Customer Reviews

Ethics and the Between (Suny Series in Philosophy)

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The second book in Desmond's trilogy offers astute critiques of modernity's ethical assumptions, and contains penetrating reflections on phenomenological ethical happenings. However, these observations are mired in an almost unbelievable edifice of terminology. The introduction of a four-fold and a seven-fold schema, and the subsequent revision of each in light of the other, gives the sense that the first half of the text presents a twenty-eight step ethical program.

Actually, the constant redevelopment of terms already introduced, as well as the development of new terms and schemas, is an attempt to further nuance the points made and defend them from potential criticism. Indeed, for the patient reader the text will be found replete with content and pleasant subtleties. But for a less patient reader, terms seem to multiply themselves ad infinitum without immediately adding anything.

It would be a pleasing development if, upon the publication of God and the Between, Desmond would compose a short, single-volume guide to his trilogy. This would allow the reader the chance to become familiar with the direction of his thought and the major points before becoming mired in every terminological detail.

This is easily the worst philosophical text that I have ever read (with the possible exception of Desmond's own "God and the Between"). Philosophical texts are not usually known for their engaging style, but this is a low point. Desmond apparently fancies himself somewhat of a poet, but his attempt at a lyrical philosophy falls flat (see God and the Between for some of his original "poems" at the beginning of every chapter). It is highly repetitive and tedious to read, but, unlike other repetitive and tedious philosophy, it is severely lacking nuance. Kant, Nietzsche, & Hegel (among others) are given very superficial readings (verging on poor scholarship). Also, the 'arguments' in the book are less logically convincing than they are brainwashingly repetitive; Desmond merely states something so many times that you tend to forget that it is a highly questionable assertion.

At this point you may be wondering why, after this vitriolic review, I have given Ethics and the Between 2/5 stars. I gave this score simply because I think that the main messages of the book, which gets lost in the 500+ pages, are good. There is a need for thought beyond/between dialectical oppositions. The main ethical guidance that the book offers is sound as well (even if it is stated more succinctly in the pages of the New Testament): Agapeic service is the only way to serve the other in his otherness, without imposing your own will to power on him.

In conclusion, save yourself the time and effort required to read this book. Your time would be better spent reading the New Testament for (the same) ethical guidance, and any number of other philosophers who have written on thought after dialectics.