The Right Thing To Do: Basic Readings in Moral Philosophy
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • Insensitive and biased, or brilliant?
  • Unhelpful and Biased
  • re: Natalia's critique
  • Not just a textbook
  • insensitive
 The Right Thing To Do: Basic Readings in Moral Philosophy
James Rachels , and Stuart Rachels
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Ethics & MoralityEthics & Morality | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Nonfiction BooksLook Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
All TitlesAll Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
NonfictionNonfiction | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. The Elements of Moral Philosophy The Elements of Moral Philosophy
  2. The American Democracy The American Democracy
  3. The Shape Of Things The Shape Of Things
  4. Studying Philosophy, Second Edition Studying Philosophy, Second Edition
  5. Conduct and Character: Readings in Moral Theory Conduct and Character: Readings in Moral Theory

ASIN: 0073125466

Book Description

This collection of readings in moral theory and moral issues from major Western philosophers is the ideal companion reader for James Rachels' text The Elements of Moral Philosophy. The anthology explores further the theories and issues introduced in that volume, in their original and classic formulations. The collection can stand on its own as the text for a course in moral philosophy, or it can be used to supplement any introductory text.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Insensitive and biased, or brilliant?.......2006-05-23

Natalia's response makes one wonder whether she herself was perhaps among the unfortunate babies born without a brain. Yes, if there were no other human beings in the world other than this one brainless baby, maybe I would keep the brainless baby around to help comfort me by reminding me of the lost human species. However, in fact there are lots of other human beings, most of whom have brains, so in reality there's no need to keep brainless babies around as pets.

Natalia also seems to be unaware of what a brain is. Brainless babies do not experience pain or anguish. (Nor do they experience pleasure.) Without a brain, 'you' have no experiences of any kind, no beliefs, no desires, and you don't care about anything to any degree. It's just a body lying in a hospital bed. There's no such thing as being insensitive to such a thing, any more than you can be insensitive to a rock.

If it's true that every object, including pebbles on the beach, has something to teach, then I'd rather learn from the rocks, which you don't have to expend thousands of dollars in medical bills to support.

I don't know about the previous editions of this book, but the present edition is really not biased, unless in the sense of being biased towards rationality and quality. In the case of issues where there is significant debate in moral philosophy, there are articles explaining both sides (e.g., abortion). In some cases, there's only one article (e.g., on homosexuality), but these are the issues where there is almost no disagreement in the field, and you'd have to scrape the bottom of the barrel, admitting really low-quality pieces, if you insisted on having an opposing article.

1 out of 5 stars Unhelpful and Biased.......2006-03-04

I used Rachel's text for my students in an undergraduate course in Ethics, and was extremely disappointed and frustrated. Rachels freely promotes his political views and concerns by mean of his narrow selection of primary texts, and thereby curtails effective classroom discussion.

4 out of 5 stars re: Natalia's critique.......2004-10-08

DISCLAIMER: The 4 rating is a not-so-random guess, as I haven't read the whole book yet, but had to put a number down in order to give this critique of Natalia's post. As soon as I bought this book, I read the section on Infanticide, which Natalia so poorly criticized. Natalia's criticism is so poor that you don't even need to read the article to critique her criticism, but I thought I would read it first in case anyone thought differently. She basically argues that even in cases where the baby is a 'vegetable', that it's still good to keep him or her alive because of the benefits they will serve to others. Is there a less compassionate and more selfish position possible than this? I've read a few articles from this book, mainly essays by professional philosophers who give at least strong, if not compelling, arguments for their positions. Rachels himself is good philosopher, specifically a good ethicist, so I recommend him for the strength of his arguments and the lucidity of his writing.

5 out of 5 stars Not just a textbook.......2004-09-10

My sister bought this book as a text book for a introduction into philosophy class. I found it on the family book shelf later on and started flipping through it. The book is well written and interesting; although for the price there must be something better. I came on Amazon today looking for books to read on long trip and this came to mind. It has been a few years since I first read it and I'd like to read it again. I highly suggest you read this book; regardless of the other reviewer (who's two critizisms come from the first chapter).

1 out of 5 stars insensitive.......2004-06-23

The section on handicapped babies is atrocious. Rachel's opinionon is that in the end a brainless baby has less worth than one with a brain. He states derisively that if we simply remove our religious "blinkers" we would see the same. Religion is not a windshield my friend. SUch a child wouldn't contribute to society and be economically worthless since nowadays a person who can't contribute to the economy or jobmarket in any way is a brute. However, lets say everyone on earth was eradicated except for one doctor and a bunch of his very able helper robots. Would this doctor want to keep this baby? Because even though it is almost "inhumane" (as Rachels would gladly have put it) the baby would be the only other human being.
Perhaps it's not a question of worth so much as a life of fullness that is attempted by any human that is more the question. Looking at this unselfishly that child would most likely never achieve this. Forget its lack of contributions to society but concentrate on itself and honestly it shouldn't have to live in a condition of pain? anguish? We should not allow it to live. We have a moral responsibility to do this.
The book gave another example about a famous trial with a DOwn Syndrom child who didn't recieve treatment for his treatable intestinal disease. This is another point. Because the child is born with congenital brain damage yet he can experience life and "take away" from it. At the same time the other human population also "takes away" from him, learns to appreciate itself and learns from him. Because humans are life learners, it's only fair if there is an exchange of learning from both parties- between teh handicapped and not. A child born without a brain our a constant brain hemoraging cannot take away from society, yet it can contribute because every still object to the most restless pebble on the surf has something to teach. Yet it wouldn't be fair to it because it wouldn't be able to take away. There must be an exchange of learning, and teaching.
Building Moral Intelligence: The Seven Essential Virtues that Teach Kids to Do the Right Thing
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Puts into words and ideas moral concepts that can be difficult to explain
  • If you have a problem child , you should get this book!
  • The Greatest Gift Of All
  • A moral education is as important as an academic one!
  • It's what we need...
 Building Moral Intelligence: The Seven Essential Virtues that Teach Kids to Do the Right Thing
Michele, Ed.D. Borba
Manufacturer: Jossey-Bass
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Household HintsHousehold Hints | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Ethics & MoralityEthics & Morality | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Child PsychologyChild Psychology | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books | Development | Psychology
GeneralGeneral | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Morals & ResponsibilityMorals & Responsibility | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. 10-Minute Life Lessons for Kids: 52 Fun and Simple Games and Activities to Teach Your Child Honesty, Trust, Love, and Other Important Values 10-Minute Life Lessons for Kids: 52 Fun and Simple Games and Activities to Teach Your Child Honesty, Trust, Love, and Other Important Values
  2. Parents Do Make a Difference: How to Raise Kids with Solid Character, Strong Minds, and Caring Hearts (The Jossey-Bass Psychology Series) Parents Do Make a Difference: How to Raise Kids with Solid Character, Strong Minds, and Caring Hearts (The Jossey-Bass Psychology Series)
  3. Don't Give Me That Attitude!: 24 Rude, Selfish, Insensitive Things Kids Do and How to Stop Them Don't Give Me That Attitude!: 24 Rude, Selfish, Insensitive Things Kids Do and How to Stop Them
  4. No More Misbehavin': 38 Difficult Behaviors and How to Stop Them No More Misbehavin': 38 Difficult Behaviors and How to Stop Them
  5. Nobody Likes Me, Everybody Hates Me: The Top 25 Friendship Problems and How to Solve Them Nobody Likes Me, Everybody Hates Me: The Top 25 Friendship Problems and How to Solve Them

Accessories:
  1. Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers
  2. philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer

ASIN: 0787962260

Book Description

Gain a new understanding of moral intelligence, and a step-by-step program for its achievement from bestselling author, Michele Borba. In this indispensable book for parents, Borba has created a new break-through in conceptualizing and teaching virtue, character and values under the auspices of a measurable capacity -- Moral Intelligence. This book confronts the front-page crisis we now face in our country regarding youth violence, alienation, self-destructive behavior, cold-heartedness, lack of compassion, insensitivity, intolerance and the break down of values. The author provides a new way to understand, evaluate and inspire our kids with the seven essential virtues which comprise moral intelligence.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Puts into words and ideas moral concepts that can be difficult to explain.......2007-05-15

I have a sixteen-year-old who is questioning all morals. I was finding it difficult to put into words the importance of morals. I bought this book for her to read. She isn't reading it, but I am and I'm finding it very helpful in facilitating discussions with her. At dinner time I bring up one of the seven moral virtues and ideas that the book presents. I've found that it leads to great conversations with her about character and moral behaviors. It has given me the words for concepts that can be difficult to convey in our current morally challenging times. I recommend buying this book when your children are young and referencing it often.

5 out of 5 stars If you have a problem child , you should get this book!.......2006-03-16

Truthfully speaking i was so desperate to change my son's attitude and behaviour towards his friends and towards life.
I am a full time mother and i had done all i can think of to make my son understand more about life, etiquette, morality, character and how to make friends and be a friend.
This book has brought the truth to me.
It makes me really look at my own life first and foremost , how i deal with people, how i treat others,etc...
My action speaks louder than my words.
I grew up surrounded by priviledge and i take alot of things for granted. I just don't realise that my son whom i love very much is looking at me every second with open eyes and ears!!

This book does not only help me change my son's character, but this book also shows me how to be a better mother, a living example for my children to follow.

5 out of 5 stars The Greatest Gift Of All.......2003-02-23

Very useful prescription to put kids on. It is what's missing in America today. To those who really love their family and our country, be sure to read Building Moral Intelligence by Michele Borba, and also, West Point: Character Leadership Education.. by Norman Thomas Remick.

5 out of 5 stars A moral education is as important as an academic one!.......2002-02-23

"Building Moral Intelligence" by Dr. Michele Borba is a book that every parent should read and own. In a world where there are so many negative influences on the internet, in the media, T.V. shows, magazines etc. many parents do not even realize the amount of immoral influences that our children are witnessing every single day. As parents, it is up to us to teach our children the importance of good character. We need to teach them about the seven essential virtues as Dr. Borba explains in her book!
I realize that I'm digressing from a review, but I want to say this. Our world and our lives have changed recently, but the one thing that remains the same is that our children are the future. And as Theodore Roosevelt said "To Educate a Person in Mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society" This book will not only help you raise good kids, it will open any readers eyes and hearts, inspiring them to build their moral intelligence as well. We must teach by example...this book will help you do that! If you want your kids to do the right thing, then this book is for you!

5 out of 5 stars It's what we need..........2001-12-25

At a time when confusion seems to reign, Michele Borba's book is a ressuring tool that helps to keep our family grounded. I refer to it often and my husband and I use it as a conversation builder with our four children. This book was recommended to me by a fellow physician, and I have chosen to give copies of this book as gifts. Whether a new parent or a seasoned one, this book should be in every family's home.
The Freedom Outlaw's Handbook: 179 Things to Do 'Til the Revolution
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A+
  • An excellent update to two excellent books
  • At once hard-hitting and occasionally funny
 The Freedom Outlaw's Handbook: 179 Things to Do 'Til the Revolution
Claire Wolfe
Manufacturer: Loompanics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

RevolutionaryRevolutionary | Historical Study | History | Subjects | Books
Civil Rights & LibertiesCivil Rights & Liberties | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Political Science | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Political Doctrines | Political Science | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Look Inside History BooksLook Inside History Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Nonfiction BooksLook Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. The state vs. the people: The rise of the American police state The state vs. the people: The rise of the American police state
  2. How to Kill the Job Culture Before it Kills You: Living a Life of Autonomy in a Wage-Slave Society How to Kill the Job Culture Before it Kills You: Living a Life of Autonomy in a Wage-Slave Society
  3. Molon Labe! -- Come and Take Them! Molon Labe! -- Come and Take Them!
  4. Boston's Gun Bible Boston's Gun Bible
  5. Domestic Enemies: The Reconquista Domestic Enemies: The Reconquista

ASIN: 155950241X

Book Description

Claire Wolfe is back and has expanded her original 101 Things to Do 'Til the Revolution to 179 thought-and-action items. Some will work for nearly everyone. Some are for those who are more radical. Some are serious. Some are fun. All of them will shore up the privacy barrier that's being eroded - if not downright blasted away - by the Patriot Act, by corporate "Little Brotherism", and by other laws and regulations. Better yet, Claire will inspire you to free your own Inner Outlaw and kick tyrant butt so you can win back freedom. The choices you make are up to you. But if you've been sitting back waiting for the water to get a little hotter before you jump out of the big government, total control vat, Claire gives you 179 tools to help you plan and work.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A+.......2007-01-08

An excellent introduction to pro-freedom/pro-individual ideas by one of my favorite writers. Forget politics and take responsibility for yourself.

5 out of 5 stars An excellent update to two excellent books.......2004-12-06

After a hiatus, Claire Wolfe has returned, and updated her two prior classics, _101 Things_ and _Don't Shoot The Bastards Yet._ If you liked those books, you'll love this one.

While her priorities are not my own on everything, I can recommend this book very highly indeed.

5 out of 5 stars At once hard-hitting and occasionally funny.......2004-11-19

Here is a list of almost 200 things to do 'til the revolution. The Freedom Outlaw's Handbook advocates that the country is mid-way between a revolt against a non-working system and compliance within that system. The ideal citizen may be obedient to such an order, but not Claire Wolfe: her Freedom Outlaw's Handbook tells how to confront tyranny to win back small freedoms, from learning how to keep private information out of the public eye to preparing for the worst possibilities. At once hard-hitting and occasionally funny.
Do the Right Thing
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing
  • DO THE READ THING
 Do the Right Thing
Spike Lee
Manufacturer: Fireside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Direction & ProductionDirection & Production | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Entertainment BooksLook Inside Entertainment Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Nonfiction BooksLook Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Reference BooksLook Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Spike Lee's Gotta Have It P Spike Lee's Gotta Have It P
  2. Uplift the Race Uplift the Race
  3. Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing (Cambridge Film Handbooks) Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing (Cambridge Film Handbooks)
  4. Mo' Better Blues Mo' Better Blues
  5. Do the Right Thing (BFI Modern Classics) Do the Right Thing (BFI Modern Classics)

ASIN: 0671682652

Book Description

The phenomenon of Spike Lee continues with this revealing and engaging look at his outstanding career, his creative process, and the screenplay for his dynamic movie Do The Right Thing. Spike Lee burst full formed into the screen world with his award-winning, commercially successful independent film She's Gotta Have It. In the few short years following this stellar debut he has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the film industry and in American popular culture. This book reveals Spike Lee as a Hollywood iconoclast and gifted visionary and takes us though the dramatic sequence of events that brought the movie Do The Right Thing to fruition. It is a testimonial to his developing genius, written in the stingingly funny and informed language of Spike Lee.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing .......2007-03-22

The script is a one and a million type of script. The pre production and production notes are a added bonus . This book is for all film lovers not just "Do the Right Thing" fans . If you love reading scripts this is a must have.

5 out of 5 stars DO THE READ THING.......2000-05-10

IF YOU LOVED THE MOVIE LIKE I DID THEN, YOU'VE GOT TO GET THIS BOOK. IT HAS EVERYTHING FOR THOSE OF YOU (LIKE ME) WHO CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF THIS FILM. IT CONTAINS SOME STORYBOARDS, THE PRODUCTION JOURNAL, PRODUCTION NOTES, THE CREDITS, THE ENTIRE SCRIPT (!), AND 32 PAGES WORTH OF PICTURES. FIND OUT WHAT SPIKE HAD TO GO THROUGH TO GET THIS FILM UP ON THE BIG SCREEN. IT'S A SHAME THAT SPIKE STOP PUTTING OUT THESE COMPANION VOLUMES TO HIS FEATURE FILMS AS HE DID FOR 5 OF HIS FIRST 6 FILMS. THEY (THE BOOKS) ARE A WELCOMED ADDITION THAT REVEAL A LOT ABOUT THE MAN AND HIS ART. THOUGH OUT OF PRINT, IT WOULD BEHOOVE YOU TO FIND A COPY OF THIS BOOK AND DO THE READ THING.
Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing (Cambridge Film Handbooks)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • SPike is The Man
  • EXTRA CREDIT
 Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing (Cambridge Film Handbooks)

Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
History & CriticismHistory & Criticism | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Media StudiesMedia Studies | Mass Media | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Media StudiesMedia Studies | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Entertainment BooksLook Inside Entertainment Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
All DealsAll Deals | Blowout Books | Stores | Books
Arts & PhotographyArts & Photography | Blowout Books | Stores | Books
EntertainmentEntertainment | Blowout Books | Stores | Books
NonfictionNonfiction | Blowout Books | Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Do the Right Thing Do the Right Thing
  2. Do the Right Thing (BFI Modern Classics) Do the Right Thing (BFI Modern Classics)
  3. Spike Lee: Interviews (Conversations With Filmmakers Series) Spike Lee: Interviews (Conversations With Filmmakers Series)
  4. Uplift the Race Uplift the Race
  5. Mo' Better Blues Mo' Better Blues

ASIN: 0521559545

Book Description

Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing" brings together essays, freshly written for this edition, that analyze this controversial film from a variety of methodological perspectives. Collectively these essays connect the interracial strife of New York as treated in Do the Right Thing with the contemporary social climate and racism in America. Also included are reviews of the film by influential critics, a large selection of production stills, and a complete bibliography.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars SPike is The Man.......2000-10-12

A great book of Essays.Spike Lee is One OF The Very Few Artists in Hollywood saying Something.This Book Breaks Down Many Subject Matters.The Movie is a Timeless Classic.this Book adds upon it.a Must.

4 out of 5 stars EXTRA CREDIT.......2000-05-10

FOR THOSE OF YOU (LIKE ME) THAT LOVED DO THE RIGHT THING AND CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF IT, HERE IS A LITTLE EXTRA CREDIT READING. THIS BOOK CONTAINS 5 ESSAYS THAT RUN THE GAMUT OF ISSUES AND TOPICS THAT INFLUENCED AND WERE COVERED IN THE MOVIE. SUCH THINGS AS MUSIC, RACISM, POLITICS, MARTIN LUTHER KING JR., MALCOLM X, VIOLENCE, AND OTHER CURRENT EVENTS OF THE TIME THAT HELP PUT THE FILM INTO PERSPECTIVE. WHILE THIS BOOK ISN'T FOR THE CASUAL READER, IT IS HERE FOR THOSE OF US THAT WISH TO DIG A LITTLE DEEPER INTO SPIKE LEE'S VISION OF NEW YORK (AND THE U.S.) CIRCA THE LATE '80'S. I ESPECIALLY ENJOYED AND RECOMMEND W. J. T. MITCHELL'S ESSAY "THE VIOLENCE OF PUBLIC ART". HERE IT IS. ENJOY.
Do the Right Thing: The People's Economist Speaks (Hoover Institution Press Publication)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • do the right thing
  • Do the Right Thing - Read This Book!
  • Pure and Unfilted Walter Williams
  • He's the best at what he does.
  • Superb Essays
 Do the Right Thing: The People's Economist Speaks (Hoover Institution Press Publication)
Walter E. Williams
Manufacturer: Hoover Institution Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Economic Policy & DevelopmentEconomic Policy & Development | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Social Services & WelfareSocial Services & Welfare | Poverty | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
CivicsCivics | Government | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
HistoryHistory | Sociology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Business BooksLook Inside Business Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. More Liberty Means Less Government: Our Founders Knew This Well (Hoover Institution Press Publication ; No. 453) More Liberty Means Less Government: Our Founders Knew This Well (Hoover Institution Press Publication ; No. 453)
  2. Ever Wonder Why? And Other Controversial Essays Ever Wonder Why? And Other Controversial Essays
  3. Basic Economics: A Citizens Guide to the Economy, Revised and Expanded Basic Economics: A Citizens Guide to the Economy, Revised and Expanded
  4. Barbarians Inside the Gates: And Other Controversial Essays (Hoover Institution Press Publication, No. 450) Barbarians Inside the Gates: And Other Controversial Essays (Hoover Institution Press Publication, No. 450)
  5. The Vision of the Anointed: Self-Congratulation As a Basis for Social Policy The Vision of the Anointed: Self-Congratulation As a Basis for Social Policy

ASIN: 0817993827

Book Description

Nationally syndicated columnist Walter E. Williams is chairmain of the economic department at George Mason University. This thought-provoking book contains nearly one hundred of William's most popular essays on race and sex, government, education, environment and health, law and society, international politics, and other controversial topics.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars do the right thing.......2007-09-24

Awesome book is a must read if more people in DC thought this way we would still be a republic instead of on our way of being a socialist government like the old USSR

5 out of 5 stars Do the Right Thing - Read This Book!.......2002-10-20

This book is a compilation of columns by America's strongest voice of liberty, Dr. Walter E. Williams. In this book Dr. Williams offers his common sense, freedom-loving take on the vital issues of the day. He fearlessly confronts the many liberal fallacies responsible for eroding our precious liberties. A must read for anyone wanting to expand their base of knowledge and unafraid to confront stark truths. A great antidote to the toxic political propaganda many of our universities dispense. And, a great book for Blacks brave enough to challenge the ethnic grievance industry (Jackson-Sharpton).

5 out of 5 stars Pure and Unfilted Walter Williams.......2002-03-08

This is a collection of Prof. Walter Williams's newspaper columns. It's in his usual plainspoken, tough minded style. A must for the Prof. Williams fan.

5 out of 5 stars He's the best at what he does........1999-12-19

Over the past 15 years I have read numerous works by many libertarian writers. Walter Williams, Thomas Sowell, Ayn Rand, Charles Murray, P.J. O'Rourke, Dave Barry, Henry Hazlitt, F.A. Hayek, Ludwig Von Mises, Milton Friedman, Murray Rothbard, Julian Simon, and many others. Walter Williams is my definite favorite libertarian writer. He tells the plain, simple truth in a way that is very easy to understand. He presents the facts in such a way that only a fool could read him and then walk away without becoming a libertarian. This book is pretty much on par with his others. Which is to say, it is excellent. Mr Williams is a true supporter of individual liberty, freedom, private property rights, and strict limits on the size of government. Good for him!

5 out of 5 stars Superb Essays.......1999-07-12

Everything Walter Williams writes is worth reading. His amazing capacity to convey economic truths combines with his wisdom, humor, eloquence, and keen powers of observation to make him one of America's top pundits. Williams is that rare bird: a truly courageous pundit who is also a genuine scholar.
Do the Right Thing: Living Ethically in an Unethical World
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Do the Right Thing: Living Ethically in an Unethical World
    Thomas G. Plante
    Manufacturer: New Harbinger Publications
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    Ethics & MoralityEthics & Morality | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
    Similar Items:
    1. Human Adjustment with In-Psych CD-ROM Human Adjustment with In-Psych CD-ROM
    2. Classics of Adminstrative Ethics Classics of Adminstrative Ethics
    3. Leadership: Theory, Application, Skill Development Leadership: Theory, Application, Skill Development
    4. Accounting Ethics (Fundamentals of Business Ethics) Accounting Ethics (Fundamentals of Business Ethics)
    5. Magnetic Resonance Procedures: Health Effects and Safety Magnetic Resonance Procedures: Health Effects and Safety

    ASIN: 1572243643

    Book Description

    Philosophy and psychology have always been interwoven; the structure of our ideas and the function of our minds impel one another to color and shape our perceptions of the world around us. Few things will provide for good mental health better than the satisfaction of knowing that the choices you make are ethically sound. This remarkable book, written by an esteemed psychologist and ethicist from Santa Clara and Stanford universities, explores the process that underlies the hard choices we make and describes a system that anyone can use to do the right thing in his or her daily life.

    The book begins with one of the finest concise introductions to ethical systems ever written for general audiences. Then it describes the "ICRRC" system of ethical processing, in which integrity, competence, responsibility, respect, and concern are considered to establish a rationale for making any decision. The engaging and readable text is enriched with anecdotes and step-by-step exercises that reinforce the strategies of each chapter.
    The Logic of Failure: Why Things Go Wrong and What We Can Do to Make Them Right
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Interesting
    • Meh.
    • good so far
    • A Must Read for the Serious Investigator
    • "On S'engage Et Puis On Voit!"
    		 The Logic of Failure: Why Things Go Wrong and What We Can Do to Make Them Right
    Dietrich Dorner
    Manufacturer: Metropolitan Books
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

    GeneralGeneral | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
    IntelligenceIntelligence | By Topic | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
    Decision-MakingDecision-Making | By Topic | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
    Behavioral PsychologyBehavioral Psychology | Behavioral Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
    Cognitive PsychologyCognitive Psychology | Behavioral Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Behavioral Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
    Cognitive PsychologyCognitive Psychology | Behavioral Sciences | Professional Science | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
    Behavioral PsychologyBehavioral Psychology | Behavioral Sciences | Professional Science | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
    Cognitive ScienceCognitive Science | Behavioral Sciences | Professional Science | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
    Similar Items:
    1. Inviting Disaster: Lessons From the Edge of Technology Inviting Disaster: Lessons From the Edge of Technology
    2. Normal Accidents: Living with High-Risk Technologies Normal Accidents: Living with High-Risk Technologies
    3. Why Things Bite Back: Technology and the Revenge of Unintended Consequences (Vintage) Why Things Bite Back: Technology and the Revenge of Unintended Consequences (Vintage)
    4. Managing the Unexpected: Assuring High Performance in an Age of Complexity Managing the Unexpected: Assuring High Performance in an Age of Complexity
    5. Human Error Human Error

    ASIN: 0805041605

    Customer Reviews:

    3 out of 5 stars Interesting.......2007-07-04

    Dense, detailed and often fascinating. Fluid writing despite translation from German. Those who are used to jumping to conclusions will find much to learn here regardless of the overall malfunction. Unfortunately, the promise shown initially is not fully delivered for several reasons. The author makes frequent use of his simulations, tests, and models and asks much of the reader who has only read a brief introduction to them. In the later chapters, it's more tedious to follow along with his constant references; furthermore, the book essentially becomes an argument for the use of computer-simulated research rather than a distilled analysis of failure. The last chapter feigns a comprehensive summary, but drifts away as the author ponders the process of determining the point of failure. I could take it, then, as either (i) a technical, interesting but inconclusive study of the reasons for failure which focuses on a mere handful of examples; or (ii) an outdated, abstract examination of the process for examining failure, which does not consider alternative approaches and isn't thorough enough to be worthwhile.

    If you're interested in note-taking and then drawing your own conclusions, then this book should be an excellent read as it's filled with detail. For others, it delivers a few very fascinating chapters about our cognitive biases and then fails to draw them together cogently.

    1 out of 5 stars Meh........2007-05-27

    Things are complex. Watch the behaviors of items in a system closely. Get a computer to model the cause and effect relationships. Things don't always respond like you would expect. That's the book in a nutshell... I ended up speed reading the book instead of word for word because I couldn't handle all of the excessive examples, nor the continued reference back to his computer simulation "real" models (and I *like* computers!).

    4 out of 5 stars good so far.......2007-01-10

    This was recommended to me at work. Interesting analysis of why problem-solving approaches to social problems so often fail, and why they so often fail so miserably. Basically, there are two types of problem-solvers. Successful problem solvers make one small change, then observe the result. Unsuccessful problem solvers decide on a strategy ahead of time, implement all changes at once, and either stick to their strategy no matter how badly it is failing or scrap their strategy entirely and introduce a brand new one, without transition. Interesting case studies to illustrate the point that logic without logical use of empiricism is ineffective, and common.

    4 out of 5 stars A Must Read for the Serious Investigator.......2007-01-04

    Dorner provides great insights into why we humans are not as smart as we think we are. He shows how our slowness in thinking, our inability to process large amounts of information at any one time, our arrogance, and short sightedness all contribute to ineffective problem solving. While he attempts to provide ways to avoid these stumbling blocks, he falls short on this mission. A much better read for how to avoid these pitfalls can be found in Apollo Root Cause Analysis.

    5 out of 5 stars "On S'engage Et Puis On Voit!".......2006-12-22

    Napoleon said "On s'engage et puis on voit!" Loosely translated that means "One jumps into the fray, then figures out what to do next," a common human approach to planning. This discussion (page 161) takes on the adaptability of thought and cautions decision makers about the risks of overplanning in a dynamic, multivariate system. Using examples from Napoleon as well as more concrete examples such as the quotation about soccer strategy (also on page 161,) Dietrich Dörner, the brilliant German behavioral psychologist (University of Bamberg) has created a masterwork on decision making skills in complex systems; I find it to be highly complimentary to Perrow's work and also highly recommend his equally brilliant "Normal Accidents."

    A strength of this work is that Dörner takes examples from so many areas including his own computer simulations which show the near-universal applicability of his concepts. One of Dörner's main themes is the failure to think in temporal configurations (page 198): in other words, humans are good at dealing with problems they currently have, but avoid dealing with and tend to ignore problems they don't have (page 189): potential outcomes of decisions are not foreseen, sometimes with tragic consequences. In one computer simulation (page 18) Dörner had a group of hypereducated academics attempt to manage farmland in Africa: they failed miserably. In this experiment Dörner made observations about the decision makers which revealed that they had: "acted without prior analysis of the situation; failed to anticipate side effects and long-term repercussions; assumed the absence of immediately negative effects meant that correct measures had been taken; and let overinvolvement in 'projects' blind them to emerging needs and changes in the situation." (How many governmental bodies the world over does this remind you of?)

    I am a safety professional, and am especially interested in time-critical decision making skills. Dörner's treatment of the Chernobyl accident is the most insightful summation I have seen. He makes the point that the entire accident was due to human failings, and points out the lack of risk analysis (and managerial pressure) and fundamental lack of appreciation for the reactivity instability at low power levels (and more importantly how operators grossly underestimated the danger that changes in production levels made, page 30.) Dörner's grasp here meshes the psychology and engineering disciplines (engineers like stasis; any change in reactivity increases hazards.) Another vital point Dörner makes is that the Chernobyl operators knowingly violated safety regulations, but that violations are normally positively reinforced (i.e. you normally "get away with it," page 31.) The discussion about operating techniques on pages 33 and 34 is insightful: the operators were operating the Chernobyl Four reactor intuitively and not analytically. While there is room for experiential decision making in complex systems, analysis of future potential problems is vital.

    In most complex situations the nature of the problems are intransparent (page 37): not all information we would like to see is available. Dörner's explanation of the interactions between complexity, intransparence, internal dynamics (and developmental tendencies,) and incomplete (or incorrect) understanding of the system involved shows many potential pitfalls in dynamic decision making skills. One of the most important of all decision making criteria Dörner discusses is the importance of setting well defined goals. He is especially critical of negative goal setting (intention to avoid something) and has chosen a perfect illustrative quote from Georg Christoph Lichtenberg on page 50: "Whether things will be better if they are different I do not know, but that they will have to be different if they are to become better, that I do know." A bigger problem regarding goals occurs when "we don't even know that we don't understand," a situation that is alarmingly common in upper management charged with supervising technical matters (page 60.)

    Fortunately Dörner does have some practical solutions to these problems, most in chapter six, "Planning." One of the basics (page 154) is the three step model in any planning decision (condition element, action element, and result element) and how they fit into large, dynamic systems. This is extremely well formulated and should be required reading for every politician and engineer. These concepts are discussed in conjunction with "reverse planning" (page 155) in which plans are contrived backwards from the goal. I have always found this a very useful method of planning or design, but Dörner finds that is rare. Dörner argues that in extremely complex systems (Apollo 13 is a perfect example) that intermediate goals are sometimes required as decision trees are enormous. This sometimes relies on history and analogies (what has happened in similar situations before) but it may be required to stabilize a situation to enable further critical actions. This leads back to the quote that titles this review: 'adaptability of thought' (my term) is vital to actions taken in extremely complex situations. Rigid operating procedures and historical problems may not always work: a full understanding of the choices being made is vital, although no one person is likely to have this understanding; for this reason Dörner recommends there be a "redundancy of potential command" (page 161) which is to say a group of highly trained leaders able to carry out leadership tasks within their areas of specialty (again, NASA during Apollo 13) reportable in a clear leadership structure which values their input. Dörner then points out that nonexperts may hold key answers (page 168); though notes that experts should be in charge as they best understand the thought processes applicable in a given scenario (pages 190-193.) This ultimately argues for more oversight by technicians and less by politicians: I believe (and I am guessing Dörner would concur) that we need more inter- and intra-industry safety monitoring, and fewer congressional investigations and grandstanding.

    This is a superb book; I recommend it highly to any safety professional as mandatory reading, and to the general public for an interesting discussion of decision making skills.
    Do the Right Thing: Readings in Applied Ethics and Social Philosophy
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • A must for any Philosophy minded Christian!
    		 Do the Right Thing: Readings in Applied Ethics and Social Philosophy
    Francis J. Beckwith
    Manufacturer: Wadsworth Publishing
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    Ethics & MoralityEthics & Morality | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
    All TitlesAll Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
    NonfictionNonfiction | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
    ASIN: 0534543359

    Book Description

    Offering an outstanding balance of rigor and accessibility, DO THE RIGHT THING, 2E provides accessible, impartial introductions to an excellent collection of readings in contemporary social issues. Provocative study questions urge readers to get to the heart of the debates. Newly designed for this edition, DO THE RIGHT THING is organized into three sections. Part 1 introduces the reader to the leading ethical theories, while Parts 2 and 3 present the current issues including landmark court cases as well as differing viewpoints by not only leading philosophers, but also economists, legal scholars, and scientists.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars A must for any Philosophy minded Christian!.......2005-12-02

    From insightful introductions into the primary sources, you are drawn into the world of the erudite when you pick up this work. Not a light read, but as interesting as they come. The editor does a great job of choosing the sources which he includes, always finding people well versed in the field and picking thier best material. The only warning other than the reading level is be prepared to go deep into what you believe to be ethical, because this one will make you question.
    Teaching Right from Wrong: Forty Things you can do to Raise a Moral Child
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Teaching Right from Wrong: Forty Things you can do to Raise a Moral Child
      Arthur Dobrin
      Manufacturer: Berkley Trade
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback

      Psychology & CounselingPsychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books | Adolescent Psychology | Applied Psychology | By Topic | Child Psychology | Clinical Psychology | Cognitive | Counseling | Creativity & Genius | Developmental Psychology | Education & Training | Ethnopsychology | Experimental Psychology | Forensic Psychology | General | History | Hypnosis | Industrial Psychology | Logotherapy | Medicine & Psychology | Mental Illness | Movements | Neuropsychology | Occupational & Organizational | Pathologies | Personality | Philosophy of Psychology | Physical Illness & Psychiatry | Physiological Aspects | Psychiatry | Psychoanalysis | Psychobiology | Psychopharmacology | Psychosomatic Medicine | Psychotherapy, TA & NLP | Reference | Research | Sexuality | Social Psychology & Interactions | Statistics | Suicide | Testing & Measurement
      GeneralGeneral | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
      Morals & ResponsibilityMorals & Responsibility | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
      Similar Items:
      1. Right from Wrong: Instilling a Sense of Integrity in Your Child Right from Wrong: Instilling a Sense of Integrity in Your Child
      2. A Call to Character: Family Treasury of Stories, Poems, Plays, Proverbs, and Fables to Guide the Development of Values for You and Your Children A Call to Character: Family Treasury of Stories, Poems, Plays, Proverbs, and Fables to Guide the Development of Values for You and Your Children
      3. Ethics for Everyone: How to Increase Your Moral Intelligence Ethics for Everyone: How to Increase Your Moral Intelligence

      Accessories:
      1. philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer

      ASIN: 0425178226
      Release Date: 2001-05-08

      Book Description

      Caring parents want to raise children who are kind, trustworthy, considerate and fair. But sometimes it seems like there's no shortage of bad examples to lead them astray.

      Based on sound psychological theory, drawing on current research-and most importantly, rooted in the real world that parents face today-this book shows how children develop a moral sensibility, and what parents can do to refine and reinforce it. Wise, warm, and thoroughly practical, this is an essential book for all loving parents-who want to raise loving children.

      Parents will learn...

      ¥ How "ethical intelligence" can be nurtured-even in a child's earliest years

      ¥ How television, religion, and peers can shape-or short-circuit-a child's moral development

      ¥ How to recognize and avoid some of the most common errors parents make

      Books:

      1. The Technique of Film and Video Editing, Fourth Edition: History, Theory, and Practice
      2. The Technique of the Professional Make-Up Artist
      3. The White Man's Burden: Why the West's Efforts to Aid the Rest Have Done So Much Ill and So Little Good
      4. Twister On Tuesday (Magic Tree House #23)
      5. Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art
      6. Understanding Movies
      7. Untouchable: A Biography of Robert DeNiro
      8. War Is a Racket: The Anti-War Classic by America's Most Decorated General, Two Other Anti=Interventionist Tracts, and Photographs from the Horror of It
      9. America Alone: The End of the World as We Know It
      10. America on Film: Representing Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality at the Movies

      Books Index

      Books Home

      Recommended Books

      1. "China and the New World Order: How Entrepreneurship,Globalization, and Borderless Business Are Resh
      2. The Only Dog Training Book You Will Ever Need: From Avoiding Accidents to Banishing Barking, the Bas
      3. Pictures and Tears : A History of People Who Have Cried in Front of Paintings
      4. The Culture Industry Revisited
      5. The Last City
      6. The Road
      7. The Herbal or General History of Plants
      8. 101 Ways to Make Every Second Count: Time Management Tips and Techniques for More Success With Less
      9. Steel City: Entrepreneurship, Strategy, and Technology in Sheffield 1743-1993
      10. Creating Value Through Corporate Restructuring: Case Studies in Bankruptcies, Buyouts, and Breakups