In my earlier short list of substantive books in support of normative systems of thought I failed to include an especially important one: Susan Neiman. Moral Clarity: A Guide for Grown-Up Idealists.
The following especially trenchant summary observation is at the heart of her critique of all forms of relativism and her defense of reason-based normative judgments: "The relativism that holds all moral values to be created equal is a short step from the nihilism that holds that all talk of values is superfluous."
And the reference to "nihilism" brings to mind a recent discovery. There is an annual [Oscar] Wilde Wit Competition in Great Britain. In 2023, one of the winning entries was: "If it weren't for nihilism. I wouldn't have anything to live for."
The absurdity embedded in this "witticism" sheds light on the fact that relativism and its various formulations are less theories about values than expressions of moral indifference— or the willful avoidance of the complex, critical thinking the subject matter requires.
Great column, Dan. Wish others would pick up this thread. Your reference to Haidt was especially apt. We must be into the era now where we begin to view the current Big Conflict between left and right through a psychological lens, just as we begin to pay attention to the role of the spiritual in these questions. Love your suspicion of certainty, also one of my not-so-pet peeves.
Dan, I think you made a good point and I will think about this. The only problem I have is that our current Congress, especially The House, we are not talking about truth and good judgment, we are talking about using power for power's sake only, no matter what the outcome and it is destroying our country.
From reader Gresham Riley:
In my earlier short list of substantive books in support of normative systems of thought I failed to include an especially important one: Susan Neiman. Moral Clarity: A Guide for Grown-Up Idealists.
The following especially trenchant summary observation is at the heart of her critique of all forms of relativism and her defense of reason-based normative judgments: "The relativism that holds all moral values to be created equal is a short step from the nihilism that holds that all talk of values is superfluous."
And the reference to "nihilism" brings to mind a recent discovery. There is an annual [Oscar] Wilde Wit Competition in Great Britain. In 2023, one of the winning entries was: "If it weren't for nihilism. I wouldn't have anything to live for."
The absurdity embedded in this "witticism" sheds light on the fact that relativism and its various formulations are less theories about values than expressions of moral indifference— or the willful avoidance of the complex, critical thinking the subject matter requires.
Great column, Dan. Wish others would pick up this thread. Your reference to Haidt was especially apt. We must be into the era now where we begin to view the current Big Conflict between left and right through a psychological lens, just as we begin to pay attention to the role of the spiritual in these questions. Love your suspicion of certainty, also one of my not-so-pet peeves.
Dan, I think you made a good point and I will think about this. The only problem I have is that our current Congress, especially The House, we are not talking about truth and good judgment, we are talking about using power for power's sake only, no matter what the outcome and it is destroying our country.