The Impossibility of Perfection

The Impossibility of Perfection examines core ideas in moral philosophy and ethics through the lens of common sense morality. Philosopher Michael Slote challenges traditional Western views about the need for universal moral principles and perfectionism. Slote builds his argument through analysis of real-world examples and exploration of how various virtues and moral imperatives can conflict with each other. His investigation spans topics from career choices and work-life balance to gender roles and childrearing. Through careful reasoning and accessible prose, the book presents an alternative framework for making ethical decisions that acknowledges human limitations and competing values. The text engages with major philosophical works while remaining grounded in practical concerns. This work contributes to ongoing debates about moral relativism versus absolutism and offers insights into how people can live ethically without striving for impossible ideals. The arguments point toward a more nuanced and sustainable approach to personal and social ethics.

Readers value the book's balanced view of virtues and human morality, with multiple reviewers noting that Slote avoids oversimplified either/or positions. Philosophy students mention its accessibility compared to similar academic texts. Readers appreciated: - Clear arguments against perfectionism in ethics - Real-world examples that illustrate abstract concepts - Discussion of balance between opposing virtues Common criticisms: - Writing style can be repetitive - Some sections feel padded - Limited practical applications Online Ratings: Goodreads: 3.67/5 (12 ratings) Amazon: 4.0/5 (3 ratings) One academic reviewer on Goodreads wrote: "Makes important points about the incompatibility of certain virtues, though could have been more concise." An Amazon review praised the "nuanced take on moral philosophy that acknowledges human limitations." Limited review data exists online for this academic philosophy text, with most discussion occurring in scholarly journals rather than consumer review sites.

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🔹 Michael Slote developed his philosophical views on ethics while teaching at the University of Maryland and the University of Miami, where he holds the UST Professor of Ethics position. 🔹 The book challenges Aristotle's concept of virtue ethics by arguing that some virtues can actually conflict with each other, making perfect virtue impossible to achieve. 🔹 Slote's work bridges Eastern and Western philosophical traditions, incorporating ideas from Confucian thought into modern ethical discussions. 🔹 The concept of "satisficing" (accepting what is good enough rather than seeking perfection) plays a central role in the book's argument about human limitations and happiness. 🔹 The book builds on ideas from philosopher Susan Wolf's "Moral Saints" essay, which questions whether being morally perfect would actually lead to a good life.