The Family

by Laurence D. Houlgate, Cliff Robertson (Narrator)

Here are some of the best minds of the nineties, focusing on some of the most puzzling ethical issues. Each three-hour presentation brings philosophy out of its ivory tower and makes it both interesting and compelling for the intelligent lay person. Realities of money, sex, power, and violence meet the ideals of responsibility, integrity, and moral well being. Narrated by versatile Emmy-Award winning actors Robert Guillaume and Cliff Robertson

Audio Cassette

First published July 18, 1995

About the author

Born before WWII in Los Angeles County, California and spent my entire young life going to school and college there. Fell in love with philosophy during my senior year in college, pursued and achieved a Ph.D. at UCLA and began teaching full-time in 1964 while still a grad student. Taught at Cal State Fullerton, UC Santa Barbara, Reed College (Oregon), George Mason University (Virginia), and finally settled down at California Polytechnic State University in 1979, before taking retirement in 2006. Continued to teach part-time until 2016. Married Torre, the love of my life, in the midst of these academic travels.
Wrote several books on ethics and philosophy of law (especially children's rights and family law) during my career (see author dashboard).
Hobbies include reading, writing, competitive swimming, and philately.

Reviews

[Eric]

Our local library gives the synapses extremely short shrift, so include below that from Amazon to enlighten. Houlgate points out, without becoming preachy, the folly of much of our current moral outlook on the family. The nuclear family as the fundamental best structure for children shines through relatively clearly.

"There are three main ethical theories of family. Natural Law says that our human nature is to unite in marriage with a person of the opposite sex for the purpose of having and rearing children. Rights-based theories say that individuals may form any association they wish as long as it is based on consent. Utilitarian theories allow expanded definitions of the family as long as this will produce the greatest good for the greatest number. This presentation also considers critiques of the family by Plato, Mo Tzu, Marx and Engels, and feminists, and discusses the social and personal issues related to divorce law."