Concern for others is the basis of human decency; without it, our communities are increasingly degraded by selfishness and corruption. Some think that crime and racial conflict naturally follow the breakdown of shared community values. In a world of violence and deviancy, how can we build a caring community? Have courtesy and civility disappeared—and if so, how can we regain them? Does a diverse population share enough concerns and values to sustain a tolerant yet unified society?

The Morality in Our Age series examines the historical and philosophical background of today's most pressing moral challenges. Though a final "answer" is notoriously elusive in moral discussion, you'll develop a much better insight into the forces and principles at play on today's most serious moral issues, problems, and dilemmas.