Morality
Universality, rationality, individualism and abstract idealism are the hallmarks of modern ethical tradition. Liberals, in freeing themselves from the shackles of particular circumstances and traditions tend to take the long view of human life and it’s possibilities. In keeping their eyes fixed upon the perfect setting sun beneath an ever receding horizon, they’re apt to ignore the little things just under their noses.
Human societies are as diverse in morals, no less than manners. On the need for social order is the importance of the family as an institute for rearing children with the value of kinship and friendship. There is a congruence not only among the civilizations of the ancient world, but, also, the enduring peasant morality that lies just beneath the surface of modern life.
It’s possible to imagine various social systems where two of three concerns, merit, equality and family integrity are maximized, but not all three. The best we can hope for, says liberal philosopher James Fishkin is a messy compromise that includes some attention to all three concerns.
Storytelling, the most ancient and, perhaps, best way human beings found to make coherent sense of their experience. For some children growing up in troubled families, a good story may be more than an escape, it can be contact with a better world.
Thomas Fleming
The Morality of Everyday Life
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