In Moralism: A Study of a Vice, Craig Taylor delves into one of the most overlooked ethical concerns of our time: the vice of moralism, or the distortion of moral thought, reflection, and judgment. This flawed tendency in human nature is pervasive on all levels of society, and affects people from all walks of life - from the philosopher to the pundits and politicians. Covering a wide variety of topics, Moralism takes on such salient issues as the nearly impossible demands of stringent morality, the conflict between morals and other values, and the contrast between the practice of moral philosophy and other modes of moral thought and reflection. In connecting his argument to the world at large, Taylor draws upon examples of moralism in the media, in literature, and in art. This highly original and provocative study will be of interest to students of philosophy, psychology, theology, and media, and to anyone who takes an interest in contemporary morality.

Craig Taylor is senior lecturer in philosophy at Flinders University, Australia.

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"A very important book on a very important subject. Taylor's charming and delicate prose guides the reader carefully and often delightfully through the difficult waters facing diplomats, journalists, artists, reality-show participants, philosophers, Lord Jim, Dostoevsky's 'Idiot', and in fact all of us. There has never been a better critique of 'moralism' than this book." Rupert Read, University of East Anglia

"This elegant book - filled with examples from literature, the visual arts and politics - is in a subtle way intensely ambitious. Taylor sets out not only to identify a significant vice but to transform our understanding of the challenges of moral thought

"This is a well-argued, timely book that shows the relevance of philosophy for contemporary life. Summing Up: Recommended." CHOICE