Narrative analysis

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Iain P.D. Morrisson

"Kant and the Role of Pleasure in Moral Action is part of a new wave of interest in Kant's anthropological (that is, psychological) works. Whereas previous commentators have attempted to understand Kant's feeling of respect by studying the relevant textual evidence in isolation, Morrisson illuminates this evidence by determining what Kant's more general theory of action commits him to regarding moral action. After looking at how Kant's treatment of desire and feeling can be reconciled with his famous account of free maxim-based action, Morrisson argues that respect moves us to moral action in a way that is structurally parallel to the way in which nonmoral pleasure motivates nonmoral action."--Jacket.

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Kristen Renwick Monroe

The Heart of Altruism explores the causes of altruism and asks what makes altruists different from other people. Through a careful narrative analysis of moving interviews with philanthropists, heroes, and rescuers of Jews in Nazi Europe, Kristen Monroe rejects traditional explanations of altruism and argues that altruists have a different way of viewing the world. Where the rest of us see a stranger, altruists see a fellow human being. While factors as diverse as religion and genetics may contribute to the existence and development of what Monroe identifies as an altruistic perspective, it is the perspective itself that constitutes the heart of altruism. Monroe moves beyond discussing altruism as a substantive phenomenon, however, to treat altruism as an analytical tool to examine the widespread assumption that normal human behavior consists of the pursuit of individual self-interest. This assumption underpins many public policies and academic disciplines from economics and evolutionary biology to psychology, and permeates social science through rational choice theory. Monroe debunks the notions of scientific inevitability that stem from an overemphasis on self-interest, arguing that self-interest may form a useful starting point for explicating human behavior but leaves unexplained many important forms of human action. Her insightful analysis of the limitations of theories based on self-interest is complemented by the presentation of her own theory of ethical political behavior, a theory that suggests it is how we see ourselves in relation to others that sets and delineates the range of options we find available, both empirically and morally.

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Elizabeth George

Today's teens are bombarded with choices about attitudes, behaviors, friends, clothes, finances, and college. And with the rise of alcohol, drugs, sexual issues, and crime, they must make serious decisions daily. Bible teacher Elizabeth George takes teens through the step–by–step process of making decisions that are life–affirming, godly, and wise in areas that include: managing emotions, improving relationships, developing confidence, living in the center of God's will, avoiding trouble and bad situations. Teens will discover checkpoints to use as guides for making decisions, and they will learn to take the long view when considering consequences. Young women will also realize the tremendous wisdom, guidance, and answers available in God's Word. Great for individuals, small groups, and mentoring. - Publisher.

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Carl Sagan

Presents an overview of human evolution and discusses human and animal intelligence, the mechanisms of the brain, memory, sleep, myths and legends about evolution, and the possibility of intelligent extraterrestrial life.