Ethics after Babel: The Languages of Morals and Their Discontents [Paperback]

Jeffrey Stout (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2001

A fascinating study of moral languages and their discontents, Ethics after Babel explains the links that connect contemporary moral philosophy, religious ethics, and political thought in clear, cogent, even conversational prose. Princeton's paperback edition of this award-winning book includes a new postscript by the author that responds to the book's noted critics, Stanley Hauerwas and the late Alan Donagan. In answering his critics, Jeffrey Stout clarifies the book's arguments and offers fresh reasons for resisting despair over the prospects of democratic discourse.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

To understand the messages of, say, a Jerry Falwell, Elie Wiesel or Mario Cuomo, we first have to understand the moral language in which they frame them asserts this Princeton professor of religion. But Stout (The Flight from Authority) is no moral relativist. His "modest pragmatism" throws down a gauntlet to nihilists and skeptics who, in his opinion, are cowed by the sheer diversity of modern society. As he reflects on the role of institutions and beliefs in shoring up the moral framework of our fragile republic, he drives home his central message: religious ethics, far from being something we can ignore, are the litmus test of any secular philosophy. Finding academic theology bankrupt, Stout engages instead in a debate with moral philosophers. His own pragmatism offers scant metaphysical comfort, yet it points the way to a better society. This weighty tome will repay the careful reader.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

In the first third of this ambitious book Stout explores theoretical ethics, arguing persuasively against nihilism, skepticism, and relativism. He then sympathetically considers a revised divine command theory that withstands the stock criticisms of nonbelievers. A bonus chapter brilliantly illuminates the basis of common attitudes toward cannibalism and sodomy; Stout argues that a virtue-based ethics can explain them and is best for a society with pluralistic values. His final section elaborates details. Stout's procedure throughout is to critique other philosophers, with whom he presupposes considerable familiarity. For subject collections. Sidney Gendin, Eastern Michigan Univ., Ypsilanti
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 372 pages
• Publisher: Princeton University Press (January 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0691070814
• ISBN-13: 978-0691070810
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #705,897 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars ethics in the real world, October 30, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Ethics after Babel: The Languages of Morals and Their Discontents (Paperback)

Stout's book is a good discussion of how to choose the best among many choices in an increasingly relativistic world. I have used it to teach undergraduates comparative ethics and most of them found it useful and interesting, though not an easy read. It would be best suited to an upper level undergrad class and/or the lay reader who might have some background in ethical theory.

By far the most important idea in the book (to my mind) is that of the ethical bricolleur - the person who uses all at his/her disposal to develop a cogent ethic for his/her life in the context of their communities.

If you are looking for simple answers in ethics, this is not your text, but if you want a coherent, well reasoned discussion of the moral 'grey areas' we all need to traverse, Stout is a good choice.