The End of Western Culture

Author: (English) R.W. Fefer
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-08-01
Features: Fefer defines common sense as a supporter or opponent of public and private morality, striking at the heart of the issue. This timely book addresses a topic of widespread concern. I hope that many readers will be inspired after reading this book, become wiser, and act more cautiously. This is exactly how I felt after reading it myself. — Excerpted from the Preface of the book, Zygmunt Bauman
Ralph Fefer's devastating arguments about the destructive role of common sense in traditional morality are profoundly relevant to any era. From now on, any discussion of morality cannot ignore this extremely important work. — Richard Stivers, University of Illinois, USA
A timely and captivating book. Ralph Fefer possesses a remarkable ability to delve into the roots of some of the core dilemmas of our time. His discussions on sex, reason, community, and the trend of focusing on trivialities in the modern world are deeply incisive and original. — Anthony O'Hare, University of Bradford, UK
The importance of Fefer's research is undeniable. After reading this passionate and courageous work, the vast majority of readers will benefit greatly. — John Gray, London School of Economics
This is a book about the anxieties that many of us grapple with. This anxiety stems from our concern about the shared social moral standards: kindness, compassion, and empathy are discarded as worthless, while atrocities, indifference, and a callousness toward human suffering and humiliation are rampant everywhere. It is also a book about "common sense." Common sense is a fundamental sensory attribute that we have every right to be proud of, but (as Ralph Fefer convincingly demonstrates in this book) if applied to the wrong context or time, it can also prove to be a dangerous tool. These two themes develop in parallel in this book, jointly seeking the answer to a mysterious question. Many philosophers have pondered this issue, but so far, no universally satisfying answer has been found. The question is: Why does good intentions always lead to the opposite result, why do people's shared moral qualities often fall short of expectations, and why does the human world consistently defy its creator's will, rejecting love and kindness?
This is a timely book addressing a topic of widespread concern. I hope that many readers will be inspired after reading this book, become wiser, and act more cautiously.