Moral Progress in Dark Times - Universal Values for the 21st Century

Markus Gabriel argues that universal moral principles apply to all cultures and form the basis of universal values in the 21st century. He calls for a "New Moral Realism" that promotes moral progress through cooperation and embraces all of humanity to address the challenges we face. Gabriel's book offers a welcome antidote to value relativism and nihilism and provides a moral framework for dealing with our global challenges.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 02 December 2022
Publisher: Polity Press

The challenges we face today are unparalleled, ranging from the existential crisis of climate change to the global security threats posed by aggression in Ukraine and elsewhere. Adding to this, the crisis of liberal democracy leaves us in a state of moral disarray, unsure if there are any principles to which we can appeal that would be anything other than particularistic.

In contrast to this perspective, Markus Gabriel presents a bold argument that there are guiding moral principles for human behavior. These principles transcend cultures and are universally valid, forming the basis of universal values in the twenty-first century. Through developing what he calls a 'New Moral Realism,' Gabriel breathes fresh life into the idea that humanity's task on our planet is to enable moral progress through cooperation. It is only by achieving moral progress that incorporates universal values and embraces all of humanity that we can avoid the abyss into which we will otherwise slide.

Written with verve, wit, and imagination, Gabriel's call for a new enlightenment is a welcome antidote to the value relativism and nihilism of our times. It provides a moral framework within which we can work together, as surely we must, to deal with the great challenges we now face.

Weight: 584g
Dimension: 160 x 236 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509549481