The Discourse of Moral Modernity by Charles Larmor

Abstract

Until recently, the belief prevailed that Western civilization was based on a single, unanimous modernist morality. In contrast, the contemporary Western philosophical thought no longer presents this single and harmonious picture. Perhaps the best indication of this is the work of American philosopher, Charles Larmore, in which he seeks to understand morality in the era of modernity, and to search for some sort of modern moral middle ground to combat pre-modern morals in the name of community and heritage, and postmodern ethics in the name of individuality, pleasure and freedom. This paper analyses elements of this discourse, its relationships, and its limits.