Ethics, Literature, and Theory: An Introductory Reader

by Wayne C. Booth, Stephen K. George

Ethics, Literature, and Theory: An Introductory Reader brings together the work of contemporary scholars, teachers, and writers into lively discussion on the moral role of literature and the relationship between aesthetics, art, and ethics. Do the rich descriptions and narrative shapings of literature provide a valuable resource for readers, writers, philosophers, and everyday people to imagine and confront the ultimate questions of life? Do the human activities of storytelling and complex moral decision-making have a deep connection? What are the moral responsibilities of the artist, critic, and reader? What can religious perspectives_from Catholic to Protestant to Mormon_contribute to literary criticism? What do we mean when we talk about ethical criticism and how does this differ from the common notion of censorship? Thirty well known contributors reflect on these questions including: literary theorists Marshall Gregory, James Phelan, and Wayne Booth; philosophers Martha Nussbaum, Richard Hart, and Nina Rosenstand; and authors John Updike, Charles Johnson, Flannery O'Connor, and Bernard Malamud. Divided into four sections, with introductory matter and questions for discussion, this accessible anthology represents the most crucial work today exploring the interdisciplinary connections among literature, religion and philosophy.

424 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Robert Moscaliuc · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to get started with ethical criticism, its gains and risks, then this is THE book to read. I like how the editors chose different perspectives (often contradictory) on the subject, that really gives you a sense of where it is better to stand on the matter. If you want to go even deeper into the matter I suggest you read The Company We Keep, by Wayne C. Booth. Besides his sometimes verbose style, he makes some really good points.