The Moral Sense: Library Edition
by James Q. Wilson
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Book Summary Information
Author: James Q. WilsonNarrator: Nadia May
Edition: Audio Cassette
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Format: Unabridged
Published: 2001-05
ISBN: 078611987X
Publisher: Blackstone Audiobooks
Book Reviews of The Moral Sense: Library Edition
Book Review: Nonsense
Summary: 1 Stars
The questions I had when checking this book out from the library were as follows: 'How much is my personal moral sense skewed into good or evil by my experiences and how I interpret them?' and 'What can heal a damaged moral sense (unhappy childhood) or destroy a strong moral sense?' and 'What is the relationship between intelligence and moral sense?'
My questions were not answered by this volume.
A distinction between tolerance (you put up with something because you have to) and acceptance (you have no objections to a practice) is not made. On page seven moral relativism is equated with refusing to condemn strange customs in a foreign society. Wilson makes no distinction between tolerating a practice that you have no influence or control over vs. accepting it. I tolerate clubs catering to smokers (I hate smoking); it doesn't mean I am a smoking advocate, as Mr. Wilson implies. I recognize other people have a right to smoke, just not around me.
No mention of Ayn Rand's objectivism; on p234 it is called 'vainglorious' without being named. As the modern answer to relativism, it says, things do have values, and some (like my life) are more valuable than others (like a corrupt regime's whims). Objectivism also restates and simplifies Wilson's entire argument with foundational premises and structured conclusions. Wilson uses Christian family values, post modern relativism, emotional psychology, variants on Darwinism, and social/cultural norms as his reasoning tools. The empirical evidence is documented psychological studies, widely open to interpretation, and presented without [supporting] context. (Floating abstractions.)
Part one entitled "Sentiments" involved the wonders of altruism. Mob justice, social networks, and self interest get nods. Altruism is expanded around throughout the entire book in various guises (fairness, duty, self-control, behaviorism), rather than a simple 'charity is a personal choice.' Instead of asking 'why do we choose this?' Wilson documents (and interprets) behavior that shows moral choices being made in specific (controlled) instances. Selfishness is equated with evil.
Part two, "Sources" explores from where the moral sense is instilled, (Social groups, families, bonding), but no *new* analysis is made on methodology. Baumrind's parenting studies (pp150-1) are cited. A pointless chapter on gender is followed by historical Western philosophy lessons (not relevant as fundamental human nature doesn't change between societies or centuries).
Part three, 'Character,' finally asks about moral universals (premises). 'We are human' is the only one. More philosophy reaffirming the author's Western Christian 'modern' world view -- "Believing individuals are everything, rights are trumps, and morality is relative (to time and place), such thinkers design laws... that leave nothing between the state and individual save choices, contracts and entitlements. Fourth grade children being taught condom use is only one of the more perverse of the results(p250)." Book ends with an extended metaphor on light.
Apparently morality can't be objective and intelligent, it can only be relative in modern society. Otherwise, it's vainglorious and not fitting for individuals. What tripe!
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