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Moral Clarity: A Guide For Grown-up Idealists (2008)

by Susan Neiman(Favorite Author)

3.66 of 5 Votes: 1

ISBN

0151011974 (ISBN13: 9780151011971)

languge

English

genre

Nonfiction

publisher

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

review 1: Okay, so I didn't actually finish this book although I really, really want/intend to. I have so much writing on it and that parts I did read influenced me immensely...Talk to me if you want to discuss (or read it together? it's not an easy read but is amazing for conversations in history (except we never have any, awkward)/about current events). I have an article/interview with Dr. Nieman as well. Unfortunately, I couldn't keep renewing from the library so until I buy a copy this will be on hold.
review 2: As much as I try not to judge a book by its cover, I am often guilty of judging a book by its title, and the subtitle of this one grossly misdirected my expectations. Even with that caveat, however, I found Neiman's work to be not particularly useful to the "... moregrown-up idealist," unless such a person needs to justify their existence. There is, indeed, a need for grown-up idealists in the world today.My biggest disappointment is that Neiman argues primarily that Enlightenment values still hold resonance in modern thought. (Which, as an unabashed product of the Enlightenment, I believe is true.) What she doesn't tell is, however, is the meatier how and why we should internalize Enlightenment values to address contemporary moral issues. This make the book less of a guide than I was expecting.My other criticism is that Neiman seems to fall just short of a proscriptive approach. I had a sense that she wanted to be a little more directive, but stopped just short, which seemed to blunt what could've been a forceful guide to moral behavior. (Not, by the way, outlining morals she feels the reader should have, but instead providing the framework for establishing an internal moral judgment -- a moral clarity, if you will.)Neiman's writing is strong, and her subject well researched. The book is undeniably academic, and I would've hoped for something more tailored to a general audience. less

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