Can Ethics Provide Answers?

Abstract

No great powers of observation are needed to see that the American people are not as optimistic or confident as they once were. Even as the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandals recede into memory, other concerns take their place. The energy crisis and a growing rate of inflation are the visible signs of an uncertain economy—an economy which, in addition to creating a general sense of insecurity makes it harder than ever to satisfy demands for social justice. Technology, which was supposed to save us, now presents as many problems as solutions—witness the controversy over nuclear energy, for example. Pessimism seems not only understandable, but rational.