Moral Man And Immoral Society

Moral Man and Immoral Society: A Study in Ethics and Politics is a book written by Reinhold Niebuhr, a prominent American theologian and social thinker, first published in 1932. The book is a critical examination of the relationship between individual morality and social institutions, and it argues that while individual morality can be virtuous, society as a whole is inherently prone to immorality.Niebuhr's central thesis is that the social nature of humanity leads to a fundamental conflict between individual morality and the interests of society. He argues that individuals are capable of moral behavior, but that social institutions are inherently self-interested and corrupt. This conflict is particularly acute in democratic societies, where the pursuit of individual freedom and self-interest can lead to the neglect of the common good.The book is divided into two parts. In the first part, Niebuhr lays out his theory of human nature and morality, arguing that humans are both self-interested and capable of moral behavior. He also explores the limitations of individual morality, arguing that it is insufficient to address the complex social problems of modern society.In the second part, Niebuhr applies this theory to political and social issues, including democracy, nationalism, race relations, and international relations. He argues that social institutions must be designed to account for the inherent conflicts between individual morality and social interests. He also explores the role of power and coercion in social relations, arguing that these forces are necessary to maintain social order but must be tempered by moral principles.Overall, Moral Man and Immoral Society is a seminal work in the fields of ethics and political theory. It remains relevant today as a critical examination of the tensions between individual morality and social institutions, and as a call to action for those seeking to create a more just and equitable society.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.