Thinking about LOTF

Themes: Power Morality Human Nature Democracy X Autocracy Relationships Think about: In General) What are some of the unresolved issues with regards to the themes? Why do they remain unresolved? Power) Power seems to corrupt. Is this always true? How does that happen? Why does it happen? Why can't man prevent that from happening? Morality) It is difficult to get people to behave morally because it is the right thing to do. Why is that so? Is that always true? Human Nature) Humans are products of their situations, their experiences and nothing else. Is that true? Why or why not? Democracy X Autocracy) Why is it that democracy so far from perfect? Why is democracy a difficult model to manage? Relationships) Why do humans need other humans?

Readings that are helpful

Steven Pinker's fantastic book on Human Nature--'The Better Angels of our Nature'-- is really relevant. I'm only 2 chapters into it and his arguments are convincing me. Do check out http://stevenpinker.com/pinker/content/review-excerpts-better-angels-our-nature & http://www.ted.com/talks/steven_pinker_on_the_myth_of_violence.html AC Grayling's books are easily found in your nearest public library. Very interesting ideas. UC Berkley's website has interesting website with an overview/ introduction to the issue of morality. UC Berkley's one of the universities I wish I could go to...http://tigger.uic.edu/~lnucci/MoralEd/overview.html I will continue posting up more as I research more. If anyone finds anything useful, please post it up as well to share with your friends. Cheers Ms Goh