Against Ethics

For those who live their philosophical problems this book is essential. It is true that some familiarity with Nietzsche, Heidegger, and Derrida would be helpful in understanding the arguments and in appreciating the striking literary quality of this work. However, what Caputo deals with is fundamental and goes well beyond commentary on any single thinker. His fundamental thesis is that ethics is without any substantial ground beyond the simple and elusive happening of obligation which Caputo valorizes. Ethics becomes something that is dangerous. It is shown that the dangerousness of ethics is vital, that there is no greater danger to ethics than making ethics 'safe'. I think this book would be perfect if some of his criticism of Heidegger didn't occasionally verge on being just rhetoric. Heidegger is more of an ethical thinker than Caputo - a longtime Heidegger scholar - seems willing to recognize in the wake of the Nazism scandals. This is, though, a minor point compared with the overall value of the work. It is a stunning and deeply beautiful book that changed my life and way I think profoundly. I cannot recommend it more highly. Buy it.

This book is excellent for anyone who is involved in the study of ethics and metaphysics and wants a challenging viewpoint from a great author.Caputo makes his point and charges through the book without backing down. Challenging read, one should have a background in continental philosophy and Nietzsche, not a book for beginners.

This is a great book, although it really is a bitch to read. It helps to be well-read and have a background in Nietische (which I don't) This book however really helped in through grad school. If you are stuck in an ethics debate, or in an ethics class, this book will be invaluable.