Ten Universal Principles: A Brief Philosophy of the Life Issues

by Robert J. Spitzer

How do we make sense of life? How should we treat others? How should we reasonably be expected to be treated by others? When human life is at stake, are there reasonable principles we can rely on to guide our actions? How should our laws be framed to protect human life? What kind of society should be built?Many people rely on their religious beliefs to answer these questions. But not everyone accepts the same religious premises or recognizes the same spiritual authorities. Are there public arguments--reasons that can be given that do not presuppose agreement on religious grounds or common religious commitments--that can guide our thoughts and actions, as well as our laws and public policies?In Ten Universal Principles: A Brief Philosophy of the Life Issues, Jesuit Father Robert Spitzer sets out, in a brief, yet highly-readable and lucid style, ten basic principles that must govern the reasonable person's thinking and acting about life issues. A highly-regarded philosopher, Father Spitzer provides an intelligent outline for thinking and talking about human life. This book is a powerful tool for persuasively articulating and effectively inculturating a prolife philosophy.

Genres: Philosophy, Catholic, Christian, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Christianity

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2011

About the author

Robert J. Spitzer, SJ, Ph.D., is a Jesuit priest, philosopher, and educator, and retired President of Gonzaga University (Spokane, WA).

Fr. Spitzer is currently the president of the Magis Center of Faith and Reason and the Spitzer Center for Ethical Leadership.

http://www.magisreasonfaith.org/

Reviews

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book! It's a clear and concise handbook on the philosophy of the human person which should be compulsory reading for every person entering adulthood to help them evaluate the choices and opinions they will face through life. Certainly every journalist, scientist, medical professional, political leader, educator and voter should read it to gain an objective perspective on the views of the human person commonly advocated today.

Spitzer summarises the key principles which guide how a human person should be treated. He gives examples of social, political and legal events which relate to each principle and shows how it has or has not been applied, as well as the consequences.

The principles are explained with such natural clarity that it would be difficult to regard them as anything but basic common sense.

The final chapter on identity and culture and the definition of human happiness gives the previous philosophical arguments a higher and more personal significance for each and every person.

At only 150 pages this book will require little time but will have a profoundly positive impact on all who read it. www.GoodReadingGuide.com

[Samuel Pratt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the beginning of the book! The last chapter or two were kind of dry to me, but the first few chapters make it worth reading.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started reading Ten Universal Principles: A Brief Philosophy of the Life Issues, by Robert J. Spitzer, I was pretty sure my brain was breaking.

I kept going, though. It was too good not to. (I just couldn’t read it, at first, at night–it was too easy to give up.)

I have no background with a classical education in the liberal arts. Until recently, I didn’t see the need for it.

Though I love to read, I didn’t get the reason for immersing myself in the classics and going back to read and study ancient texts. Don’t we all just need a trade and a skill set? Isn’t that what education is for?

I’m beginning to see that the root for the common wisdom that “if we don’t know and understand history, we will have to repeat it” comes from a firm grounding in understanding things like philosophy. In order to know and understand history, I need to study things that are very old and that require a different mindset.

Spitzer’s book is not easy reading, but it is, I believe, very necessary, especially if you want to understand the logic and the true horror of our non-logic in the culture of death that we’re living in right now.

The subtitle of this book might make you think that it’s focused only on abortion. (That’s what I thought, anyway.) Wrong! Instead, what Spitzer does in this book is give a tutorial of sorts on ten principles that he calls universal.

They are universal because they are at the foundation of ethics and form the basis of our country. When our founding fathers wrote the documents that are at the core of who we believe we are, they took these principles for granted. So did their contemporaries, as a matter of fact. The fact that many of us haven’t heard of them before points to a failure in education, I think.

Thanks to Ten Universal Principles, I no longer have any doubt about the lack of logic that reigns in conversation today. Spitzer put words to things I had felt uncomfortable with intuitively. He explains beautifully and clearly what I have longed to understand better.

You don’t need a degree to read and understand this book. You might have to take it slowly, but we would all do well to take on a reading challenge, especially one as critical as understanding why life trumps all else.

I have not read any Supreme Court cases, though I might just tackle a few: Dred Scott and Roe v. Wade for starters. I have somehow never heard about the parallels of how false logic was used in both to hurt people.

At the heart of it, Ten Universal Principles is a book that defends sane thought by, first and foremost, explaining and showing the reader what “sanity” truly is. We live in a time when words are being redefined and truth is being confused. I highly recommend Ten Universal Principles to everyone.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't remember having read a book with so much content in such a few pages. I had to walk rather slowly, however, in order not to miss any of the arguments and this effort was well worth it.

I think the Principles can be used as a guide to almost anything in life, but Dr. Spitzer uses them to expose with painful clarity the sheer absurdity of the Roe vs. Wade decision and how it contains basically the same logic as the Dred Scott decision, which is listed by historians as a significant factor in the development of the Civil War. 120 years later the High Court committed the same series of mistakes in a decision.

Besides making his case showing how the Principles are, when present, the foundation of a just, civilized and thriving society, Dr. Spitzer gives a welcome refresher of his 4 Levels of Desire/Happiness. I think his theory of the 4 Levels fits perfectly at least his 3 first principles: 1.- Is a good opinion/theory since it explains the most data. 2.- Free of internal contradictions. 3.- Can be corroborated with publicly verifiable evidence. His theory of the 4 levels appears in other of His books.

In all, reading of the 10 Principles is a deeply edifying experience.

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is "Wow!" This book was an amazing read! This books covers Ethics, Logic, Political Theory, and Culture in order to defend the Pro-Life position, but more than that Life in general. It also goes through the values of culture in order to elucidate on how to transform and transcend it as well. Then Appendix is worthwhile explaining mans need for a transcendental reality in light of transcendent desires. All in all this book is very smart and rational, barely touches on theology even if it was a theologian who wrote it.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little weighty and needs to be read slowly but truly a great read. Loved his way of breaking down the principles we need to live by in any just and good society and how Roe v. Wade and the Dred Scott decisions both betrayed these principles. How anybody can go on thinking that abortion is legitimate especially after reading this is beyond me.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

[Avel Deleon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Contains much content although it is a short book.

[Michal Paszkiewicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trumps Jordan Peterson's 12 rules for life with 2 fewer rules. Logical, clear and inspiring, this book can improve your life. Spitzer is a fabulous author that I highly recommend

[Elkaza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been my spiritual reading, for the last few months. This book had so much in it, I can’t write about it all. Yet, this book made me think about so much, as it got me thinking about some issues, we are facing in a new way, placing theology and philosophy together. I loved how it was written in parts, giving me time to reflect and pray on all the principles Fr Spitzer, SJ wrote about.

Now, I am even more pro-life, as it made me love our Creator even more, as how he binds the spirit and the physical was such a wonderful gift. Something, we Humans have never wanted to praise him for.

If, only we can our leaders to read this book, as our laws are taking us away from Pro-life and Spirit, instead of embracing it more.

Yes, this book should be read, by all theological and philosophy students. I wish I read this years ago, when I was studying these 2 subject, as I didn’t really know what Pro-life really meant, until now. God's children coming closer to God, as we grow in Love to our family, and all Humans around us.

That means, accepting all the suffering that comes our way, as our Cross only makes us stronger!

[Tim Timberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has three parts to it. The first section reads like and introduction to philosophy, becoming the foundation for Fr. Spitzer's argument. I wouldn't be surprised if parts of this were taken directly from philosophical lectures he gave to college students. The second section of the book tackles life issues, specifically abortion, head on using the principles from the first section. Finally, the last section introduces four levels of happiness as both an explanation for the different ideals of different people and as a call to live life in a more intentional and self-giving manner.

I liked the book and now want to read more of Fr. Spitzer. However, I wish that there was more explicit engagement of pro-abortion arguments, to make it potentially more convincing for those who don't initially agree with Fr. Spitzer.

[Terry Koressel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave Ten Universal Principles a 4 star rating, but I must do so with qualifications so as not to mislead readers of this review. This is a philosophical work in its truest form. It is not a book to entertain, but one from which to learn at the deepest human level. It is, at times, a difficult read....requiring intense thought, concentration and contemplation. On the other hand, if you care about improving the quality of your life and the contribution you can make to others and the human condition, then Ten Universal Principles is a wonderful place to start. And I enthusiastically recommend it. It will change the way you view your life, your mission and your meaning.

[Kester Nucum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great philosophical introduction to ten foundational principles that a culture or society must hold if it is to uphold the dignity of human life for all human beings. Understanding these principles allows one to make better cases against abortion, euthanasia, slavery, and other prevalent practices that do against the intrinsic value of human beings. For the most part, it is very readable, though there are a few passages that are complex and dense to comprehend. I can definitely see this book being used for classes or small groups to help bring about a true pro-life society.

[Douglas · Rating 1 out of 5]

A great example of a pedantically patronizing, dichotomous mindset of old. Fr. Spritzer cloaks his hatred of the governing system, i.e., the judiciary, in “ethical” principles. Tell me Fr. Spritzer how will you defend the Jesuit orders horrific role within history in dehumanizing native populations? Ten Universal Principles is a disappointing read. Save time and expense and read far greater philosophical and faith base authors and works that will truly challenge you, the reader.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear principles for life. Parallels abortion to slavery.

End of book evaluates how different perspectives on life (eg hedonistic vs altruistic) impacts the ability to understand the principles of life.

[E.R. Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful little book written by Father Robert Spitzer, former President of Gonzaga University. It is a step by step guide to ethics from a Catholic perspective that if followed, can lead to personal fulfillment. Brilliantly written and logically sound.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book covers natural law and how it was developed and how it helped in formation of constitution. Also show how Supreme Court ignores basic principles to reach desired outcomes versus interpretation of laws according to what laws say

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid one. It was a recommendation from my youth minister. This would be good to have on hand should I ever get into argumentative/philosophical writing.
It shared about the 10 principles and uses them to argue against abortion.
I’ll definitely keep it on hand for later!

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike anything I've ever read before. The life issues include abortion, euthanasia, slavery, etc. I've never read or seen so much truth written in less than 200 pages. Highly recommend this book.

[Leila Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book that everyone should have on their shelf. Excellent legal and moral arguments with airtight logic. I can't recommend it highly enough. It will make you think about life and why you live the way you do.

[David Riemer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is brilliant, reflecting the mind of its author, Fr. Robert Spitzer. The organization of concepts that Spitzer uses to guide the reader through his argument reflects the clarity and correctness of his positions. Spitzer is, first and foremost, a teacher; this shines through every page of this vital book. A basic background in logic and philosophy will help the reader, but if these are lacking, Spitzer provides more than adequate glosses on every topic he deals with.

The unifying principle of the book is a counter-argument to the widespread acceptance of abortion in contemporary Western culture. But, because he is a teacher, Spitzer does not engage in a polemical attack on the pro-abortion position. Rather, he offers carefully reasoned principles that contain within them the refutation of the pro-abortion position. This approach draws the reader into an ongoing intellectual engagement with Spitzer's thesis.

Unfortunately, given the volatile nature of the issue of abortion in our culture, as well as the widespread inability or unwillingness of many ideologically-driven readers to engage in reasoned discourse, Spitzer--and anyone dealing with hot-button issues--faces a daunting task. He needs to keep focused on his central point--the case against abortion--while simultaneously providing a background on the basics of Western thought, all directed to the end of situating the abortion issue in proper perspective as a moral, rational matter rather than another opportunity for ideologues to transform the case to an argument about emotional, personal preferences.

I believe he does a commendable job of accomplishing this difficult task. But I am willing to think and talk about problematic issues rather than ranting and reacting. How about you?

[Andrew Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short, but dense treatment of a rational approach to ethics and ethical decision-making, not just the life issues.