Bruce Weinstein has brought a refreshing air of reason and ethical argument to the public arena. It has been my pleasure to work with Bruce on presentations to college students, workshops to philosophy teachers, and as an informal editor on his most current book on ethics for pre-teens and teenagers.
Bruce reminds us of the need to respect each other, of the need to care for each other, and the need to work in communities to build character. He reminds us, young and old alike, that thinking carefully is an ethical obligation and that "virtue" is not out of fashion. One need only listen to his insightful commentaries on CNN to understand how he encourages us to walk the talk, to have courage to do what we should rather than merely what we can.
Bruce's commentaries emphasize the "how" of what we do, reminding us that motive and intent are important in making thoughtful, respectful, fair and just choices.
Bruce Werinstein has brought philosophy and philosophical discussion back to the public arena where it is meant to be. He reminds us that theory is empty without practice, and that no matter who we are--politician, CEO, teacher, student, laborer, banker, lawyer, family member--we owe it to ourselves and others to act rightly and to have right reasons to support our choices. Understanding and rational, reflective thought need to be engaged by each of us if we are to change our world in any meaningful way.
What Bruce teaches us, in the manner in which Socrates engaged his students, is to examine our choices, and not only to not harm ourselves or others, but actively pursue doing good for ourselves and others.
I most heartedly recommend that individuals listen carefully to his commentaries, read his articles in Business Week, and to talk with family members about his examples and principles for moral choice in a "modern" society.
Robert Timko
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