Making Morality : Pragmatist Reconstruction in Ethical Theory

Todd Lekan

ISBN 10: 0826514219 / ISBN 13: 9780826514219

Published by Univ Of Chicago Press Behalf Of Vanderbilt Univ. P Feb 2003, 2003

About this Item

Neuware - In this new contribution to moral theory, Todd Lekan argues for a pragmatist conception of morality as an evolving, educational, and fallible practice of everyday life. Drawing on the work of John Dewey, Lekan asserts that moral norms are neither timeless truths nor subjective whims, but habits transmitted through practices. Like the habits that make up medicine or engineering, moral habits are subject to rational evaluation and change according to new challenges and circumstances. This pragmatic interpretation of morality provides a way out of the conundrum of relativism and absolutism. Building on classical American philosophy to address current philosophical concerns, Lekan's theory revises our basic understanding of moral life and the place of theorizing within that life. Making Morality will prove of great interest to ethical theorists, as it enjoins them to measure theoretical inquiries by how well they produce intellectual tools for problem-solving in dynamic, complex communities.

Seller Inventory # 9780826514219

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Making Morality : Pragmatist Reconstruction in Ethical Theory
• Publisher: Univ Of Chicago Press Behalf Of Vanderbilt Univ. P Feb 2003
• Publication Date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0826514219
• ISBN 13: 9780826514219
• Binding: Taschenbuch
• Condition: Neu
• Dimensions: 183W x 133H x 15D millimeters 183 millimeters width by 133 millimeters height by 15 millimeters depth
• Weight: 299 grams

About this title

Synopsis

In this new contribution to moral theory, Todd Lekan argues for a pragmatist conception of morality as an evolving, educational, and fallible practice of everyday life. Drawing on the work of John Dewey, Lekan asserts that moral norms are neither timeless truths nor subjective whims, but habits transmitted through practices. Like the habits that make up medicine or engineering, moral habits are subject to rational evaluation and change according to new challenges and circumstances. This pragmatic interpretation of morality provides a way out of the conundrum of relativism and absolutism.

Building on classical American philosophy to address current philosophical concerns, Lekan's theory revises our basic understanding of moral life and the place of theorizing within that life. Making Morality will prove of great interest to ethical theorists, as it enjoins them to measure theoretical inquiries by how well they produce intellectual tools for problem-solving in dynamic, complex communities.

About the Author

Todd Lekan is assistant professor of philosophy at Muskingum College, New Concord, Ohio.