Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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48 of 50 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Extremely Relevant and Important Material, February 12, 2002
This semester I began teaching Theory of Ethics at Marquette University. Francis J. Beckwith was in fact my ethics professor at SES (adjunct), and he discussed this book in class back then (summer of '99). I purchased the book from Amazon a few years ago and read at it off and on, but never took the contents too seriously, until I actually started teaching ethics myself and realize that there are more relativists out there than I thought. Before you think me rather naive (which perhaps I was) let me explain how important this text has been.First, the contents are not scholarly. What I mean by this is that the contents of this text are simple (not that those who actually wrote it are not scholars). This makes for an important text for anyone and everyone who is attempting to combat relativism in one arena or another. Second, the book is written in such a way that it cuts to the chase. Point by point Beckwith and Koukl detail the inherent problems of relativism and the untenable nature of this view. Third, the text, so far, has actually stood the test of time. What I mean is that many of these types of text have a short shelf life (unfortunately) but this one has survived which means that it is actually selling - this is very encouraging. Beckwith and Koukl use illustration upon illustration to support their arguments. What is more, the text is written in a very well organized fashion and as such can be used for quick reference, when needed. Moreover, crucial issues such as abortion, homosexuality, tolerance, and other important issues are covered with the implications of relativism considered in light of these issues. Overall, this is a very down to earth easy book to digest and use. And, it is also a very effective tool in combatting the woes and difficulties of relativism. I highly recommend this text. For further study on the issues of relativism from a non-relativist scholar see James Rachels' text "The Elements of Moral Philosophy."
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46 of 54 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A good introduction for non-academics, March 5, 2000
When you keep in mind the purpose of this book -- a practical guide to arm Moral Objectivists against three types of Moral Relativism (cultural/descriptive, socially prescriptive, and individual/ethical relativism) -- it does a pretty good job. Not everyone does Philosophy, yet who doesn't encounter relativist arguments in almost every facet of life. Dealing mainly with Moral Relativism (only touching on Epistemological and Ontological Relativism), Beckwith and Koukl's book helps to make sense of what's really at issue, using concrete examples and crisp refutations. Many readers will find utility in Chapter 7, "Relativism's Seven Fatal Flaws" (a covenantal coincidence in the sevens?) and Chapter 14, "Tactics to Refute Relativism". Some of their arguments could have been fleshed out a little more. Also, a chapter on the Rise of Relativism outlining the influence of key figures past and present would have been useful to many. All in all, an easy-to-read and satisfying work that many non-relativists will find very useful in upper high school and junior college, as well as at dinner table debates. Of course, convinced relativists won't read this book, but it will help to clarify things for those who haven't thought much about these things. Another boost for those out to Save Civilsation.
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"I've fallen and I can't get up", said the relativist, October 26, 2000
The authors have done a great job in exposing the inconsistent nature of relativistic thinking. They point out that relativism has taken hold in a society (ours) that is unable to critically examine itself, and where self-interest and pleasure shape ethical decisions. Many relativists like to pass themselves off as tolerant and neutral folk (tolerant of everyone except those who hold an absolutist viewpoint, that is), but as Beckwith and Koukl point out, "the only place of true neutrality is silence". Throughout the book they explain the self-refuting nature of relativism; that is, it's merely absolutism in sheep's clothing. This book will be valuable for anyone looking to stand against the flood of subjectivism that currently rules the societal roost (mixed metaphors notwithstanding).
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