From Enlightenment to Receptivity: Rethinking our ValuesBy Michael Slote
In this expansive yet modest book Michael Slote argues for the value of receptiveness in life, and overturns the Enlightenment�s �Faustian� emphasis on activity, rationality and control. In part one, Slote cautions that Faustianism over-values rational action and neglects the broad significance of empathy. In part two, he offers a positive account of receptiveness as a virtue.

In the first two chapters Slote locates emotion and empathy at the heart of rational life, and chides the Enlightenment for neglecting them. He acknowledges his Humean influences, but intends to show that Hume�s appeal to sympathy can have broader epistemic implications. Slote draws on Martin Hoffman�s psychological studies of the unfolding complexity of empathy in child development. With parental intervention, and inductive discipline, children develop an empathetic sense with active and passive aspects. Slote argues, surprisingly, that empathy is required if we are to be objective and open-minded both practically and theoretically. He contends that we can empathize with the opinions and beliefs of others (not just feelings) and that empathy plays a significant role in the acquisition of beliefs. Children learn by interacting empathetically with their parents, and failures of parental empathy can constitute disrespect for a child�s autonomy. Somewhat quickly, Slote argues that objectivity is consistent with ruling some beliefs out of hand; that we can be closed-minded to those who are closed-minded just as we are �