
audiobook
by George Henry Lane Fox Pitt-Rivers
Introduce the work as a thoughtful investigation into conscience and fanaticism, written by a reflective author. It tackles the challenge of grounding ethics without invoking divine authority, questioning the split between moral and physical worlds. The essay draws on a wide range of thinkers, from Hume to contemporary voices, to illustrate how values emerge from human experience.
It then turns to the nature of fanaticism, examining how rigid belief systems can distort conscience and lead to disaster. By keeping the language plain and avoiding dense scholastic jargon, the author invites listeners to consider the relationship between knowledge and value, and to see how our attitudes shape moral judgments. The first part sets up the problem, promising a nuanced discussion that will help listeners reflect on their own moral assumptions.
Throughout the essay, historical examples and everyday observations illustrate the thin line between sincere conviction and destructive zeal. Listeners will find a balanced blend of philosophical rigor and accessible prose, making the work a valuable companion for anyone questioning the foundations of their own conscience.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (163K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2018-10-19
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
1890–1966
Born into a prominent British family, this anthropologist began with serious scholarly promise before veering sharply into extremist politics. His life now reads as a striking mix of inherited privilege, academic ambition, and deep controversy.
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