Ethics Books

David Hume was perhaps the leading light in the Empiricist movement in philosophy. Empiricism is seen in distinction from Rationalism, in that it doubts the viability of universal principles (rational or otherwise), and uses sense data as the basis of all knowledge - experience is the source of knowledge. Hume was a skeptic as well as empiricist, and had radical (for the time) atheist ideas that often got in the way of his professional advancement, but given his reliance on experience (and the kinds of experiences he had), his problem with much that was considered conventional was understandable.

Hume's major work, 'A Treatise of Human Nature', was not well received intially - according to Hume, 'it fell dead-born from the press'. Hume reworked the first part of this work in a more popular way for this text, which has become a standard, and perhaps the best introduction to Empiricism.

In a nutshell, the idea of empiricism is that experience teaches, and rules and understanding are derived from this. However, for Hume this wasn't sufficient. Just because billiard balls when striking always behave in a certain manner, or just because the sun always rose in the morning, there was no direct causal connection that could be automatically affirmed - we assume a necessary connection, but how can this be proved?

Hume's ideas impact not only metaphysics, but also epistemology and psychology. Hume develops empiricism to a point that empiricism is practically unsupportable (and it is in this regard that Kant sees this text as a very important piece, and works toward his synthesis of Empiricism and Rationalism). For Hume, empirical thought requires skepticism, but leaves it unresolved as far as what one then needs to accept with regard to reason and understanding. According to scholar Eric Steinberg, 'A view that pervades nearly all of Hume's philosophical writings is that both ancient and modern philosophers have been guilty of optimistic and exaggerated claims for the power of human reason.'

Some have seen Hume as presenting a fundamental mistrust of daily belief while recognising that we cannot escape from some sort of framework; others have seen Hume as working toward a more naturalist paradigm of human understanding. In fact, Hume is open to a number of different interpretations, and these different interpretations have been taken up by subsequent philosphers to develop areas of synthetic philosophical ideas, as well as further developments more directly out of Empiricism (such as Phenomenology).

This is in fact a rather short book, a mere 100 pages or so in many editions. As a primer for understanding Hume, the British Empiricists (who include Hobbes, Locke, and Berkeley), as well as the major philosphical concerns of the eighteenth century, this is a great text with which to start.

If sceptical thought has evolved since Socrates this book is the evidence. Hume perhaps sets the standard for all philosophical inquiry that is scholarly and brilliant. The subject matter I found most illuminating and delightful to read was on moral distinctions (right and wrong). This is serious stuff. If you take the time to understand Hume, you certainly will not be wasting your time.

Mr. Hume presents a psuedo-transient macro-realistically templable prescript for the acogitive development of pertinent systems within the spheres aforetoherein ascribed to the previously-defined source wherein the constructs devised to meet the needs of the specified systems or entities oriented within such a paradigm would be construed as a non-extant positable body of asubstantive text as pre-emptively pertinent to the essence of the text-body at hand thereupon wherein tofore.

Hume's Enquiries are more or less a repackaging of the material from Books I and III of his earlier A Treatise of Human Nature. Ever desirous of literary fame and dismayed by the lack of interest others had shown for his prior tome, Hume went back to the drawing board and attempted to present his philosophical system in a way that would be palatable to the reading public. We should feel fortunate that he did so. For, though the significant changes are in style and emphasis rather than substance, these books are a perfect introduction to Hume's thinking. And while the shorter form did require some not insignificant cutting, most of what you find in the earlier book is presented here in a simpler, more accessible manner. That's not to say that there is nothing new here; there is. In particular, he considers some religious subjects (i.e. miracles and immortality) that he was unwilling to broach in the earlier work.

The connecting thread here is an emphasis on grounding philosophical inquiry in an empirical account of human nature, and particularly of the human mind. The first Enquiry is an account of Hume's take on the implications of the classical empiricism he inherited from Locke and Berkeley. For Hume, as for the other classical empiricists, empiricism was primarily a psychological theory about the origin and content of our concepts. (So empiricism, Hume thought, is a crucial element of any plausible account of the human mind.) The central tenet of this theory is that our concepts are furnished by experience, which includes both sensory experience and introspection (i.e., the experience of our own mental states). And the empiricists also agreed about the way we can justify our beliefs. Some beliefs are true (or false) in virtue of the ideas they contained, and we can know their truth (or falsity) simply by thinking about them; other beliefs are true (or false) in virtue of how the external world is, and we can know their truth (or falsity) only by drawing on our experiences of the world. According to Hume, all substantial conclusions about the world fall into this second category. That is, the truth (or falsity) of all substantial claims about the existence and nature of things in the external world can be discovered only by checking those claims against the evidence of our senses.

Here we seem Hume wielding this philosophy of mind in order to adjudicate disputes in metaphysics and epistemology. Do you want to know whether something can be known? Then think about the concepts in which it is expressed. Could we come to know this by thinking about the meaning of our concepts? Could we come to know it by going and looking or doing certain empirical tests? If the answer to both these questions is no, then knowledge of this subject is an impossibility for us. Do you want to know whether some claim of the metaphysicians is true or whether it even makes sense? Consider the concepts they use to express their views. Is there any way you could reduce the content of this concept to some experience? If not, their claims are literally meaningless.

This interpretation of Hume's project downplays his skepticism and emphasizes his professed intentions to provide a positive account of the operation of the human mind that appealed to nothing beyond the evidence of our senses. According to proponents of this interpretation, Hume is most interested in a description of the operation of the human mind. He's describing what human nature allows us to know and what it doesn't allow us to know. Furthermore, he argues that our nature is such that, where it fails to provide us with the resources to acquire the knowledge we might want, it provides us with a natural habit of forming the right conclusions anyway. Even though our nature limits our knowledge of the world, it ensures that we possess the habits of mind needed to make our way in the world. Hume dubs all these habits of mind "custom."

And I think this naturalistic interpretation of Hume's project provides an entry into the views he defends in the Enquiry concerning the Principles of Morals. Again, it's possible to interpret Hume's project in moral philosophy as a skeptical one. The fact that he thinks morality is based in human sentiments show that he is, in some sense, a subjectivist about morality. He doesn't think there is any plausible account of our moral thinking as based on reason or empirical inquiry alone. Morality, then, is more a matter of feeling than a matter of thinking, observing, and reasoning. But, importantly, Hume doesn't think this is indicative of some problem with morality, and so he doesn't understand himself to be undermining ordinary morality. His aim is to expose the groundless pretensions of reason in order to make room for a wholly naturalistic account morality; it's not to show that morality doesn't have a firm basis. For he does not think that morality would ideally be based on reason and empirical evidence rather than sentiment. Rather, he thinks there is a sort of philosophical overreaching involved in trying to base morality on reason or empirical evidence as opposed to sentiment.

But what is the relevant sentiment? According to Hume, it is a general sort of benevolence, of concern for others. Our possessing such a feeling does not mean that we'll always set aside our own interest in the interest of others; nor does it mean that we are not largely self-interested. It does, however, mean that we're not wholly self-interested, as we are motivated to do (and not do) certain things even when they do not affect our own interests and desires. But what inspires these sentiments, and how exactly do they translate into moral judgments? Morality, Hume argues, is based on sentiments of approbation and disapprobation that are prompted by a recognition of the connection between human actions, dispositions, etc. and what is in the best interest of oneself and of mankind in general. What we take to be virtues, Hume argues, are those dispositions that lead a person to perform actions tending to promote his own happiness and the happiness of others, whereas vices are dispositions that do the opposite.

This book was assigned reading for a college class on Sustainable Development. I'd already had some exposure to the philosophies & theories presented. It seems to be a good collection representing a wide range of ideas; a great piece for my reference shelf. In other words: a keeper!

....ably assembled and edited by Michael E. Zimmerman. This anthology spans the spectrum from animal rights to environmental protection to deep ecology, and by doing so provides a superb introduction to environmental studies as well as important supplementary reading reaching forward into the present.

I'm convinced this is the best way to learn about Environmental Philosophy! While some sections are difficult and can bog you down, most are clear and well-written.

I'd recommend this book as both a teaching tool and as something you can pick up to learn on your own. It's more difficult than most pleasure reading but the subject is particurarily heavy.

This kind of education is essential to the environmentalist or someone trying to understand the movement.

Regardless of whether you are interested in deep ecology, animal rights, envirnmental ethics,eco-feminism or political ecology, this excellently edited edition will have something of interest for you. Those who are looking for a more scientific approach to examing our relationship with nature, as oppossed to the more philosophical writings of Muir, Thoreau and Abbey, this book will be especially appreciated.
Published primarily for use in environmetal philosophy/science courses at the university level, this book is very useful in providing a well researched, diversen sampling from some of the most important theorists in the field. Essays by J. Baird Calicott, Tom Regan, author of the revolutionary work "The Case Animal Rights", Holmes Rolston III, author of the seminal text "Environmetal Ethics", the Norweigan philosopher Arne Naess and , the so-called founder of the deep Ecology movement, Aldo Leopold, author of the famous "Sand County Almanac", as well as works by other important scholars such as George Sessions, Warick Fox, the famous eco-feminist historian Carolyn Merchant, John Clark and Gary Snyder along with many others.
Although the essays contianed in this text can be challenging at times, in the end the payoff definitely makes it worth the effort. This difficulty is, at least, in part due to the fact that what this book requires is a new way of examining our relationship with nature and a willingness to examine problems from a more holistic perspective, which can sometimes be a hard thing for those taught that the world is here simply for man's exploitation (gender specificity intended). This volume is particularly effective in giving students a well-rounded introduction to many of the most important issues in environmental writing today. As the seriousness of our ecological problems persist and even worsen, this book will continue to be a highly informative source of information for students and instructors for years to come.

Environmentally Induced Illnesses is written by teacher of Medical Ethics and Philosophy Professor Thomas Kerns. His background provides the reader with the means and insight to ask important questions, weigh the humanitarian aspects and uncover truths that may be unfamiliar to us. Not only does the author have this applicable knowledge but he has also personally experienced the devastating effects of chemicals within the environment with the onset of his diagnosed multiple chemical sensitivity which occurred in mid life. This book is a shocker. The author lets us in on how massive chemical exposure really is in our every day lives. In the introduction he provides a window for us to see what has been previously invisible to most all of us. Three chemicals are realized, Formaldehyde which is prevalent in our beds, clothes, furniture and carpets. This alone comprises almost every environment we find ourselves in. He goes on to discuss the dangers of fragrances, found in lotions, fabric softeners and various hygiene products. He then introduces Pesticides, which he discloses are not only in homes, offices and schools but many public places one would never consider. Within the first few pages much is discovered and the reader gets a sense that the statistics in the rest of the book will be staggering, and they are. Kerns says that 35 billions lbs. are released yearly. A plethora of chemicals and how they live around and effect us is explained. The problem with these exposures is examined, improper documentation, the human health factors (illnesses) and human rights, policies, ethical dilemmas, the economic role and legal aspects. Kerns provides sounds suggestions for ways of dealing with these issues. He believes the public should be informed and that should be applied to and required of corporations, by law. He stresses product safety and avenues of proof before they are released to the market. He underscores the importance of research in the area of toxicants and their effects. After you read how dominating and dangerous they are, you will agree with him. This book is an amazing expose of truth and an eye opener of awareness. You will look at the world around you differently. We are provided with a new understanding and empathy of those who endure the effects, concern for own safety and for what can be done.

There are a growing number of illnesses which are chemically induced from long-term, low-dose exposure to toxicants around the world, and Thomas Kerns' Environmentally Induced Illnesses covers the ethical dimension of managing environmental health and such toxicants, from perfumes to solvents. The latest medical literature on chronic health effects from such exposure is presented, along with recommendations for overall public and social policy changes. Environmentally Induced Illnesses is a far-reaching guide which blends both risk assessment and human rights issues under one cover.

The facts are in and this book clearly points out that Enviromentally Induced Illnesses like Multiple Chemical Sensitivities are REAL! This book also points out how companies go to great lengths to hide these facts from the public. And unlike the other books in this genra, the author offers well thought out, common sense, easily implemented solutions. This is a great book...be prepared to have your emotions stirred.

This is an intelligent, well-crafted book on a subject that merits far greater attention in our society. Beginning with a brief account of the onset of his own illness, Thomas Kerns knowledgeably leads the reader to an awareness of the enormous quantities of synthetic chemicals put into our modern environment. Not only our air and water, but our offices, homes, schools, even our clothing contain toxicants such as formaldehyde, artificial fragrances, and pesticides. Few people are aware of the chronic illnesses and severe life disruption that can result. This book focuses especially on illnesses caused by long-term exposure to low doses of ubiquitous toxicants.

How is it the citizens are not given choices, or even informed of the risks? Kerns argues that "given certain facts about toxicant induced illnesses (Chapter One, Data), and given certain ethical principles (Chapter Two, Principles), some definite changes will need to be made (Chapter Three, Modest Proposals), despite some serious obstacles and challenges (Chapter Four, Brick Walls).

Writing in a clear and engaging style, the author draws on a wide variety of sources to make his case. By examining the issues from the perspective of ethics and society, this book expands the range of available writing about chemical sensitivity disorders.

I recommend it especially to people with toxicant induced illnesses, to activists, public health advocates, policymakers and anyone interested in society's puzzling lack of response to a looming health crisis.

Steve's first book (Advanced Project Portfolio Management and the PMO with Gerald Kendall) transformed the perception of a PMO from a project cost management/efficiency cop to a potential profit center, raising the bar for most organizations. He (along with Richard Lanza) has pushed the envelope again making the case for the PMO as the best qualified entity for preventing financial losses to the corporation due to project fraud.

The term project fraud may at first seem a harsh characterization of the poor project success rates that most management accepts as the status quo. However, Rollins and Lanza do an excellent job of mapping the COSO Control Framework to the execution of project objectives and the performance of project personnel. They include diagrams, descriptions and questions to assist in the performance of a Project Fraud Risk Assessment. The underlying conclusions are that poor manmagement of project fraud can seriusly hurt corporate business objectives and that the PMO is best suited to perform this function.

This is must reading for PMO Directors struggling to get the visibility and executive blessing needed to effectively fulfill their mission.

This is a necessary reference for effective project management and Section 404 compliance under Sarbanes-Oxley. The book provideds an abundance of checklists and questions that will make this an ongoing well used reference for ensuring continued corporate governance. The reality of project fraud and its widespread impact is clearly spelled out. Rollins and Lanza accomplished their objective with well stated structures for breaking down the work steps needed to prevent fraud and establish effective internal controls for managing projects. You get your money's worth with this book.

Sub-Title: Preventing Project Fraud And Ensuring Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance

Sarbanes-Oxley is one of those things that you really wish Congress had to apply to themselves rather than just imposing it on the rest of us. It has certainly made life interesting. In terms of project management, it's intent is to ensure that a project proceeds to work on its stated mission, correctly utilizing the projects resources, and eliminate improper dealings with project vendors for personal enrichment.

A key problem is to distinguish between fraud and mismanagement, conspiracy and incompetence. An interesting project discussed in the book is the California State Welfare Automation Project where the project was so confused that they still can't say if fraud ocurred. From this example the reporting procedures that may prevent the reocurrance of such situations is developed by looking as many areas where fraud can at least be expected to occur.

This situation wouldn't be so critical if the law weren't written so that people can be put in jail for not instituting proper controls where proper controls are a matter of opinion. This book gives the best analysis of current thinking, subject to change of course as the courts deal with the problem.

As a project manager, I was very interested to read this book. The consequences of unchecked fraudulent activity in the public and private sectors does more than affect the "bottom line." It erodes public confidence in the ability of managers to protect the assets assigned to their care.

Within organizations, fraud robs employees of the resources they need to fulfill their obligations. This book gives project managers, auditors, and fraud investigators a "blueprint" for taking effective collaborative action to both uncover and prevent fraud during the life of projects. Since so much business activity is project-based, it's a wonder we had to wait so long for it.

The book's organization makes it easy to follow the argument that fraud can be dealt with effectively. The Preface clearly states the purpose of the book. Each chapter is divided by important topics within. This is accurately reflected in the table of contents. Each chapter is also neatly summarized at the end. It has a helpful index at the back of the book as well.

The Appendices are helpful, too. They supplement the text by providing a "List of Sarbanes-Oxley Act Sections," "Decision Tree for Software Development Projects," and "Project Fraud Management Policy Template."

The authors have the necessary professional credentials and the extensive experience needed to synthesize the subject matter. They have the all-important credibility to support their contentions.

I thought the book brought together the best of project management and financial auditing to offer concerned professionals a "roadmap" to more control. It provides checklists and guidelines that enable project managers and internal auditors to work together.

The book should, of course, appeal to the above-mentioned professionals. It should also be read and understood by top-level corporate managers who want to make use of available professional skills to effectively fight fraud.

It seems almost impertinent of me to review Spinoza's masterpiece. I would give it ten stars if I could.

In this age of theological chop-logic and political spin, Spinoza's Euclidean method of arguing for God-or-Nature as the self-causing, single, infinite substance conceived under infinite attributes (or aspects) of which we humans have knowledge only of two (thought and matter soars far above the heads of most contemporary academics and bewilders first year philosophy students, who are routinely advised to leave Spinoza well alone and settle down with Descartes instead. What a great deal they miss!

The book is in five parts: 1. Of God; 2. Of the Nature and Origin of the Mind; 3. Of the Origin and Nature of the Affects; 4.Of Human Bondage, or the Power of the Affects; 5. Of the Power of the Intellect, or On Human Freedom.

It is not easy reading, but studying it with an open mind will pay huge dividends.

Spinoza takes us step by logical step, from basic axioms via propositions, demonstrations and explanations, to a world view which inspired Einstein to formulate his theories of relativity, which started the romanticist movement, and which provided the foundations for modern existentialism.

Spinoza was excommunicated by the Catholic Church, booted out by the Quakers and expelled from the synagogue; he was cursed, reviled, and anathematized. Matthew Arnold begins his essay 'Spinoza and the Bible' with the full force of the rabbinic vehemence, "By the sentence of the angels, by the decree of the saints, we anathematize, cut off, curse, and execrate Baruch Spinoza...cursed be he by day, and cursed by night...the Lord pardon him never, the wrath and fury of the Lord burn upon this man.... The Lord blot out his name under heaven.... There shall no man speak to him, no man write to him, no man show him any kindness, no man stay under the same roof with him."

This cheap penguin edition is nicely produced with an attractive cover, though it's a pity the proof reader didn't spot that Spinoza's name is spelt `Spinza' on the copyright page.

Stuart Hampshire's introduction is very helpful, and Edwin Curley's translation is superb.

Basic Flying Instruction: A Comprehensive Introduction to Western Philosophy

If you ever heard of Spinoza, you have probably heard also of his "Ethics". This book is simply Spinoza's finest and most valuable book. One could say many things about the "Ethics", but they would be unnecessary: if you want to know about the book, buy a guide or read a compendium on the history of philosophy.

But this is the actual text; here there is no talking about the book, only the actual getting inside it.
The "Ethics" were first published in 1677, in the "Opera Postuma", right after Spinoza's death. The first reaction to it was of disgust; later on, with the german idealists, Spinoza was recuperated from a mistreatment, and was even considered to be the true beginning of all good Philosophy (Hegel). In the end of the 19th century, Elwes published the "Ethics" in the english language for the first time; in the 20th century, 2 new translations appeared, the one by Samuel Shirley, and this one, by Edwin Curley. Edwin Curley, actually, decided to publish, in the 1980s, the collected revised works of Spinoza in english, where in the first volume was included his translation of the "Ethics". This is the translation included in this Penguin volume.

Edwin Curley is a reputated scholar on Spinoza and his translation of the "Ethics" surpasses any other ever written in the english language: it is the most quoted and consulted translation of the "Ethics" by the english-speaking scholars, and it well deserves its success.

If you want to read Spinoza's "Ethics", this is your edition.

Spinoza worked through his ideas using his mathematical background. He diligently recorded his postulates in a very studied order. Remember, he wrote this in the 1600's under trying circumstances.

Anyone can pick up the "Ethics" today, randomly open the book and find meaning on just about any topic. For example, I'm opening the book now, Page 132, the first thing I read in Italics is:

"Only insofar as men live according to the guidance of reason, must they always agree in nature."

At the top of that same page it says, "Peter has the idea of a thing he loves which is already possessed, whereas Paul has the idea of a thing he loves which is lost. That is why one is affected with joy and the other with sadness, and to that extent they are contrary to one another."

Spinoza teaches us to be moral without religion, but with a total belief in God. His view is that there is nothing that cannot be known. Try it, for this book will end up being well worn by you.

Ethics is a towering work by an absolute genius, a mathematical definitive explanation of G~d, the universe and man's place in it. Read it not because you think you must fight through `great philosophy', but for its beautiful symmetry of ground breaking rational thought. I eagerly recommend this work to anyone interested in exploring their thoughts on philosophy, religion and psychology. If anything, Ethics obtains renewed relevance in the post-modern 21st century and its unfolding events.

Imagine setting out as an objective to describe human existence and the "journey to inner freedom." To accomplishment that feat, we must first begin with G~d and the universe, then work our way through nature, religion, society, science, and evolution until we can frame the essence of man. Imagine then that we wish to make sense of the human paradox of violence, hate, love and passion, fear and hope, and give it a framework through which to view the world and gain serenity and purpose.

Imagine further that we do not wish to merely write yet another philosophical or Eastern spiritual text. We wish to supersede and encompass all these earlier attempts, including current thinking on Judeo Christian practice. While doing so, we shall set our bar high. We will extrapolate these beliefs and universal relationships as a geometric treatise in the manner of a mathematical proof, with definitions, axioms and propositions, and so demonstrate the possibility of reducing philosophy and the pursuit of human fulfillment to a scientific exercise.

Now imagine that we shall set out on our metaphysical journey during the Inquisition, when espousals contrary to the Church result in execution. Imagine that our thoughts are so revolutionary that even the heretics (mainly Protestants) and evolving philosophers with whom we must find safe harbor view our thoughts with alarm. Imagine ourselves cut off from public discourse, excommunicated from family and friends. Lastly, imagine we are frail and suffer from ill health, our views necessarily rendering us relatively penniless and unknown, hiding in modest obscurity. Now dear reader, we are ready to begin our book on the meaning of life despite the fact that we will never publish it for fear of death.

Most great thinkers name `Ethics' among their largest influences. Einstein espoused himself a Spinozan. It is certainly one of the most astounding and important books ever written.

His work changed my life. He not only filled in pieces of the puzzle I had missing, he rearranged them and gave them sense. I view almost all important constructs in life within his tautology. Please read Spinoza.

One last note: Readers may find one of the translations of his work more approachable. I plead with the reader not to allow the geometric treatise of his work to get in the way of accessing this most incredible accomplishment.

His astounding work is a testament to the blinding power of rational thought.

This is a polished, tasteful, grammatically precise rhetoric in the manner of Alexandrian Classicists. Work is accurate and logical. This book describes earlier attempts at workable banking and currency systems and then defines the only type which could work. A fine effort.

Dr. Sarri considers an ethical approach to evaluating the history of economic theory and puts forth a new approach that involves grouping similar countries and cultures in trading blocs with a single currency. In an era of International Free Trade Agreements and the monetary union of Europe, this seemingly radical approach gains credence as a possible solution to economic injustice.

Brilliantly combines philosophy, business, ethics, finance and money, and the difficult world of economics and politics.

A superb book on economics and philosophy

At last there is a book that covers this contentious and complex topic in an easy-to-understand manner without over-simplification or devaluing the importance of the subject. Dr Keown has succeeded in writing a book that engages the reader with the issues involved, whilst ensuring that the non-expert is not left adrift. I would strongly recommend this book to everyone.

At last an easy-to-understand summary of the facts and opinions surrounding this contentious issue. Dr Keown presents the information in a manner accessible to non-experts without devaluing the accademic worth of the subject. I strongly recommend you buy this outstanding book.

At last there has been a book published which is not just well written, but also informative, interesting, topical and relevant. I would advise anybody with an interest in the subject to buy the book. You do not need to be an expert; all the information is presented in an easy-to-understand manner, without devaluing the accademic value of the book.

As indicated by the subtitle, this book is unashamedly against the legalization of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, but it is written in a moderate and reasoned tone and in a manner easily understood whether you are a health care professional, lawyer, politician or just an interested member of the public.

Keown first explores the inexactitudes and ambiguities that abound in the euthanasia debate, and then dissects the arguments for and against. The second pat of the book is an in-depth assessment of the practices in The Netherlands, the Northern Territory of Australia, and the U.S. State of Oregon, and includes a clear illumination of the inadequacy of the much-vaunted legal safeguards against abuse. It is to be hoped that Cambridge University Press will invite Keown to prepare an up-dated edition as more information and data becomes available from The Netherlands and Oregon. The third part of the book critically reviews the findings of various expert committees, associations and the courts.

By no means everyone will agree with the conclusions and opinions expressed in this book, but it should be required reading for anyone who intends to make a public statement in the euthanasia debate.

Roger Woodruff
Director of Palliative Care, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
Past Chairman, International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care

The cover is plain, the color is dark and the spine is relatively thin - so I probably would never have bought this book. However, I am glad I was sent this book by John Stott Ministries as it gives a very clear, reasoned account of what people who call themselves evangelicals believe.

John Stott says in the preface "This is how I would wish to be remembered and judged...". The style is vintage Stott - reasoned from the Holy Bible, balanced and clearly articulated.

Three main chapters - the Revelation of God, the Cross of Christ and the Ministry of the Holy Spirit - expound why the Trinity is the foundation for Christian belief. See Stott's book the Cross of Christ if you need more depth on the 2nd topic.

This is Stott's wake up call for Christians. He (and God's Spirit speaking through him to some people) urges evangelicals to strive for unity, integrity and faithfulness - something that is increasingly lacking.

Action - as an outcome of beliefs - is demanded of the Christian.
Hence, the pleas for Bible-believing Christians to stand for evangelical integrity, stability, truth, unity and endurance.
It urges Christians to speak out for their faith and "contend for the gospel", warning that those who do are likely to suffer.

There are some useful lists in the book:
1. 6 differences between General and Special (or supernatural) revelation of God
2. Beliefs that the Age of Enlightenment declared
3. 4 ways in which Jesus exercises authority in the church today
4. Texts that summarize what the apostles had to say about the death of Jesus
5. 5 aspects of justification
6. Features of evangelicalism
7. 4 aspects or regeneration or new birth (as in Born Again Christian)
8. 6 aspects of the gospel (good news - the essential message that Christians are urged to promote)
9. 6 post Lausanne Congress (1975) evangelical groups - from Peter Beyerhaus
10. 6 evangelical fundamentals from Jim Packer

Preachers - this is a great source of homily material - much of the book is written in the style of a 3-point sermon, for example 3 words that describe the evangelical view of the Bible - perspicuity, sufficiency and inerrancy.

It is worth spending a long Sunday afternoon (or two) reading the book - but put it on your shelf as a reference book that you can refer to when you want to explain, follow, debate or understand evangelical beliefs.

Finally, this humble looking book ends with a brief postcript in which Stott concludes "the supreme quality which the evangelical faith engenders (or should do) is humility". Now I see why the cover was so plain!

Stott presents a short, but very solid book on the basics of evangelicalism.

First, he negatively defines evangelicalism by way of comparing with the two poles of fundamentalism and liberalism, and then takes the rest of the book to make a positive definition under three basic subjects: Revelation of God, the cross, and the work of the holy spirit.

It was particularly impressive to see Stott draw very distinctive lines between what is and what is not evangelicalism in places where is it necessary, and to make it clear in other places that sometimes the lines are not and cannot be so distinct.

I found this book to be very helpful in understanding the scope of evangelicalism - particularly for me that it has a wider scope than what I sometimes thought, and also in clearly defining what is not evangelicalism.

As Protestantism continues to fragment, especially in America, this little book is a wonderfully clear definition of what it means to be an Evangelical Christian. The clear distinction that Pastor Stott makes between evangelicals and fundamentalists is especially welcome, given that most secular, and some religious writers mistakenly assume that the two are the same.

This book centers on the essentials of the Chistain faith. It seeks to focus on what evangelicals should and do hold as important. It is a positive approach to what can be a thorny problem of definition of an evangelical. There are interesting surprises for those who would call themselves evangelicals and those who would not, alike! It is straightforward and easy to read. It is written with Stott's characterisitic clarity of thought and style.

Outstanding brief introduction to the thoughts of Thomas Berry, one of the visionary thinkers of our time in terms of ecology, impact of the human on the earth, and providing a promising larger vision of the possibilities for the future. The collection of thoughts will appear a bit repetitive at first glance, but I found the repetition of the key thoughts from different perspectives useful. Highly recommended. Rated 4 star instead of 5 due only to the repetitiveness.

Every politician should read this book and then look into their hearts. I must say that Mary Tucker's Editorial Preface says everything about Thomas Berry and his desire to enhance human beings' relationship to Earth. His writing is accessible and undaunting. The gift of his genius, still going strong at 90 years of age is expressed again in this book and the message will bring you into the fold of his views with keen insight and compassion. I am so grateful for his gifts and just want you to read it and give it to everyone else you know.

The perspective I have come to is that for most of my life I lived in a human world which has not been able to offer in any comprehensive way, what really matters.

What is going on is that the sources of human survival, imagination, knowledge and emotional balance have been diminished, distanced, ignored and replaced by an enslaving, stale and insulting world views.

Enter Thomas Berry who after a lifetime of scholarship on human cultures has received the gifts of the scientific community and relit our human drama and our personal value. We are fortunate to be born into a community that knows how to survive through amazing trials. We are fortunate to be born into a school that has incomprehensible libraries and teachers to access. We are made with genes already experienced in phenomenal truth, art, music, flexibility and openness to diversity and enhancing possibility. There is nothing in the vast developing universe that is really foreign to us--it is our home and at this time in human history, we have a dinguished role to play. You'll have to read him to see what these remarks mean.

There is no one I have ever met, heard or read who comes close to explaining the grief and chaos of our times and to offering a healing of being and living as does Thomas Berry.

This is what children need to learn. This is the heroic task that young adults yearn to be presented. This is the good news that will bring a sign of contentment to more than our hopes. This is the story that provides a standard for every profession but especially education, economics, religion and government. At last we begin to hear what really matters.

Fr. Thomas Berry emphasizes that all things and beings have a place in Creation. It is a stimulating relief to have such a well respected scholar support what is my heart's understanding of the world I know. He is calm and accepting of the concept 'inclusiveness'. Science and spirituality are shown to be not only compatible but inseperable. The Universe Story tells us how our world was formed and comes alive. Thomas Berry emphasises appreciation of the beauty and strength found all around us. We are told we are moving into a new geologic time called the 'ecozoic' by the author. This book will help smooth our moves into the next chapter of the Creation.

thankyou for this opportunity.
I first read this play in 1968, preceding my role as "Fellowship" for my school's production of 'The Reading of Everyman", played out within our School Chapel. In later years I can now better understand about my role not knowing then, the impact that this play would have in my adult life. I am now 57 and a retired Army Chaplain(not that you really retire). Over the years I had lost the books that I had, and now through the ability of [...] I can relive those years and can more fully understand the content. thankyou.

Everyman may have been writen in the 1400s but its values are very true to the new century. 'Everyman' is a story about Humanity's battle for salvation, and that beauty may lose its luster, your intelligence may fade, and your Five Wits may up and leave you, all you have is your Good Deeds to take with you as a compainion to the grave. If you enjoy English Literature, read this book.

Mike Fulton, Freshman Advanced English.

Everyman transcends all times, every time. Written six hundred years ago, the tale remains as relevant now as it was then. I recommend this for anyone who has ever pondered the human condition and wonders about its future. It's all here at "Everyman."

Everyman could be my next door neighbor. Seriously. He could be virtually anyone. This character appears on every television show, every comic strip, and in almost every movie. Why? Because the character "Everyman" IS every man. The trials and tribulations of Everyman are the trials and tribulations of every man. It's that simple. Read this small tome and learn about the human condition. See how man hasn't changed one iota in half a millenium. Scary, huh? --- C.B.