Ethics for Everyone

Moral wisdom for the modern world

Michael W. Austin Ph.D.

Bridging the Character Gap

Part 2: There are ways to improve our character, but they require intentional effort.

Bridging the Character Gap

Most of us are not virtuous, but neither are we vicious. We have mixed characters. What can we do to bridge the character gap in our own lives? What can we do to make progress?

Achieving Happiness: Advice from Bertrand Russell

According to Bertrand Russell, the key to happiness is to turn one's focus outward, eschewing self-absorption and engaging both others and the world around us.

What Kind of Sports Parent Am I?

Parents need to ask themselves some hard questions about their role in the good and bad of youth sports.

Ethics and Abortion

Understanding opposing arguments on the morality of abortion.

A Counterargument to "Virtue and Guns"

Based on his years of participation in and observation of Gun Culture 2.0, an expert offers a three-part counterargument to my claims in "Virtue and Guns."

Problems with "A God Problem"

There is no incoherence in the notion of a perfect God. When understood with sufficient precision and detail, 'the idea of God that most Westerners accept' is coherent.

Empathy in Health Care

True healing begins when physicians allow patients to move them emotionally.

Virtue and Guns

There is a neglected question in the gun debates. It is, however, of vast importance: How do guns impact our character?

CS Lewis on Morality

A morality that only considers potential harm to others is sparse.

Meditation and Moral Development

We often think of meditation as something that can help us feel better. It may also help us to be better.

The Lost Practice of Self-Examination

If we make becoming a better person one of our goals in life, we must see that the practice of self-examination can help us make progress.

Religious Pluralism and Religious Relativism

Just because there are diverse religious beliefs, it does not follow that religious belief is mere subjective preference or opinion.

Rights, Responsibilities, and Guns

We hear a lot about the right to own a gun, but we need to craft laws and foster a culture that emphasizes the responsibilities that come with that right.

Religious Reasoning for a Secular State

Many religious people see secularism as evil, but there are good reasons for religious people to support a secular society.

The Kind of Liberty We Need

When we think about a democratic society, where the common good is valued, and when we think about individual human flourishing, a particular form of liberty is crucial.

It's Not a Gun Problem, It's a Heart Problem

The fact that humans have a heart problem actually supports the claim that we need more rational and restrictive gun laws.

A Good Guy with a Gun?

The claim that the only thing that can stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun is clearly and demonstrably false.

Only Outlaws Will Have Guns?

"If guns are outlawed, then only outlaws will have guns!" This claim has been around for decades. Is it true?

What's Wrong with Negative Soccer?

Is there something morally wrong with parking the bus?

The Character Gap

Most of us, at the core, are a mix of good and evil. There is a gap, a character gap, between who we are and who we should be.

The Devil You Know

Elicka Peterson-Sparks argues that there is a strong connection between certain forms of conservative Christianity in the United States and criminal behavior.

Alabamians Should Not Vote for Roy Moore

What could a Republican pro-life candidate do to disqualify him or her from office in the minds of philosopher Tully Borland and others who share his view? Anything?

Coaches Should Be Role Models

What determines the nature of a coach's influence on athletes? There are many factors in play, but a primary one is the character of the coach.

Playing Hurt

A vulnerable and inspiring story from sportscaster John Saunders.

Moral Decency and the Dreamers

What does it say about our character if we deport 600,000-800,000 people who have essentially grown up in our country back to a place they've never known?

The 7 C's of Success: A Strong Confidence

Confidence is key for attaining worthwhile goals.

Money, Pride, and Injury Risks in Youth Sports

There are too many people focused on making money off of youth sports in the United States, while putting the health and other interests of young athletes at risk.

Free Speech and Thought on Campus

Whatever one's views are concerning politics, ethics, and religion, we should engage in discussion, dialogue, and debate about these issues.

Promotion and Relegation for Soccer in the USA

The United States should play the world's game the world's way. We need promotion and relegation to truly compete with the world's best at the beautiful game.

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