their friends in the face for no reason, I’d bet all thousand would say no. This person is our friend. This person did n...January 2022•303 pagesA super-readable, engaging intro to ethics and justice that makes big questions feel accessible. Great for beginners or anyone curious about how philosophy applies to everyday choices.
"Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?" by Michael J. Sandel is a thought-provoking book that delves into the realms of political philosophy, ethics, and moral philosophy. The author explores different schools of thought regarding what is right and wrong, using modern examples and famous court cases to illustrate his points. Sandel provides a clear overview of ethics and how various philosophers throughout history have pondered the concepts of justice and morality. The book is described as accessible, well-written, and a fantastic introduction to the complex world of ethics.
The narrative of "Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?" prompts readers to contemplate deep questions about justice, morality, and philosophy. Through real-world examples and engaging storytelling, Michael Sandel presents a comprehensive exploration of ethical dilemmas and the conflicting ideas surrounding what is considered right or wrong. The book is praised for its ability to open readers' eyes to different perspectives and challenge conventional notions of good and evil, making it a compelling and enlightening read for those interested in moral ethics and philosophy.
In the summer of 2004, Hurricane Charley roared out of the Gulf of Mexico and swept across Florida to the Atlantic Ocean. The storm claimed twenty-two lives and caused $11 billion in damage. It also l...September 2007•383 pages- #5
Save:A clever, philosophical YA dystopian thriller with memorable worldbuilding, though not without flaws. Worth a try if you want a fresh take on what happens after humanity conquers death.
In the book 'Scythe' by Neal Shusterman, set in a future world where immortality is granted, the story revolves around the concept of Scythes who are tasked with controlling the population by gleaning lives. The plot follows two young apprentices, Citra and Rowan, as they navigate the ethical dilemmas and challenges within Scythedom. The writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, delving into themes of morality, ethics, compassion, and justice within a dystopian society where death is controlled by a select few.
The scythe arrived late on a cold November afternoon. Citra was at the dining room table, slaving over a particularly difficult algebra problem, shuffling variables, unable to solve for X or Y, when t...November 2016•453 pages - #6
Save:A short, clever, and thoughtful classic that bends reality and your mind - perfect for fans of idea-driven sci-fi and those who wonder, 'What if my dreams could change the world?'
In 'The Lathe of Heaven', George Orr discovers that his dreams have the power to alter reality. Sent to a psychiatrist, Dr. Haber, George becomes the subject of an experiment where his dreams are manipulated to reshape the world. However, the unintended consequences of George's dreams lead to a series of ever-changing realities, challenging the fabric of existence itself. Ursula K. Le Guin masterfully delves into themes of power, self-destructiveness, and the nature of reality in this eerie and prescient science fiction novel set in a dystopian Portland, Oregon.
Current-borne, wave-flung, tugged hugely by the whole might of ocean, the jellyfish drifts in the tidal abyss. The light shines through it, and the dark enters it. Borne, flung, tugged from anywhere t...1971•188 pages - #7
Save:A heavyweight in moral philosophy that's vital for contract theory fans and "The Good Place" enthusiasts, but casual readers may find it tough going and a bit too abstract for everyday moral guidance.
What We Owe to Each Other by T.M. Scanlon explores essential moral questions about our obligations to one another. The book is divided into two parts; the first part, Reasons and Values, captivates readers with its insightful examination of motivation and morality. Scanlon defines wrong actions with a complex formula based on principles that no one could reasonably reject, but this complexity can make it a challenging read.
Scanlon's writing style is deliberate and clear, though some may find it dry or difficult due to the intricate concepts presented. It is not a light read, requiring careful thought and sometimes multiple readings to grasp fully. Despite these challenges, the book is highly regarded for its contributions to contemporary ethical theory and is particularly relevant for readers interested in the moral frameworks that shape our interactions.
1999•433 pages A chilling, essential classic that will make you question human nature, our relationship to authority, and your own instincts. Not an easy read, but definitely worth your time if you want to understand why good people sometimes follow terrible orders.
Stanley Milgram's book 'Obedience to Authority: An Experimental View' delves into the study of obedience and human behavior when faced with authority figures. Through a series of experiments, Milgram explores how individuals can easily succumb to authority, even if it means acting against their own morals and beliefs. The book highlights the dark side of human nature and the ease with which ordinary people can be coerced into committing acts of cruelty under the guise of obedience.
Milgram's writing style is described as chillingly scientific, presenting the experiments with mathematical precision while raising moral and ethical questions about human behavior. The book not only sheds light on the psychological dynamics of obedience and violence but also serves as a tool to understand historical events like the Holocaust and My Lai massacre through the lens of group dynamics and authority influence.
1969•250 pages- #9
Save:A wild, witty, and delightfully weird sci-fi farce - distinctly not for everyone, but unforgettable if you’re up for the ride.
In the distant future at the End of Time, the remaining humans have god-like powers, including the ability to alter their environments at will and collect space and time travelers for amusement. The protagonist, Jherek Carnelian, decides to fall in love with Mrs. Amelia Underwood, a Victorian time traveler, and embarks on a journey to rescue her, leading to humorous and fantastical adventures. The book is a mix of science fiction, fantasy, social commentary, and satire, creating a rich and decadent culture where death is unknown, birth is rare, and innocence and humor play central roles in the narrative.
Between the Iron Orchid and her son, Jherek Carnelian, lay the remains of a lunch. Spread on a cloth of plain damask were ivory plates containing pale fish, potatoes, meringue, vanilla ice-cream and,...1972•162 pages - #10
Save:A bold, brainy, and award-winning space opera that’s as much about identity, language, and justice as it is about starships and revenge - a modern must-read for serious sci-fi fans, especially those who love to think.
'Ancillary Justice' by Ann Leckie is a science fiction novel set in a future where humans have colonized the galaxy and space ships have humans directly controlled by ship AI as workers and soldiers. The protagonist, Breq, is the last remaining ancillary of a destroyed starship AI seeking revenge, navigating through interplanetary politics and exploring unique ideas of a possible future. The book delves into themes of identity, artificial intelligence, gender neutrality, and complex world-building, challenging the reader to interpret the intricacies of the narrative.
The writing style of 'Ancillary Justice' is described as compelling, with excellent world-building and intricate storytelling that slowly unfolds the plot. The use of female pronouns as the standard in a gender-neutral society, the concept of ancillaries, and the multiple POVs presented in a unique manner contribute to the richness of the narrative, making the reader ponder on themes of humanity, individuality, and culture in a thought-provoking manner.
The body lay naked and facedown, a deathly gray, spatters of blood staining the snow around it. It was minus fifteen degrees Celsius and a storm had passed just hours before. The snow stretched smooth...October 2013•432 pages
