Ethics Books

This book is necessary reading for anyone interested in learing about Lacan as well as for anyone already versed in Lacanian theory. Zupancic is a former pupil of Slavoj Zizek, and though some of her style reflects that relationship, for the most part, she does not deploy the same strategy of jokes and movies; so expect nothing but serious philosophical discourse. It tackles with depth and clarity the issue of a "Lacanian ethics," which Lacan himself developed in and after seminar VII on that very topic. Since much of Lacan's seminars are not published in English, it is very nice that Zupancic moves in and out of the body of Lacanian theory to pull together what she is calling an "Ethics of the Real." Perhaps, what is most informative about this book is how it clarifies the distinction between desire and drive in their respective relations to the Real. Unlike most Lacanians, Zupancic is not interested in making outlandish statements, but rather, is engaged in a very serious conversation with Kant and Greek tragedy (she also clarifies why Lacan is constantly interested in tragedy). Indeed, Zupancic is the proverbial student who overcomes her master as this first book of hers already rivals the best of Zizek's own work.

There are lots of clever books about Lacan, but often they are too clever for their own good (or the reader's good), simply compounding Lacan's own obscurity. This is not an easy book but you can't fault it for any lack of clarity. Unlike many Lacanians, she actually gives examples for her abstract claims, since she is not afraid to test the abstract on the concrete. Her analysis of 'Dangerous Liaisons' is brilliantly incisive. What Zizek says about her unquestionable value in the book's blurb and the preface turns out to be a fact. Great book! Don't miss it.

Man is not as moral as he believes, but he is also more moral than he believes himself to be. The first half of this seemingly paradoxical statement tells us what we already know: beneath a "reputable", ethical facade, man is driven pathologically, he is a merely a slimy effect of symbolically situated will and social edifice. The second half of this statement is of Lacanian/Kantian import, the truly subversive gesture: the subject is (ethically) free qua empty "link" between cause and effect, qua position of enunciation - he is both answerable to the lack in the Other and the cause of it. Find out why Lacan was Kantian and Kant was, in a way, Lacanian - in short, read this book: it is a genuine piece of scholarship.

Raphael Cohen-Almagor from the University of Haifa has investigated, studied and published on the issue of euthanasia over the past many years with a special interest in the policy and practice aspects of physician assisted suicide.
This book is a case study over several years of the experience and practice from the Netherlands, where physican assisted suicide has taken place for a long period with this Dutch experience often used by other countries in their ethical and legal search for a solution to this complex problem.
The book is divided into three parts: the background with research reports on the medical practice of euthanasia in the Netherlands from 1990, 1995 and 2001 and the interpretations, fieldwork by the author in the Netherlands in 1999, 2001 and 2002 and finally the conclusions.
The author has produced a well researched addition to this complex and controvertial issue of mercy killing on the basis of an in-depth study of the situation in the Netherlands. The author had published and supported the performance of euthanasia before his study in the Netherlands, but he visits changed his mind and views concerning the practicality and implementation of euthanasia. The shortcomings of the Dutch experience is presented in a clear language and in the conclusion the author provide a set of guidelines for physician assisted suicide to prevent abuse and misuse.
This book has relevance for physicians, nurses, public health professionals, lawyers, sociologists, policy makers and professionals dealing with ethics and the topic of euthanasia.

Professor Joav Merrick, MD
Director, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and Medical director, Division for Mental Retardation, Box 1260, IL-91012 Jerusalem, Israel. E-mail: jmerrick@internet-zahav.net

Euthanasia in the Netherlands is an excellent book on an important topic. It succeeds in giving an even-handed appraisal of Dutch euthanasia practices, providing a better understanding and valuable insights of the Dutch experience with euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. Cohen-Almagor analyses clearly and accurately the weaknesses of the policy and offers recommendations for correcting the deficiencies and developing a sounder policy. He combines an overview of the literature with analyses and interpretations of the intriguing interviews he conducted with key people in the Netherlands.

Cohen-Almagor's book is critical but judicious. He gives a balanced account of the views with which he disagrees and he carefully explains the basis for his disagreement. His style of writing is straightforward, clear, easy to follow, logical, and coherent. Bioethicists and other scholars in medicine, public health, and law will be interested in this book. College teachers of medical ethics will also find it valuable, and educated general readers with a special interest in euthanasia will find it helpful.

Writing a book on the Dutch experience with euthanasia is not an easy matter. Several reasons can explain the difficulty. First of all the ethics of the present palliative and terminal care has not been spelled out in detail until recent years. The difficulties every physician meets more than once in his career when confronted with a sincere wish of the patient to die in a humane way in a situation of unbearable suffering, are still puzzling for moral and legal thinking. Secondly, our ways of legal and public thinking are still not adapted to the situation in which death is a part of life, not so much as a natural fact but as a process that can be controlled. The goals of medicine to uphold human dignity and to alleviate suffering are at stake in this process. The Dutch policy to aim at a system of both legal clarity and control is perhaps at this moment the most articulated answer to the difficulties, but will almost certainly not be the last word in the issues of death and dying.

Rafi Cohen-Almagor has contributed much to the ongoing discussions by interviewing all the prominent legal, moral, political and medical people involved in the development of the Dutch legal ruling. His analysis of the interviews is based on clear, lucid thinking and argument. Unlike some others he tries to stay with the facts without entangling them with moral or political prejudice. Instead he tries to develop a view according to best standards of academic thinking. In the end he gives his own conclusion based on his experiences. One does not need to subscribe them in order to appreciate the work Prof. Cohen-Almagor has done. This book will certainly be helpful in every discussion on the legal and moral principles of assistance in dying, in traditions of legal philosophy such as the schools of Dworkin, Rawls and Kelsen. It can help physicians, nurses and others engaged in palliative care to sharpen their views in the ethics of palliative care as well in the forms of public and legal control that are needed in the burdensome but rewarding work of assistance in dying.

This book addresses the euthanasia debate from all sides including those less obvious - the book challenged me to think. It also gives clear definition and distinctions reinforced by the author's experience

Richard Gula's book is a concise, clear, and complete examination of the moral issue of Euthanasia. It deals with issues such as Autonomy and the Common Good. It was especially helpful to me as a care giver for a member of my family who was suffering and dying of cancer. It helped me to clarify the issues and to answer many of my questions and the questions of others in my family. More importantly, it motivated me to read the Word of God and to enter into a deeper prayer with the Lord. This book is easily understandable to the layman and also meets the needs for academic research. It is a book I have read more than once and will continue to read.

This was an excellent book that helped to clarify the issues related to hastening death and allowing to die from the Catholic perspective. One is euthansia and one is not. An important book to read for anyone considering a living will or dealing with issues of death and dying. Simple and concise.

E.O. Wilson recently stated his belief that man's search for spirituality would be one of the major historical episodes in the 21st century. Regarding this, he feels we need to create a new epic based upon the evolution of humanity. Loyal Rue has substantially started us on this path in this very readable and concise book whose ideas I truly wish every person would thoughtfully consider. I can't imagine an open-minded person not finding this book compelling.

Starting with the premise of a "narrative drive" in human nature as the primary mechanism for how we come to terms, if not understanding, with what we observe, philosophy and religious studies professor Loyal Rue sets forth a quite aesthetically pleasing argument that the story of evolution (radiant energy to matter to atoms to molecules to life to consciousness), offers a truthful and spiritually nourishing epic that not only instructs us on "how things are" but also "what things matter." And just so that you understand "everybody's story," he quite succintly lays out the evolutionary epic from the "big bang" on in language and depth that should not intimidate anyone with the most modest scientific literacy.

Explaining that as many of the propositions and explanations offered to us by the traditional "wisdom traditions" that emanated from the Axial period (Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Zorasterism,...) have either not stood up to the light of scientific investigations or no longer comport to the realities of the modern human condition, the author supports his contention that the story of evolution, unlike many of the old "wisdom traditions", has the power to unify all of humanity and strengthen both natural and social systems. (Think of the death and enviromental destruction that has occurred over the centuries under the moral guidance of these old wisdom traditions - it would be hard to do much worse!). And regardless of what explanation you find emotionally or intellectually attractive regarding the creation, the author argues that the story of evolution still stands.

Moral guidance is an essential function of any wisdom tradition. The author shows us just how an objective morality is to be found in the "story of evolution." A morality that I found simple, penetrating, broad in scope, and exceedingly useful to man's future prospects.

I've personally felt that everyone should find a belief system that satisfies their own emotional, spiritual and intellectual needs. I'm not here to proselytize nor do I care what a person chooses as long as it's benign and tolerant (remember, they're "belief", not "knowledge" systems). But if you're more of an epiricist and find what is continually being revealed to us by science (an open and democratic investigative process subject to severe critical review) as more attractive than the old mythologies and religions for explaining "how things are," you're going to really enjoy this book.

I don't have time to write at length, but I want to say that this book is another example of Rue's lucid thinking and incisive statement of issues. He captures perfectly the critical need today for re-shaping the basic myths we live by, and he also manages to map one of the most important parts of the territory in which religion and science and interact. Even readers who disagree with Rue's own resolution of the issues will find this book essential reading.

As a scientist I have always felt uneasy about the widely accepted position that science and religion should be kept in separate, logic-tight compartments and that science is intrinsically devoid of moral values. Rue's closely reasoned analysis make it clear that this is not the case at all. He argues that the continued well-being of our species depends on the development of a synthesis between science and religion that is sufficiently convincing rationally and sufficiently compelling emotionally to inspire us to turn away from our present course of action--the destruction of our life support system, Planet Earth. As a life-long agnostic, I find his synthesis of science and religion particularly convincing because (1) it leaves room for a fairly wide range of personal beliefs, (2)it also leaves room for the changes in scientific knowledge that the future will surely bring, and (3) it includes a strong focus on ecological morality. Definitely a must-read.

"Evocations of Grace" is a small sampling of Joseph Sittler's writings and thoughts on ecology, theology and ecumenism from 1954-75. Martin E. Marty (University of Chicago) wrote a very personal foreward describing Sittler as a truly gifted "theologian, rhetor, teacher, exemplar". Sittler was a pioneer in terms of speaking out on the environment from a Christian perspective. His description of nature (both organic and works of art, poetry, dance) was the "theatre of God's of grace". He made a landmark speech at the 1961 World Council of Churches on ecumenism. Sittler's writing is interesting and alive because he "insisted that his loose, unsystematic manner of exposition was appropriate to the dynamic and interrelated character of experience, and to the concrete particularity of occasions of grace". "Evocations" is a fantastic introduction to a bit of Sittler's "corpus of work"--how Joe would have loved to play with THAT phrase!

Evocations of Grace is a compilation of some of the writings and musings of American Lutheran Joseph Sittler. This corpus of work spans from 1954 to 1975. Martin E. Marty gives a very personal glimpse of Sittler who attracted small groups of students who listened for any tidbit they could glean as he walked through Chicago's Hyde Park. Sittler wrote and spoke on the environment in the '50's. He influenced Teilhard de Chardin's work on the "cosmic Christ". In 1961 he made a landmark speech on ecumenism at the WCC meeting in New Delhi. Sittler's incarnational view of nature as "God's theatre of grace" shaped much of his theology on "creation-as-grace". Sittler is an interesting theologian to read because of his style of using poetry and literature (which he considered to be part of nature, along with art, dance, etc...) in his "loose, unsystematic manner of exposition". "Evocations" is a fine introduction to a theologian who will hopefully, one day, be recognized for the pioneering theologian he was.

"Evocations of Grace" is a small sampling of Joseph Sittler's writings and thoughts on ecology, theology and ecumenism from 1954-75. Martin E. Marty (University of Chicago) wrote a very personal foreward describing Sittler as a truly gifted "theologian, rhetor, teacher, exemplar". Sittler was a pioneer in terms of speaking out on the environment from a Christian perspective. His description of nature (both organic and works of art, poetry, dance) was the "theatre of God's of grace". He made a landmark speech at the 1961 World Council of Churches on ecumenism. Sittler's writing is interesting and alive because he "insisted that his loose, unsystematic manner of exposition was appropriate to the dynamic and interrelated character of experience, and to the concrete particularity of occasions of grace". "Evocations" is a fantastic introduction to a bit of Sittler's "corpus of work"--how Joe would have loved to play with THAT phrase!

It was a real treat to find Faithful Finances 101 recently.

I was a Baptist pastor for 17 years and am now an Investment Representative with Edward Jones. It is difficult to find responsible, wholistic, and positive investment advice from a Christian perspective.

I appreciate the clear and precise critique of popular economic and investment perspectives prevalent among many Christians today. It was especially helpful that Moore was willing to name those with whom he disagrees. Unfortunately, there is often no other way to encapsulate a differing viewpoint than to name the teacher of that viewpoint (for example, Larry Burkett). I know this can be perceived negatively, but it seems to me that when a person is so distinctly identified with a particular point of view, the use of the name speaks much more to the teaching than the person. The critique was far from personal and dealt constructively with ideas that are often presented as the "Christian" point of view.

I suspect Moore has received some criticism for his differing viewpoint and the method he used. Hopefully, his approach will be seen as a constructive and challenging voice in what it means to live as a responsible Christian steward. I certainly saw it as helpful. It is troubling that these days thoughtful debate is often taboo. Perhaps we will come to a place in the future where differing voices are seen as different facets of the diamond rather than heretical thoughts.

For some reason, so many people forget how consistently wrong some of these negative Christians perspectives have been through the years. I suppose anything could happen in the future--as the old saying goes, "even a broken clock is right twice a day." But there is biblical wisdom that speaks to a different reality consistent with the investment market--one that is full of long term hope and possibility. The chapter on the 'Creativity of the Patriarchs' sent my mind thinking of the multitude of biblical examples concerning the responsible creation of wealth and stewardship in the world. Abraham diversified. Jeremiah bought on the worst day of the market. Solomon expanded boundaries. Nehemiah built an incredible organization and navigated challenging circumstances through creative leadership. Paul was an entrepreneurial businessman while doing ministry. Jesus taught that responsible investing is tantamount to kingdom living, and showed that self giving is the ultimate investment. There are many more but time does not permit.

We live in an incredibly challenging environment to live as responsible stewards in the world. There seems to be an exceedingly thin slice somewhere between negative Christian voices and a hostile, unethical world where Moore's wholistic Christian voice for responsible stewardship can navigate.

I have read many books on finances that you would find on the shelves of Christian bookstores. Some are biblical and give good advice. Many feed greed and fear motives and do little to help people integrate financial concepts into their daily lives. Gary's book does an excellent job at two things:

1. Accurately describing a biblical worldview of money. As he so often points out in this book, Christians have been told to give 10% to their local church. But few have been trained how to be a good steward of all the money, talent, time and health that God blesses us with.

2. Challenging conventional ideas in the "Christian" media that feed on fears- Y2K for example- or greeds- the give/ to get mentality that many unbiblical ministers promote. Gary does a terrific job of presenting a balanced and passionate way to live and think about money that is honoring to Christ.

I consider it sad when many in the church recommend books such as Rich Dad/ Poor Dad- a worldview that is not even remotely biblical. I would love to see every concerned Christian read, meditate on, and implement the ideas that Gary presents in this book. Every disciple of Christ that is interested in growing in the understanding of stewardship should buy and read this book.

Ashley Hodge, CFP
Dallas, Texas

Thinking evangelical Christians should find this book helpful. So would any other thinking person. Gary Moore brings his personal experiences, profound wisdom, and deep spirituality together to strip away the smoke and mirrors that all too often confuse people both spiritually and financially. He never promises riches. He does provide a firm, spiritually-oriented foundation that should help most people do very constructive things for others and themselves with their financial resources.

Some of what he has to say is the insight he has gained as a financial advisor and student of theology. Some is time-honored common sense. Sadly, as he reveals, too often religious and other leaders have advocated other paths, and the results may have been painful for those who took their advice.
Virtually anyone, from the wealthiest to those with very modest incomes, can find something in this volume which will be helpful and not difficult to follow. Moore empowers by giving the reader possibilities into what he or she may personally do to be a responsible steward, and his approaches literally work around the world. If you want to strengthen or renew your hope in your faith, yourself, and your world then "Faithful Finances 101" is an excellent place to start.

Ever since I read this book in high school I have thought it was great. Unfortunately, it went out of print, but it is worth reading or getting a hold of if possible, for yourself or youger people. It is actually geared towards teenagers and children, but because we don't often teach youngsters to understand and be aware of deception it is also has good lessons for adults who were not made aware, as children, how much deception is in the world around us.

This book was written primarily to help teenagers cope with the distortions, deceptions, fluff, and outright lies that confront us all, every day. Kincher doesn't preach truth, she illuminates it. Her book is thought provoking ... and fun ... no matter how old you are.

This book tells you about every kind of lie there is! You can really relate to this book, you learn a lot about yourself in reading it and it helps to think honestly about what you have read, that is how you learn! I am a freshman in high school, and as many of you know, its not easy. Sometimes you don't kow who your friends are... This book helped with that because you know more about how and why they lie, more than they do! I have enjoyed this book very much. It has helped me to notice when my family and friends are lying to me. Its made me aware of how media and advertisers lie too. The world is full of lies! I think that anyone, any age, can relate to this book. Everyone is different, and every lie is different. I highly suggest this book!

This book has helped me tremendously! After ending a 3 year relationship, I was at odds with how to move on. This book gave me some great tips as well as teaching me the importance of forgiving, so that I can benefit. The best thing the book explains is why forgiveness doesn't equal forget. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is dealing with a breakup or relationship issues.

I have used this book as a tool for teaching, counseling, and life coaching, and I can attest to the wisdom that Dr Tibbits brings to our understanding of forgiveness. A special quality of this book is that it is spiritual without being sectarian. I am also especially grateful for Dr Tibbits' expanding our understanding of what forgiveness is: a process of the reframing the past. I highly recommend this book.

There's a lot to like about this book. It's a quick read with a strong message you can't miss. By learning about the 3 levels of forgiveness and the steps to achieving them you'll be able to get rid of your grievance story (which the author claims everyone has) that is holding you back most in life. There are even some health benefits like lowering blood pressure and stress levels.

The thing I liked about it was the author didn't just say, "Hey, you need to forgive people" - True, I learned that as a kid. But he gives the specific steps he used to teach the group that went through his clinical study how to forgive.

The author gives 10 Principles of Forgiveness. Here are the first five:

1. Accept that life is not fair and that others may play by a different set of rules than you do.

2. Stop blaming others for your circumstances.

3. Understand that you cannot change the person who hurt you; you can only change yourself.

4. Acknowledge the anger and hurt that some unpleasant or even harmful even is causing you.

5. Reframe your story of hurt--your "grievance story"--by placing the hurtful events in a broader context than your current point of view.

There are five more principles, but you get the idea.

The new clinical research the author did for the book seems to have paid off. The steps he suggests can be a painful (you have to review things that make you angry), but the results are powerful. Overall, it's probably one of the most useful books on forgiveness around. Other good reads on the topic are Lewis Smedes book called "Forgive & Forget" and Redford Williams book called "Anger Kills". But the clinical study behind this book makes it stand out.

Finally, if you're thinking of buying this book you might like to know that the author gives some exercises / activities at the end of each chapter. Some are better than others. I liked the Anger Test from chapter 3 and the Grievance Story Toxicity assessment from chapter 5. The author even gives an amusing parable about forgiveness at the beginning of the book called "Drop the Rock".

One more thing, there's a discussion guide in the back of the book. For each chapter there are 8-10 questions that could be used to get people talking about the things covered in the chapter. Probably a useful tool if you run a support group or some other kind of small group.

These 38 true stories are authentic, vivid, and cover a wide range of territory. The authors are, by and large, ordinary people who have braved great difficulties -- be it in war, sports, or overcoming health problems or personal challenges. These stories leave you feeling good, and give you hope about what can happen when people meet a challenge with true grit.

I'm not much for goo---sentimental stuff, so I probably wouldn't have bought this book myself. But someone gave it to me because he knew one of the writers in it, and so I looked it over. The first story (not by the friend of the friend,)about a guy injured and lost in the wilderness, drew me in, and I have to confess I ended up really liking most of the stories in here. Several of them revolve around tough situations. This is honest stuff. My wife liked it too.

Fortitude: True Stories Of True Grit is an outstanding anthology of stories by ordinary people who conquered extraordinary obstacles. Under the able editorship of Malinda Teel, these 37 true-life tales are grouped into categories: Braving The Elements; Champions Are Made Of This; Facing Illness And Injury; Overcoming Emotional Trauma; The Way We Were At War; Degrees Of Knowledge; Trials Of Working Hours; and Ties That Bind. Fortitude is often humorous, frequently inspiring, always compelling, and highly recommended to anyone who appreciates stories of human courage in adversity, ingenuity in difficulty, and perseverance in hardship.

Can you name the ten most famous people in western European history? After reading this book, you will. A monumental study of the human craving for attention, and the ways that people (mostly men) have sought it. I recommend this book for anyone who has wondered what all the fuss is about regarding celebrities today. This book was originally published in 1987, and Braudy has written an afterward for the 1997 edition -- it's very interesting to read what happens when you write "the book" on fame in the era of O.J.Simpson, Monika Lewinsky, et al.

In charting the course of fame, Braudy written a compelling and original history of Western culture. This is an amazing piece of work, clearly the product of insight, devotion, and many years of study. I've recently been seeing references to it in various mainstream publications, so I'm glad it's finally getting some of the attention it deserves, and it's nice to see that it went to paperback. It's ambitious, and I believe successful as well. It's fun to read, and it'll help refresh all that western history you forgot from school. If you don't completely love this book, you're a moron. (OK, that last statement's probably a bit much...) Anyway, note that I have no connection to the author, publisher, author's department (USC Literature), their families, or anything like that, other than having read this book.

What an incredible book! I had to remind myself that this was not a work of fiction. I was thoroughly impressed by the style , soul and intellect of this beautifully written work.