This is an excellent collection of essays on the "moral psychology of admiration." Archer (Tilburg Univ., Netherlands) and Grahle (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Germany), both philosophers, organize the essays into four parts: "The Nature of Admiration," "History," "Social and Political Dimensions of Admiration," and "Admiration and Moral Education." The contributors are mostly philosophy and psychology professors at European and American universities, but their expertise extends to a variety of other disciplines. This book could serve as textbook in courses on moral psychology. . . this is a worthwhile resource for those interested in admiration as an aspect of moral philosophy or moral psychology.

Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty.

Choice Reviews

Admiration is a central but much neglected ethical notion. This new book edited by Alfred Archer and Andre Grahle helps to make up for this neglect. A much needed and very welcome volume.

Michael Slote, Professor of Philosophy, University of Miami

There is much to admire in this richly nuanced, interdisciplinary investigation into the nature and significance of admiration. This volume is a delightful and informative read, full of engaging, real-life examples and thought-provoking claims on the difference between admiration and envy, on its (limited) role in moral upbringing, and on the thin line between useful admiration and harmful worshipping.

Katrien Schaubroeck, Senior Lecturer, Department of Philosophy, University of Antwerp