Of Mottos and Morals

Simple Words for Complex Virtues

By (author) Mike W. Martin

Publication date:

13 December 2012

Length of book:

178 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Dimensions:

236x157mm
6x9"

ISBN-13: 9781442221291

Whether in slogans, catchphrases, adages or proverbs, we encounter mottos every day, but we rarely take time to reflect on them. In Of Mottos and Morals: Simple Words for Complex Virtues, Martin explores the possibility that mottos themselves are worthy of serious thought, examining how they contribute to moral guidance and help us grapple with complexity.

Part I. Coping
Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. Tools in Coping
Part II. Character
Chapter 3. Identity and Character
Chapter 4. Self-Help, Mutual Aid
Chapter 5. Pursuing Happiness
Part III. Community
Chapter 6. Leading, Creating, Writing
Chapter 7. Mottos in the Marketplace
Chapter 8. Campaigns and Causes
Part IV. Credo
Chapter 9. Ethical Theories
Chapter 10. Spirituality
Chapter 11. Golden Rule Pragmatism
Epilogue
Index

Martin has done something exciting and rare, providing readers with a real treat: he has blended historically-rooted philosophy with our every-day experience in a way that makes them both richer. The mottos and phrases addressed help us to truly connect with typically...abstract philosophy. And just as exciting, the profound insights which academic philosophy offers—and which often go unappreciated—greatly enhance our lives. Of Mottos and Morals walks this balance extremely well, giving us a wonderful contribution to philosophy while also providing the reader something they can immediately apply. All the while, the writing is both accessible and true to the philosophers and theories it explores. “Know thyself,” indeed. Socrates would be most proud.