Svoboda, svědomí, soužití - Kapitoly z mezilidské etiky – Kohák Erazim (2024)

This Czech-language book by philosopher Erazim Kohák examines ethics as a matter of living together in freedom rather than a system of commands imposed through fear and obedience. Kohák argues that the ethics of freedom grows from freedom and responsibility and cannot be taught as rules to be memorised and mechanically applied. Instead, it develops through critical thinking and responsible decision-making, requiring us to examine the conditions and possibilities of each situation before deciding for ourselves. He begins by asking how philosophical thought should be understood, defining it through three critical questions: what does it mean, what is it based on, and what follows from it? He then considers ethics in human relations, relativism and absolutism, egoism and altruism, and freedom and determinism. The second half addresses value and meaning, as well as the possibilities and limits of religious ethics, natural-law ethics, consequentialism and ethics based on principles. Written in a readable essayistic style without sacrificing philosophical rigour, the book offers an overview of ethical approaches and the reasons for and against each, while refusing to replace the reader's own thinking and responsibility. It is intended for anyone who takes the responsibility of freedom seriously, as well as for those teaching ethics to young people.