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The Essence of Ethical Pragmatism

Name: The Essence of Ethical Pragmatism
Author: E. Dennis Brod
ISBN: 978-1-4834-5435-1

THE COMMON SENSE PHILOSOPHY

by E. Dennis Brod ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 28, 2016

Impressively free of political bias, but philosophically slight.

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An updated version of philosophical pragmatism, offered as a cure for all that ails the world.

It’s typical for politicians from both sides of the aisle to offer what they label “common-sense” solutions, but without specifically articulating what that term means. Debut author Brod attempts to provide a thorough definition, situated within a philosophy that he calls “ethical pragmatism.” Common sense, he says, has two main requirements: analysis based on “impartial, objective, and accurate facts,” and proper selection of a means that will, in fact, lead to the desired end. His study first defines ethical pragmatism, then offers a series of practical, illustrative applications. The author furnishes a concise history of philosophical pragmatism, which also functions as a critique, saying that it has generally been overly academic, needlessly esoteric, and insufficiently preoccupied with ethical matters. Brod acknowledges that some fundamentally subjective value must govern the pragmatism’s ethical dimension, and he stipulates the value of each human life as axiomatic. In the book’s second half, he tries to demonstrate the superior rationality of his perspective by applying it to a wide spectrum of topics, including monetary policy, Abraham Lincoln’s emancipation of slaves, the selection of U.S. Supreme Court justices, and the harmful effects of excessive noise. He ambitiously offers his philosophical worldview as the maximally rational instrument for analyzing every conceivable problem: “Ethical pragmatism offers hope to all those who grapple with daily challenges, ranging from the most mundane to those of life-altering significance for ourselves alone or for the entire world population.” Brod’s exposition is undoubtedly clearer than those of his philosophical predecessors, and he helpfully avoids both technical jargon and metaphysical abstractions. However, his distillation of rationality down to common sense and “total objectivity” requires considerable oversimplification, as one doesn’t achieve impartiality by simply summoning it. Also, some readers may find his complete dismissal of religion disappointing, as well as his neglect of the long philosophical tradition that defends the rationality of faith. This is an admirably bipartisan book, and it radiates open-mindedness. But it will frustrate those hungry for something deeper.

Impressively free of political bias, but philosophically slight.

Pub Date: July 28, 2016

ISBN: 978-1-4834-5435-1

Page Count: 210

Publisher: Lulu

Review Posted Online: Aug. 12, 2016

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

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NUTCRACKER

by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996

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This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)

Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996

ISBN: 0-15-100227-4

Page Count: 136

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis

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TO THE ONE I LOVE THE BEST

EPISODES FROM THE LIFE OF LADY MENDL (ELSIE DE WOLFE)

by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955

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An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.