Morality: Whose Idea Was It Anyway?
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by Charles Block
Price: $16.95
Book Website: http://www.pontstreetpress.com
240 Pages, Paperback, 6 x 9
ISBN-10: 0-9729488-0-5
Morality: Whose Idea Was It, Anyhow? searches for the roots of moral development from the dawn of man to the present. It provides a fresh and intelligent approach to the people and events that produced a rich and relevant moral legacy. Morality, however, does more than chronicle the ascent of moral ideas. Several insightful ironies are identified during this tour through history, for example: · Histories "academy award" for moral ideas goes to Ancient Israel and Ancient Greece. How did such an odd couple give us consistent moral values? · Philosophy, faith and family drive moral behaviors. But art is another very potent force for morality even though artists are often not moral role models. · Capitalism, a system that puts self-interest first, is an accidental ally of morality. How come? One clue comes from Mark Twain- "the lack of money is the root of evil." · Why today is the best and worst time in moral history From these ironies a more objective picture of morality emerges. A picture that will appeal to those who are dismayed by societal leaders who pollute the integrity of morality and tailor it to taste.
About The Author
Understanding the origins and emergence of moral ideas is a problem that has intrigued me for years and although the subject has been treated by many fine minds, certain basics remain enigmatic and confusing. My career as a management consultant brings to this puzzling subject a novel approach, a broad perspective and an ability to discern convincing answers. A graduate degree in pure mathematics from Harvard University, followed by various applied math assignments at an MIT research lab, gave me a strong research foundation. These skills translated well from the academic to the business world, mostly with a major international bank. I was able, therefore, to grasp the philosophical, anthropological and theological aspects of morality and present them in interesting and innovative ways. I have undertaken hundreds of research projects, made scores of presentations, written countless reports, published articles in banking periodicals, computer magazines and business journals and lectured frequently before business and civic groups. I have also designed and given courses at academic institutions like Massachusetts Institute of Technology and New York University. My experiences in sorting through complex technical and subtle financial issues have provided the banking world with valuable and understandable solutions.
Reviews
The timing is perfect. Harvard-educated mathematician, Charles Block tackles a topic that has never had more pertinence than in the post 9/11 world we inhabit today. The fall-out of that historic event has forced us to re-evaluate our values and ethics. Block examines the very nature of morality, and tries to present a convincing interpretation of this elusive concept. To do this he draws from one of our most valued resources- history.
We are transported thousands of years into the past as Block examines cultures, genetics, and varying facets of morality through the ages. Perplexed by the rampant disagreement among philosophers and sages on fundamental aspects of the topic, he goes on to provide a broad definition that helps us separate it from the endlessly gray areas of piety, altruism and justice. He examines the role of evolution and religion in shaping morality, drawing from the bible of Ancient Israel and the Golden Age of Athens, the two sections of the book that he deems most important.
Playing audience to a scrutiny of the subject from a philosophical, anthropological and theological point of view becomes even more interesting because of Block’s background. He uses the wisdom gained from his long and successful management career to considerable effect, bringing unusual perspective to an otherwise well-discussed subject. We are drawn a persuasive picture of the emergence and development of moral ideas and informed about its intimate relationship with the species and our humanity.
Forecast: An enthralling and thought-provoking book on a challenging subject that will break new ground in this genre of thought. A must-read at a time when the world faces problems of war, terrorism and confusion.
BookWire Review
September 30, 2004
Customer Reviews
 | Bob Powers from Millsboro , DE | | | I look forward to the three lecture course that Charles will be teaching for the Greenwich Continuing Eduction group in the Spring of 2005.
Morality: Whose Idea Was It Anyhow? A must read. It lifts us out of ourselves with a sense of wonder and a concern for the human condition. |
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