Exploring How to Live Morally and Wisely

(and Moral Philosophy)

Books

Sowings and Reapings: The Cycling of Good and Evil in the Human System, see the "Afterword-- By Our Bootstraps: How the Moral Level of Humankind Can be Raised," especially the section at the end, "Giving of the Gift."

Fool's Gold: The Fate of Values in a World of Goods, see especially Chapter 4, Guiding Voices," which explores how we can free ourselves of those cultural influences, such as advertising, that would use us for purposes other than our own, and not for the sake of the good. The discussion comes to an idea --akin to the notion of eudaemonism-- that we have access to a voice within us that wants and seeks what will both fulfill our natures and lead us on the right path.

Not So Straight and Narrow: How Well Can We Know What's Right to Do?, written 1996, not yet published.

Living Posthumously: Confronting the Loss of Vital Powers, see especially Chapter 4, "Tethered to a Dying Animal: Putting Ourselves in Perspective," Chapter 7, Welcome to the Human Race: How Illness Can Deepen the Human Connection," and chapter 8, "The Final Act: What is the Meaning of Death in Our Lives?"

Op-Ed Articles

Radio Shows

"Taking Things for Granted," began broadcast call-in conversation on WSVA Radio, 1996. [Text of piece 1 and Text of piece 2]

Framing a discussion of the ways in which we tend to take both our blessings and our curses for granted.

"What Makes One Person Better than Another?" began broadcast call-in conversation on WSVA Radio, 1996. Text of piece

Framing a discussion of our experiences of feeling either superior or inferior to others. What are the criteria we use? What are the effects of making such judgments? How does it feel? When, if at all, are such judgments wise or right to make?

"New Year's Resolutions and the Challenge of Changing," began broadcast call-in conversation on WSVA Radio, January, 1996. Text of piece

"Do People Want What's Good for Them?" to initiate a radio conversation with guests at Shepherd College Radio, and subsequently a call-in radio conversation at WSVA Radio, 1995. Text of piece

Frames a discussion of some questions about human nature, and its implications for education and public policy: to what extent can people be trusted to want what they need, to go for what really serves their welfare? And to the extent that they cannot, why is that?

"Experiences that Have Shaped Our Relationship with Morality," began broadcast conversation on WSVA Radio, 1995. Text of piece

Framing a discussion --based on personal experience instead of arguments about the merits of different beliefs about morality-- in which listeners are invited to tell the stories of how their relationship with questions of right and wrong through pivotal life experiences.

"Living and Learning in Matters of the Heart," broadcast, call-in discussion over WSVA (Harrisonburg, VA), 1995. Text of piece

An invitation to listeners to share their stories about how their life experiences changed their understanding of matters of the heart (such as romance, marriage, divorce, etc.).

"Knowing What's Right is Not a No-Brainer," broadcast discussion over WSVA, Harrisonburg, VA, 1994. Text of piece

Challenges those who maintain that right and wrong are quite clear cut and easily known.

"Mind Your Business vs. Are You Your Brother's Keeper?" began broadcast, call-in radio conversation on WSVA Radio, 1994. Text of piece

Frames a discussion of when it is and when it is not appropriate to intrude into other people's business.

See also the Theme "The Challenge of Honesty"