In a riveting scene in the film Wall Street, Gordon Gekko proclaims, 'Greed is good'. The great philosopher David Hume, on the contrary, describes greed as the most destructive of the vices. The banking debacle and the continuing row about bonuses has placed the controversial issue of greed at the very heart of how we view our society. Is Gekko's maxim merely in need of some moderation? After all, incentives are essential to achieve results. Or is it Hume who, uncharacteristically in this instance, lacks moderation? His claim be greed is 'directly destructive of society'. Can this be true? This example of Hume's reasoning illustrates very clearly his attachment to the idea of 'a science of man' rather than religion or sentiment as a basis for moral, social and political practice. Sutherland examines this science and questions its practical applications for the modern age.
| ISBN: | 9781908323798 |
| Publication date: | 1st October 2014 |
| Author: | Stewart R Sutherland |
| Publisher: | Haus Publishing |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Pagination: | 45 pages |
| Series: | Haus Curiosities |
| Genres: |
Ethical issues and debates Ethics and moral philosophy |
In a riveting scene in the film Wall Street, Gordon Gekko proclaims, 'Greed is good'. The great philosopher David Hume, on the contrary, describes greed as the most destructive of the vices. The banking debacle and the continuing row about bonuses has placed the controversial issue of greed at the very heart of how we view our society. Is Gekko's maxim merely in need of some moderation? After all, incentives are essential to achieve results. Or is it Hume who, uncharacteristically in this instance, lacks moderation? His claim be greed is 'directly destructive of society'. Can this be true? This example of Hume's reasoning illustrates very clearly his attachment to the idea of 'a science of man' rather than religion or sentiment as a basis for moral, social and political practice. Sutherland examines this science and questions its practical applications for the modern age.
Greed features in the following genres: Ethical issues and debates, Ethics and moral philosophy
Greed is available in Paperback
Greed was written by Stewart R Sutherland and published by Haus Publishing
Greed has 45 pages
Yes it is part of Haus Curiosities series
£7.19