The Virtues of Our Vices: A Modest Defense of Gossip, Rudeness, and Other Bad Habits

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Emrys Westacott

The Virtues of Our Vices

A Modest Defense of Gossip, Rudeness, and Other Bad Habits

Emrys Westacott

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English

Princeton University Press
24 November 2013

Ethics & moral philosophy; Popular philosophy

Are there times when it's right to be rude? Can we distinguish between good and bad gossip? Am I a snob if I think that NPR listeners are likely to be better informed than devotees of Fox News? Does sick humor do anyone any good? Can I think your beliefs are absurd but still respect you? In The Virtues of Our Vices, philosopher Emrys Westacott takes a fresh look at important everyday ethical questions--and comes up with surprising answers. He makes a compelling argument that some of our most common vices--rudeness, gossip, snobbery, tasteless humor, and disrespect for others' beliefs--often have hidden virtues or serve unappreciated but valuable purposes. For instance, there are times when rudeness may be necessary to help someone with a problem or to convey an important message. Gossip can foster intimacy between friends and curb abuses of power. And dubious humor can alleviate existential anxieties. Engaging, funny, and philosophically sophisticated, The Virtues of Our Vices challenges us to rethink conventional wisdom when it comes to everyday moral behavior.

By: Emrys Westacott
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 140mm, Spine: 17mm
Weight: 369g
ISBN: 9780691162218
ISBN 10: 0691162212
Pages: 304
Publication Date: 24 November 2013
Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , General/trade , Primary , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

"Introduction 1 Chapter 1: The Rights and Wrongs of Rudeness 13 Chapter 2: The Ethics of Gossiping 53 Chapter 3: O n Snobbery: Is It Sinful to Feel Superior? 100 Chapter 4: ""That's not funny--that's sick!"" 162 Chapter 5: Why Should I Respect Your Stupid Opinion? 215 Acknowledgments 261 Notes 265 Index 289"

Emrys Westacott is professor of philosophy at Alfred University in Alfred, New York. His work has been featured in the New York Times and has appeared in the Philosopher's Magazine, Philosophy Now, the Humanist, the Philosophical Forum, and many other publications. He is also the coauthor of Thinking through Philosophy: An Introduction.

Reviews for The Virtues of Our Vices: A Modest Defense of Gossip, Rudeness, and Other Bad Habits

After reading this volume, one might quibble with some of the author's observations, although next week one might feel differently. This is what Westacott recognizes as a 'fluid' situation, an essential aspect of the topic at hand. In sum, The Virtues of Our Vices presents a highly stimulating argument for our individual and collective self-evaluations. --James Naiden, Rain Taxi

Commended for Cover/Jacket, New York Book Show, in the category Professional, Scholarly 2012 (United States)
Runner-up for New York Book Show Award 2012
Runner-up for New York Book Show Award 2012.