Writing and the Moral Self

The contemporary view of writing as morally neutral assumes the modern conception of scientific truth versus art. Non-fiction is judged on the basis of truth or falsity, fiction for its beauty or emotive qualities, and no place is left for writing as an embodiment of values. Writing is an instrument serving ends distinct from itself. In "Writing and the Moral Self", Berel Lang analyzes the relation between writing and ethics in a number of social contexts - in politics, as language discloses its connections to the institutions of totalitarianism and democracy; in the university, as contemporary scholarly ideals find an uncomfortably accurate representation in the stylistic forms of academic writing; in daily social practice, ranging from the status of truth in journalistic writing to the connection between pronouns and affirmative action; and finally, in the ethical structure of language itself, even in its grammar. The book provides an explanation of why the current state of writing should be a matter of general concern in the schools and universities, in business and the professions, and in government. This book should be of interest to students and teachers of philosophy, linguistics, and literature.