Moralism: A study of a vice

Moralism involves the distortion of moral thought, the distortion of reflection and judgement. It is a vice, and one to which many – from the philosopher to the media pundit to the politician – are highly susceptible. This book examines the nature of moralism in specific moral judgements and the ways in which moral philosophy and theories about morality can themselves become skewed by this vice. The book ranges across the problem of the demands of morality; the conflict between moral and other values; the contrast between the practice of moral philosophy and other modes of moral thought or reflection; moralism in the media; and moralism in the public discussion of literature and art. This highly original and provocative work will be of interest to students of philosophy, psychology, theology and media, and to anyone who takes a serious interest in contemporary morality.