Moral Progress in Dark Times

The world seems to be falling apart: climate crisis, pandemic, and the rise of authoritarian regimes are dividing society into irreconcilable camps. Are we trapped in a moral downward spiral? The renowned philosopher Markus Gabriel demonstrates in his groundbreaking work that crises, in fact, offer the opportunity for moral progress.

With keen analysis, Gabriel explains that there are universal moral values that apply to all people—regardless of culture and history. He exposes value relativism as a dangerous dead end and shows how the discovery of moral facts can lead us to true progress.

Using current examples from the Corona pandemic to identity politics, Gabriel develops a "philosophical toolbox" for the pressing ethical challenges of our time. A passionate plea for universal values and the overcoming of purely economic thinking—for a more just society in the 21st century.

The book was published in 2020, right in the context of the Corona pandemic. The book was finished before the outbreak and also does not take into account Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

For those wanting an initial overview, Blinkist offers an initial summary. The book discusses the value relativism of our time, which began soaring again at the latest with Donald Trump's re-election. The answer to moral nihilism might be found in universalism.

Key Theses

There are universal moral facts that apply regardless of cultural differences. Crises like the Covid-19 pandemic can foster moral progress. Relativism and the sheer profit logic of neoliberalism must be overcome. Identity politics approaches are not sufficient to achieve true moral progress.

The book stayed at a high position on the Spiegel bestseller list for several weeks and sparked intense discussions about the possibility of universal values in a fragmented world.