{"product_id":"the-virtues-of-our-vices-by-emrys-westacott-9780691162218","title":"The Virtues of Our Vices","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAre there times when it's right to be rude? Can we distinguish between good and bad gossip? Am I a snob if I think that NPR listeners are likely to be better informed than devotees of Fox News? Does sick humour do anyone any good? Can I think your beliefs are absurd but still respect you?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eThe Virtues of Our Vices\u003c\/em\u003e, philosopher Emrys Westacott takes a fresh look at important everyday ethical questions—and comes up with surprising answers. He makes a compelling argument that some of our most common vices—rudeness, gossip, snobbery, tasteless humour, and disrespect for others' beliefs—often have hidden virtues or serve unappreciated but valuable purposes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor instance, there are times when rudeness may be necessary to help someone with a problem or to convey an important message. Gossip can foster intimacy between friends and curb abuses of power. And dubious humour can alleviate existential anxieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEngaging, funny, and philosophically sophisticated, \u003cem\u003eThe Virtues of Our Vices\u003c\/em\u003e challenges us to rethink conventional wisdom when it comes to everyday moral behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"NewSouth Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47000823660780,"sku":"9780691162218","price":91.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/1609323482434.jpg?v=1763307621","url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/products\/the-virtues-of-our-vices-by-emrys-westacott-9780691162218","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}