Top 10 Recently Reviewed Books on Ethics and Morality

The concept of 'apology' is basic to all human cultures - indeed, it is arguably basic to human nature and communities in general. What, however, is an 'apology,' what makes one effective, and how can people learn to apologize in a better manner? For a concept that is supposed to be so fundamental, it’s curious that so many questions would exist about it.

Humans have committed great evil against other human beings over the course of millennia, but many outstanding examples occurred during just the 20th century. Such evil is not, however, the standard means by which people relate to one another - usually people are quite a bit more civil and kind. How is it that such behaviors are left behind and truly heinous barbarism develops?

According to Socrates, an unexamined life is not worth living - but why is that so, and do you agree? Do you reflect upon your life? Is your life worth living? Moreover, if an examined life is so important, just what is necessary to achieve it?

Religious critics of atheism and evolution allege that without the guiding force of some god, some supernatural power, there can be no reasonable explanation for the development of altruism and morality. In a purely materialistic and evolutionary nature, critics argue, there is no reason for altruism to exist or for us to be moral.

Morality has played an important role in both religion and theism throughout human history. So deeply intertwined have the two been that most people today sincerely believe that morality isn't possible outside of religion or, at the very least, without belief in God. But what if neither morality nor meaning depend upon either religion or theism?

It's commonly thought that people are more strongly motivated by selfishness than by altruism. This position is especially popular among economists and is believed to be based upon a realistic appraisal of human action as it evolved over the millennia. It may not, however, be entirely accurate...

For much of human history, there has been the perception that morality is largely or wholly dependent upon religion. Thus, people have argued that a person simply cannot be good without a religious belief system and, more importantly, a belief in some god. But is this perception accurate?

With all of the cultural and religious challenges which face us today, is there still any way to think and act ethically? That's a very good question, and Simon Backburn's newest book is designed to give people an introduction on what ethics are, the different ways which people can approach ethics, and finally why ethics really matter to us.

With the mounting scandals which have been dominating the news, people might be forgiven if they come to believe that the phrase "Business Ethics" is an oxymoron. However, there is a case to be made that the pursuit of business is perfectly compatible with living an ethical life - the problem is, not enough business leaders in the United States are familiar with - or accept - that case.

Is it possible to live a life of happiness and moral responsibility without religion or even without belief in a god? Conventional wisdom and long-standing traditional attitudes hold that both religion and theism are necessary for happiness and morality - but through history a few have argued the contrary. Do they argue convincingly, though?