A Preface to Morals
Description
A profound examination of morality and ethics in the modern age of disillusionment and shifting values.
Topics
Ethics, morality, humanism, secularism, modern philosophy
Detailed Description
Walter Lippmann's 'A Preface to Morals' (1929) stands as one of the most influential philosophical works of the early 20th century, offering a penetrating analysis of the moral disillusionment that characterized the post-World War I era. The book addresses the spiritual vacuum created by the decline of traditional religious authority and examines how modern individuals might reconstruct ethical frameworks in a secular age. Lippmann articulates a humanist philosophy that draws on classical traditions while acknowledging the realities of contemporary life, arguing for a mature morality based on self-discipline, disinterestedness, and the pursuit of excellence rather than dogmatic adherence to religious doctrine. His nuanced exploration of how humans can find meaning and purpose in an increasingly complex and disenchanted world continues to resonate with readers seeking ethical guidance in times of cultural transition and uncertainty.
Keywords
A Preface to Morals, Walter Lippmann, ethics, philosophy, morality, modern disillusionment, humanism, secularism, moral philosophy, religious decline, 20th century philosophy, American intellectuals, ethical frameworks, moral relativism, spiritual crisis, humanistic ethics, golden mean, moral maturity, disinterestedness, self-discipline, moral autonomy, modern society, philosophical pragmatism, moral responsibility, ethical development, liberal democracy, public intellectual, American journalism, interwar period, cultural criticism, moral psychology
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