Ethics and moral philosophy Books

Book SynopsisA provocative and probing argument showing how human beings can for the first time in history take charge of their moral fate.Is tribalism—the political and cultural divisions between Us and Them—an inherent part of our basic moral psychology? Many scientists link tribalism and morality, arguing that the evolved “moral mind” is tribalistic. Any escape from tribalism, according to this thinking, would be partial and fragile, because it goes against the grain of our nature. In this book, Allen Buchanan offers a counterargument: the moral mind is highly flexible, capable of both tribalism and deeply inclusive moralities, depending on the social environment in which the moral mind operates.We can't be morally tribalistic by nature, Buchanan explains, because quite recently there has been a remarkable shift away from tribalism and toward inclusiveness, as growing numbers of people acknowledge that all human beings have equal moral status, and that at

Read more less

Book SynopsisGroundbreaking essays and commentaries on the ways that recent findings in psychology and neuroscience illuminate virtue and character and related issues in philosophy.Philosophers have discussed virtue and character since Socrates, but many traditional views have been challenged by recent findings in psychology and neuroscience. This fifth volume of Moral Psychology grows out of this new wave of interdisciplinary work on virtue, vice, and character. It offers essays, commentaries, and replies by leading philosophers and scientists who explain and use empirical findings from psychology and neuroscience to illuminate virtue and character and related issues in moral philosophy. The contributors discuss such topics as eliminativist and situationist challenges to character; investigate the conceptual and empirical foundations of self-control, honesty, humility, and compassion; and consider whether the virtues contribute to well-being.ContributorsKarl

Read more less

Book SynopsisFor much of the twentieth century, philosophy and science went their separate ways. In moral philosophy, fear of the so-called naturalistic fallacy kept moral philosophers from incorporating developments in biology and psychology. Since the 1990s, however, many philosophers have drawn on recent advances in cognitive psychology, brain science, and evolutionary psychology to inform their work. This collaborative trend is especially strong in moral philosophy, and these three volumes bring together some of the most innovative work by both philosophers and psychologists in this emerging interdisciplinary field. The contributors to volume 2 discuss recent empirical research that uses the diverse methods of cognitive science to investigate moral judgments, emotions, and actions. Each chapter includes an essay, comments on the essay by other scholars, and a reply by the author(s) of the original essay. Topics include moral intuitions as a kind of fast and frugal heuristics, framing effects in

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe work of every school of psychotherapy and every therapist is inevitably structured by a value system and requires codes of ethics and practice. This book addresses the conscious and unconscious aspects of the value system in which therapists are situated. Values and Ethics in the Practice of Psychotherapy and Counselling explores the central issues through the experience of the contributors, each of whom is well known in this field. Each chapter will raise questions for the reader which will stimulate individual thinking about practice or can form a basis for discussion and debate for training or graduate groups. The book is firmly rooted in practice. Each chapter deals with a different aspect of the psychotherapist's work beginning with the general underlying principles, continuing through matters of technique and on to contextual issues. Finally the book moves to the outer world, politics and spirituality as ways of connecting inner and outer, social and individual. The arrangemeTable of ContentsNotes on editors and contributorsForewordIntroductionEthical principlesPsychotherapy as the practice of ethicsResponsible involvementethical dimensions of collegial responsibilityAssessmentfor what? for whom?Erotics and ethicsthe passionate dilemmas of the therapeutic coupleEthics and values in our practiceimpasse in psychotherapy and organizationsSuccess and failureValues and ethics in researching psychotherapyComplexities of practicepsychotherapy in the real worldThe sanctum, the citadel and the soukconfidentiality and paradoxThe private face and the public face of psychotherapyBeyond psychotherapybeyond ethics?And if not now, when?spirituality, psychotherapy and politicsIndex.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book presents the concept of ethical knowledge as it is revealed, as it is challenged, and as it may be used in schools. The book combines empirical expressions of teachers' beliefs and practices with a discussion of the connections between the moral dimensions of schooling and applied professional ethics in teaching: Ethical knowledge relies on the teacher's awareness, understanding, and acceptance of the demands of moral agency. Ethical knowledge is compromised by moral dilemmas and complexities that routinely challenge teachers. Moral tensions may be eased by three avenues of renewal based on heightened attention to ethical knowledge: a renewed sense of teacher professionalism, renewed school cultures, and renewed teacher education and professional learning. The Ethical Teacher is for teachers and teacher educators and for those who conduct research about their worlds.Table of ContentsPrefacePart one: Moral agency and ethical knowledgeIntroduction to ethics in teachingThe teacher as a moral personThe teacher as a moral educatorPart two: Challenges to ethical professionalismDilemmas in teachingCollegial fearthe dilemmas withinPart three: Ethical directionsStandards and codesLearning to create an ethical cultureUsing ethical knowledge to inform practiceBibliographyIndex.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA framework of ethics and values forms the foundation of social workers' professional identities. Ethics and values should shape the way that social workers practice and how they impact upon the lives of the service users they work to support. In a fast-moving world influenced by shifting policy, tight budgets and changing practice standards, students and practitioners need to anchor their understanding of themselves to clear principles for ethical practice. Ethics, Values and Social Work Practice is a brand new text offering students and social work practitioners a contemporary and relevant introduction to the central role of ethics and values in their work. In addition to a grounding in the major trends in ethics applied to social work, this book also provides perspectives on: How to situate ethics and values in social work practice How to understand ethics as part of reflective practice as both student and practitioner How ethics and values link to concepts ofTable of ContentsPart 1: Linking ethics and values to professional identity, inclusive and reflective practiceSituating ethics and values in social work practice Major trends in applied ethics, including the ethics of social work The contribution of education and learning for ethical practice: Situating ethics and values within the social work continuum Ethics, values and social work identity(ies) Links between reflective practice, ethics and values Part 2: Themes for social work practice: ‘Power, ‘Social justice’, ‘Partnership’, ‘Diversity and difference’ and ‘Relationship-based practice’ Power Partnership working, ethics and social work practice Diversity and DifferenceRelationship-based practice Social justice Afterword

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Sparks of Randomness, Henri Atlan''s magnum opus, develops his whole philosophy with a highly impressive display of knowledge, wisdom, depth, rigor, and intellectual and moral vigor. Atlan founds an ethics adapted to the new power over life that modern scientific knowledge has given us. He holds that the results of science cannot ground any ethical or political truth whatsoever, while human creative activity and the conquest of knowledge are a double-edged sword. This first volume, Spermatic Knowledge, begins with the Talmudic tale about the prophet Jeremiah''s creation of a golem, or artificial man. Atlan shows that the Jewish tradition does not demonize man for creating and changing living thingsa charge often leveled at promoters of advanced technologies, like biologists, who are accused of playing God. To the contrary, man is depicted as being the co-creator of the world.Although Atlan believes that the fabrication of life from scratch will take pTrade Review"Atlan seeks to integrate the mechanistic worldview common in the biological sciences into a form of absolute monism that draws upon Kabbalah and Spinoza. . . Steeped in the biological sciences and remarkably learned in Judaica, it will set a standard for new creative forms of constructive Jewish thought. Anyone interested in the relation between religion and science will do well to turn here."—Zachary Braiterman, Religious Studies Review"Henri Atlan has undoubtedly become a great scholar and important international figure in the academic community. His approach to texts is original and stimulating, his ideas both lucid and insightful. He has written many volumes on a variety of subjects, but this one has special meaning due to the convulsions society has been undergoing in recent years. The book is steeped in psychology and religion, biology and sociology, mysticism and ethos. Drawing from Talmudic sources but also from secular ones, it is sure to find appeal in many circles."—Elie Wiesel"As a physician, biologist, and philosopher, Henri Atlan occupies a preeminent place in the present-day French intellectual landscape, carrying on a grand French tradition of scientist-philosophers that goes back to Pascal. His Sparks of Randomness is dedicated to reflecting upon the lesson that Jeremiah learned from the golem: that we should not renounce attaining the perfect knowledge that makes us capable of creating life, but once we attain the knowledge, we should abstain from acting on it. This book is not only fundamental for the future of biology, cognitive science, and the human sciences in general, but also constitutes one of the most important readings of Spinoza ever produced."—Jean-Pierre Dupuy, Stanford University

Read more less

Book SynopsisA timely analysis of why abuses and atrocities occur, why leaders behave as they do, and how a more accountable system might be developedTrade Review"Mitchell provides an interesting typology of the various techniques that leaders use to deflect blame, and he writes with a certain acerbic flair" * Washington Post *"I highly recommend this book. Its strongest feature is the clarity of the theoretical argument made about why high officials in mature democracies will engage in self-interested blame management that obscures accountability and devolves punishment on those at the lowest rungs of power" -- Hank Jenkins Smith,co-author of Critical Masses and Critical Choices"Mitchell's incisive and compelling account of how atrocities are handled by 'working' democracies provides a promising foundation for how stronger and more efficient systems of accountability might be implemented." -- Kimberly A. Seida * International Journal of Comparative Sociology *"Although accountability lies at the heart of the ideal of democracy, leaders rarely accept blame for human rights violations. The Bush administration famously dismissed the abuses at Abu Ghraib as a result of & a few bad apples, deflecting blame to the individual soldiers involved, and denying any responsibility for the actions. This insightful book is essential reading for all scholars interested in agency and incentives in the use of violence." -- Kristian Skrede Gleditsch,author of All International Politics Is Local"Neil Mitchells provocative new book, Democracys Blameless Leaders, should be must reading for those concerned about the operation of democracy and the accountability of its leaders.In a series of probing case analyses of human right atrocities committed by those from the United States, Britain, and Israel over the decades, Mitchell deftly shows how leaders often escape accountability for such actions.To the extent that accountability occurs, the fall guy, an individual at a lower level of responsibility, not the leaders, takes the blame.His conclusions are equally revealingwhy democratic polities, whether parliamentary or presidential systems, often find it difficult hold their leaders more accountable for such actions." -- James M. McCormick,author of American Foreign Policy and Process"Using interesting and readable case examples, Mitchell argues that democratic leaders are not held accountable by their citizens for the human rights atrocities they permit in times of conflict. If blame is assigned, it goes to low-level soldiers, police, and prison guards, and even their punishments are usually insufficient. To understand why this is so and what can be done about it, read this book." -- David Cingranelli,co-author of Human Rights and Structural Adjustment"Highly recommended for lower-division undergraduates and above." * CHOICE *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Preface 1 Introduction 2 The Theory of the Fall Guy 3 Evading Accountability 4 Amritsar 5 Dresden 6 Londonderry 7 Beirut 8 Baghdad 9 Baghdad to Basra 10 A Tale of a Few Cities: Better Leaders, Better Institutions, or a Better Audience? Notes Bibliography Index About the Author

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn recent years, there has been a remarkable resurgence of interest in classical conceptions of what it means for human beings to lead a good life. Although the primary focus of the return to classical thought has been Aristotle's account of virtue, the ethics of Aquinas has also received much attention.Trade Review"For anyone wishing to understand the Thomistic perpective on human action, this book is well worth a careful reading." -Nova and Vetera

Read more less

Book SynopsisA lucid and inspiring consideration of the challenges we and our world now face, and a proposal for a way to avoid disaster.‘A must read’ Gordon Brown ‘A truly excellent book’ Sir David King The three biggest challenges facing the world today, in A. C. Grayling’s view, are climate change, technology and justice. In his timely new book, he asks: can human beings agree on a set of values that will allow us to confront the numerous threats facing the planet, or will we simply continue with our disagreements and antipathies as we collectively approach our possible extinction? As every day brings new stories about extreme weather events, spyware, lethal autonomous weapons systems, and the health imbalance between the northern and southern hemispheres, Grayling’s question - Is Global Agreement on Global Challenges Possible? - becomes ever more urgent. The solution he proposeTrade Review‘A truly excellent book. Grayling invites us all into a vital discussion of our planet’s future.’ -- Sir David King, former Chief Scientific Adviser‘A must read for anyone with questions, worries and fears about pollution, poverty, protectionism, populism, weapons proliferation, and where our world is headed.’ -- Gordon Brown, former UK prime minister‘Grayling writes with admirable clarity and great conviction. He is clearly one of the good guys, appalled by the universality of infamy: climate nationalism, religious bigotry, gender inequality.’ -- Iain Macwhirter, Herald (Glasgow)‘An enthusiastic thinker who embraces humour, common sense and lucidity.’ -- Independent‘Grayling is particularly good at illuminating the knottiness of moral discourse.’ -- Sunday Times‘A truly excellent book. Grayling invites us all into a vital discussion of our planet’s future. The chapter on climate change, particularly, is an outstanding summary of the challenges we face.’ -- Sir David King, former Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government

Read more less

Book SynopsisAlthough the market economy is not as unpopular now as when Acton wrote THE MORALS OF MARKETS, the morality of buying and selling has long bothered man''s conscience. Defenses of capitalism often establish its efficiency or rely on a that is the way human nature is anyway argument. This book asserts that a free market is a necessary condition for the pursuit of moral excellence. Its analysis of the relation between capitalism and moral virtue has not been superseded. The demise of Marxism and the moral bankruptcy of socialism throughout the world do not end the debate over capitalism. Acton''s book is distinctive in discussing the ''morals of markets'' in a way that forms an essential addition -- often missing -- to the case to be made for free markets.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis This volume is part one of a two-volume set. It may be purchased separately or in conjunction with volume two. A reprint of the 1969 Oxford University Press edition. Volume I: HobbesGay: Thomas Hobbes, Richard Cumberland, Ralph Cudworth, John Locke, Lord Shaftesbury, Samuel Clarke, Bernard Mandeville, William Wollaston, Francis Hutcheson, Joseph Butler, John Balguy, John Gay. Trade ReviewThese two attractive volumes replace Selby-Bigge's well-known collection. . . . The present selection is superior in several respects. It is more inclusive, now that Hume, Hartley, Reid, and Cumberland are put in. . . . It is better arranged, the writers now appearing in chronological order. And besides reediting of the texts, the analytical index has been enormously enlarged and improved. . . . The book will be much more useful to students than its predecessor. --British Book News

Read more less

Book Synopsis This volume is part one of a two-volume set. It may be purchased separately or in conjunction with volume two. A reprint of the 1969 Oxford University Press edition. Volume I: HobbesGay: Thomas Hobbes, Richard Cumberland, Ralph Cudworth, John Locke, Lord Shaftesbury, Samuel Clarke, Bernard Mandeville, William Wollaston, Francis Hutcheson, Joseph Butler, John Balguy, John Gay. Trade ReviewThese two attractive volumes replace Selby-Bigge's well-known collection. . . . The present selection is superior in several respects. It is more inclusive, now that Hume, Hartley, Reid, and Cumberland are put in. . . . It is better arranged, the writers now appearing in chronological order. And besides reediting of the texts, the analytical index has been enormously enlarged and improved. . . . The book will be much more useful to students than its predecessor. --British Book News

Read more less

Book Synopsis The volumes that comprise this set are also available for purchase individually: please see their separate listings for further information. A reprint of the 1969 Oxford University Press edition. Volume I: HobbesGay: Thomas Hobbes, Richard Cumberland, Ralph Cudworth, John Locke, Lord Shaftesbury, Samuel Clarke, Bernard Mandeville, William Wollaston, Francis Hutcheson, Joseph Butler, John Balguy, John Gay. Volume II: HumeBentham: David Hume, David Hartley, Richard Price, Adam Smith, William Paley, Thomas Reid, Jeremy Bentham. Trade ReviewThese two attractive volumes replace Selby-Bigge's well-known collection. . . . The present selection is superior in several respects. It is more inclusive, now that Hume, Hartley, Reid, and Cumberland are put in. . . . It is better arranged, the writers now appearing in chronological order. And besides reediting of the texts, the analytical index has been enormously enlarged and improved. . . . The book will be much more useful to students than its predecessor. --British Book News

Read more less

Book SynopsisA great resource for beginning ethics courses. The book is short and yet it richly embodies the methods of ethical thinking about practical moral problems that are hard for students to learn unless they see them in action. McGinn perspicuously sets out a small set of basic principles and then attacks the problems of our treatment of animals, abortion, sex, censorship, and so on, with a masterful blend of attention to real-life cases and imaginary thought experiments. McGinn hardly claims to have the last word on the complex issues he discusses, and students will find many exciting problems and points to take up. Owen Flanagan, Duke UniversityTrade ReviewA great resource for beginning ethics courses. The book is short and yet it richly embodies the methods of ethical thinking about practical moral problems that are hard for students to learn unless they see them in action. McGinn perspicuously sets out a small set of basic principles and then attacks the problems of our treatment of animals, abortion, sex, censorship, and so on, with a masterful blend of attention to real-life cases and imaginary thought experiments. McGinn hardly claims to have the last word on the complex issues he discusses, and students will find many exciting problems and points to take up.--Owen Flanagan, Duke University

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis expanded edition of James Ellington''s preeminent translations of Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals and Metaphysical Principles of Virtue includes his new translation of Kant''s essay On a Supposed Right to Lie Because of Philanthropic Concerns, in which Kant replies to one of the standard objections to his moral theory, as presented in the main text of Grounding, that it requires us to tell the truth even in the face of harmful consequences.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade ReviewI recently used The Good Life for my course Philosophy Through Film. I was pleasantly surprised by the development of the students' excitement for and interest in the assigned readings. Throughout the semester the students commented on the helpfulness of the editor's introductions for each reading, and they became increasingly interested in philosophy. The book was a huge success! --Megan Altman, Florida Gulf Coast University. . . a marvelously wide-ranging selection of philosophers' attempts to define the good life. . . . Making selections for a modest-sized volume on such an issue is a daunting task, requiring negotiating the Scylla of breadth but superficiality and the Charybdis of detail but narrowness. On this score one has to say Guignon has done just about as well as can be done. . . . The editor’s introductions to each selection are quite helpful and accurate. . . . [An] excellent anthology that undergraduate philosophy teachers will no doubt find extremely useful in the classroom. --Whitley R. P. Kaufman, Philosophy in Review

Read more less

Book SynopsisOrganized around themes such as harmony with one's self and with the world, right relation to God, the use of reason, self-exploration, and living in a disordered world, the selections in this anthology explore traditional philosophical thought from Plato to de Beauvoir on the topic of human flourishing.Trade ReviewI recently used The Good Life for my course Philosophy Through Film. I was pleasantly surprised by the development of the students' excitement for and interest in the assigned readings. Throughout the semester the students commented on the helpfulness of the editor's introductions for each reading, and they became increasingly interested in philosophy. The book was a huge success! --Megan Altman, Florida Gulf Coast University. . . a marvelously wide-ranging selection of philosophers' attempts to define the good life. . . . Making selections for a modest-sized volume on such an issue is a daunting task, requiring negotiating the Scylla of breadth but superficiality and the Charybdis of detail but narrowness. On this score one has to say Guignon has done just about as well as can be done. . . . The editor’s introductions to each selection are quite helpful and accurate. . . . [An] excellent anthology that undergraduate philosophy teachers will no doubt find extremely useful in the classroom. --Whitley R. P. Kaufman, Philosophy in Review

Read more less

Book SynopsisJohn Perry--author of the acclaimed Dialogue on Personal Identity and Immortality (Hackett Publishing Co., 1978)--revisits Gretchen Weirob in this lively and absorbing dialogue on good, evil, and the existence of God. In the early part of the work, Gretchen and her friends consider whether evil provides a problem for those who believe in the perfection of God. As the discussion continues they consider the nature of human evilwhether, for example, fully rational actions can be intentionally evil. Recurring themes are the distinction between natural evil and evil done by free agents, and the problems the Holocaust and other cases of genocide pose for conceptions of the universe as a basically good place, or humans as basically good beings. Once again, Perry's ability to get at the heart of matters combines with his exemplary skill at writing the dialogue form. An ideal volume for introducing students to the subtleties and intricacies of philosophical discussion.Trade ReviewPerry's work is an engaging, highly readable introduction to the problem of natural and moral evil with respect to belief in an omniscient, omnipotent, and morally perfect God. This dialogue would work well as a supplement in either an introduction to philosophy or philosophy of religion course. . . . Perry is to be commended for taking a very difficult subject and making it accessible to a more general audience. --Jeff Wisdom, Biola University

Read more less

Book SynopsisJohn Perry--author of the acclaimed Dialogue on Personal Identity and Immortality (Hackett Publishing Co., 1978)--revisits Gretchen Weirob in this lively and absorbing dialogue on good, evil, and the existence of God. In the early part of the work, Gretchen and her friends consider whether evil provides a problem for those who believe in the perfection of God. As the discussion continues they consider the nature of human evilwhether, for example, fully rational actions can be intentionally evil. Recurring themes are the distinction between natural evil and evil done by free agents, and the problems the Holocaust and other cases of genocide pose for conceptions of the universe as a basically good place, or humans as basically good beings. Once again, Perry's ability to get at the heart of matters combines with his exemplary skill at writing the dialogue form. An ideal volume for introducing students to the subtleties and intricacies of philosophical discussion.Trade ReviewPerry's work is an engaging, highly readable introduction to the problem of natural and moral evil with respect to belief in an omniscient, omnipotent, and morally perfect God. This dialogue would work well as a supplement in either an introduction to philosophy or philosophy of religion course. . . . Perry is to be commended for taking a very difficult subject and making it accessible to a more general audience. --Jeff Wisdom, Biola University

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade ReviewA genuine understanding of Hume's extraordinarily rich, important, and influential moral philosophy requires familiarity with all of his writings on vice and virtue, the passions, the will, and even judgments of beauty--and that means familiarity not only with large portions of A Treatise of Human Nature, but also with An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals and many of his essays as well. This volume is the one truly comprehensive collection of Hume's work on all of these topics. Geoffrey Sayre-McCord, a leading moral philosopher and Hume scholar, has done a meticulous job of editing the texts and has provided an extensive Introduction that is at once accessible, accurate, and philosophically engaging, revealing the deep structure of Hume's moral philosophy.--Don Garrett, New York UniversityTable of ContentsMy Own Life; A Treatise of Human Nature; Book II: Of the Passions -- Part I: Of Pride and Humility; Part II: Of Love and Hatred; Part III: Of the Will and Direct Passions. Book III: Of Morals -- Part I: Of Virtue and Vice in General; Part II: Of Justice and Injustice; Part III: Of the Other Virtues and Vices. An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals; Index.

Read more less

Book Synopsis This volume includes the complete texts of two of John Stuart Mill''s most important works, Utilitarianism and On Liberty, and selections from his other writings, including the complete text of his Remarks on Bentham''s Philosophy. The selection from Mill''s A System of Logic is of special relevance to the debate between those who read Mill as an Act-Utilitarian and those who interpret him as a Rule-Utilitarian. Also included are selections from the writings of Jeremy Bentham, founder of modern Utilitarianism and mentor (together with James Mill) of John Stuart Mill. Bentham''s Principles of Morals and Legislation had important effects on political and legal reform in his own time and continues to provide insights for political theorists and philosophers of law. Seven chapters of Bentham''s Principles are here in their entirety, together with a number of shorter selections, including one in which Bentham repudiates the slogan often used to characterize his p

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisExplores language, literature, history, politics, belief and religion. This work covers the major, fundamental ideas and concepts which arise from our use of language, intelligence, feeling, belief and will. Why and how do we frame principles and seek ideals and how do we expect them to work?

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrust is pervasive in our lives. Both our simplest actions like buying a coffee, or crossing the street as well as the functions of large collective institutions like those of corporations and nation states would not be possible without it. Yet only in the last several decades has trust started to receive focused attention from philosophers as a specific topic of investigation. The Routledge Handbook of Trust and Philosophy brings together 31 never-before published chapters, accessible for both students and researchers, created to cover the most salient topics in the various theories of trust. The Handbook is broken up into three sections:I. What is Trust? II. Whom to Trust? III. Trust in Knowledge, Science, and TechnologyThe Handbook is preceded by a foreword by Maria Baghramian, an introduction by volume editor Judith Trade Review"This terrific book provides an authoritative guide to recent philosophical work on trust, including its entanglements with justice and power. Excitingly, it also demonstrates how such work can engage deeply with urgent practical questions of trust in social institutions and emerging technologies. A major landmark for trust research within philosophy and beyond."Katherine Hawley, St. Andrews University"This Handbook contains insightful analyses of a variety of pressing issues about trust. There are nuanced assessments of the impact of sociopolitical biases on trust, interesting discussions about the interrelation between trust and technology, and careful reflections on people’s trust – and distrust – in experts, institutions, and office-holders. All the while, the volume covers perennial problems about trust in philosophy. It’s a must-read both for people who are new to this literature and for those who’ve long been acquainted with it."Carolyn McLeod, Western University, Canada"Trust is a key issue in all parts of social life, including politics, science, everyday interaction, or family life. Accordingly, there is a vast literature on the topic. Unfortunately, this literature is distributed over many disciplines. Significant advances in one field take years if not decades to reach other fields. This important anthology breaks down these barriers and allows for fruitful and efficient exchange of results across all specializations. It is timely, well done and original. It will be required reading for specialists and students for the next decade." Martin Kusch, University of ViennaTable of ContentsPart I: What is Trust? 1. Questioning Trust 2. Trust and Trustworthiness 3. Trust and Distrust 4. Trust and Epistemic Injustice 5. Trust and Epistemic Responsibility 6. Trust and Authority 7. Trust and Reputation 8 Trust and Reliance 9. Trust and Belief 10. Trust and Disagreement 11. Trust and Will 12. Trust and Emotion 13. Trust and Cooperation 14. Trust and Game Theory 15. Trust: Perspectives in Sociology 16. Trust: Perspectives in Psychology 17. Trust: Perspectives in Cognitive Science Part II: Whom to Trust? 18. Self-Trust 19. Interpersonal Trust 20. Trust in Institutions and Governance 21. Trust in Law 22. Trust in Economy 23. Trust in Artificial Agents 24. Trust in Robots Part III: Trust in Knowledge, Science, and Technology 25. Trust and Testimony 26. Trust and Distributed Epistemic Labor 27. Trust in Science 28. Trust in Medicine 29. Trust and Food Biotechnology 30. Trust in Nanotechnology 31. Trust and Information and Communication Technologies

Read more less

Book SynopsisCareful attention to contemporary political debates, including those around global warming, the federal debt, and the use of drone strikes on suspected terrorists, reveals that we often view our responsibility as something that can be quantified and discharged. Shalini Satkunanandan shows how Plato, Kant, Nietzsche, Weber, and Heidegger each suggest that this calculative or bookkeeping mindset both belongs to ''morality'', understood as part of our ordinary approach to responsibility, and effaces the incalculable, undischargeable, and more onerous dimensions of our responsibility. These thinkers also reveal how the view of responsibility as calculable is at the heart of ''moralism'' - the pettifogging, mindless, legalistic, excessively judgmental, or punitive policing of our own or others'' compliance with moral duties. By elaborating their narratives of a difficult ''conversion'' to the open-ended and relentless character of responsibility, Satkunanandan explores how we might be less Trade Review'This essential book is about the importance of giving attention to things that can't be reduced to rules or formulae, and it doesn't just call for intensified attentiveness - it models it. With a keen eye for surprising textual details and unusual political angles, Shalini Satkunanandan unsettles reductive interpretations of thinkers from Plato to Koestler and challenges the simplifications through which we too often evade the ethical claims made on us by social and political reality.' Patchen Markell, University of Chicago'Satkunanandan in this erudite and provocative work powerfully argues that we release ourselves from a morality of 'calculable responsibility' that leads to the economization of political life and a false sense of control through technology in favor of an ethos that calls attention to individuality and particularity. Her sophisticated readings of an impressive range of philosophic guides from across the historical spectrum will compel readers to challenge their familiar understandings of responsibility.' Arlene W. Saxonhouse, Caroline Robbins Collegiate Professor of Political Science, University of Michigan'Shalini Satkunanandan argues provocatively and persuasively that being responsible calls not for paying attention to acting morally, which we better achieve indirectly, but rather for attending and tending responsively to our world. Satkunanandan's bold and insightful readings of Nietzsche, Heidegger, Plato, Kant and Weber bring to appearance the ways in which we act under the sway of calculative responsibility when we act with a view to reckoning and discharging our obligations and debts. Putting such bookkeeping morality in its place, Extraordinary Responsibility radically revises our orientation to ethics and alters our appreciation of our human possibility.' Jill Frank, Cornell University, New York'This brilliant and beautifully written book makes an incredibly valuable argument about morality and responsibility in politics. By creative and yet also carefully argued readings of canonical works by Plato, Kant, Nietzsche, Heidegger and Weber, Shalini Satkunanandan shows the dangers - but also the inescapability and value - of 'calculative' forms of thinking about responsibility and about life more broadly.' George Shulman, Gallatin School, New York University'Extraordinary Responsibility is an extraordinary book. Through her patient, meticulous, and insightful readings of Heidegger, Weber, Nietzsche, Kant and Plato, Shalini Satkunanandan broadens and deepens our understanding of the notion of responsibility, arguing that our 'constitutive responsibility' to attend to the world, and to our place in it, matters as much to politics as our calculative responsibility to reckon up and discharge our moral debts. Satkunanandan's book is an indispensable contribution to ongoing debates about the place of morality in politics.' Robert Gooding-Williams, Columbia University, New York'Extraordinary Responsibility is a bold, timely book … In focusing exclusively on moral relationships that are calculable, quantifiable, and causally clear, Satkunanandan argues, we risk losing sight of the more open-ended, inexhaustibly demanding aspects of our responsibility in and to a contingent world. This beautifully written book offers a provocative vision of how democratic citizens might inhabit and practice political responsibility more fully and attentively.' Doug Thompson, University of South Carolina'Satkunanandan's book is an exceedingly lucid diagnosis of contemporary accounts of responsibility as a matter of debtor-creditor relations or of moral calculation. Through careful and compelling readings of key philosophers, she draws attention in this insightful work to neglected aspects of their thinking, while offering us ways of confronting our instrumentalism and beginning to think about responsibility otherwise.' Marianne Constable, University of California, Berkeley'The focus of Shalini Satkunanandan's insightful book is how attitudes towards society can stabilize, but in turn also trap, us.' The Times Literary Supplement'Satkunanandan argues that such “realism” overlooks the ways in which calculative responsibility is essential: the problem is to delimit the scope of such thinking, not eliminate it. What is required is "attentiveness to calculation" so the limitations of calculation can be grasped and higher forms of attentiveness can enable the incalculable, extraordinary responsibility that is constitutive of humanity. This original, deeply thoughtful argument is beautifully set out through encounters with historical thinkers and contemporary theorists and illustrated by concrete issues of public policy … Highly recommended.' J. D. Moon, ChoiceTable of ContentsIntroduction: distracted by calculation; Part I. Calculation and Indirectness: 1. Nietzsche: morality's debt perspective; 2. Heidegger: the calls of conscience and calculation; 3. (In)calculable conversion; Part II. The Moralizer's Critique of Calculable Responsibility: 4. Plato: the philosopher's turn from debt justice; 5. Kant: the extraordinary categorical imperative; Part III. Turning from Morality in Politics: 6. Weber: the ethos of politics beyond calculation; 7. Darkness at Noon: mis-turn from morality; 8. Conclusion: attention to calculation.

Read more less

Book SynopsisKnowledge aims to fit the world, and action to change it. In this collection of essays, Onora O''Neill explores the relationship between these concepts and shows that principles are not enough for ethical thought or action: we also need to understand how practical judgement identifies ways of enacting them and of changing the way things are. Both ethical and technical judgement are supported, she contends, by bringing to bear multiple considerations, ranging from ethical principles to real-world constraints, and while we will never find practical algorithms - let alone ethical algorithms - that resolve moral and political issues, good practical judgement can bring abstract principles to bear in situations that call for action. Her essays thus challenge claims that all inquiry must use either the empirical methods of scientific inquiry or the interpretive methods of the humanities. They will appeal to a range of readers in moral and political philosophy.Trade Review'Onora O'Neill has done seminal work on the interpretation of Kant's moral theory and the development of a modern Kantian ethic over the last several decades. This volume collects several recent essays that take up the role of principles in moral reasoning, the relation between principles and judgement, and related issues. Professor O'Neill's views and insights about these questions are invaluable. This volume will be of interest to anyone working in moral or political philosophy.' Andrews Reath, University of CaliforniaTable of ContentsAcknowledgements; Introduction; Note on the references to Kant's works; Part I. Why Practical Principles Matter: 1. Modern moral philosophy and the problem of relevant descriptions; 2. Two cultures fifty years on; 3. Scientific inquiry and normative reasoning; Part II. Abstract Principles and Practical Judgement: 4. Abstraction, idealisation and ideology; 5. Normativity and practical judgement; 6. Instituting principles: between duty and action; 7. Experts, practitioners and practical judgement; 8. Kant on indeterminacy, judgement and interpretation; Part III. Means, Ends and Demands: 9. Reason and the resolution of disputes; 10. Consequences for non-consequentialists; 11. Demandingness and rules; Part IV. 'Applied' Ethics and Practical Judgement: 12. Applied ethics: naturalism, normativity and public policy; 13. Practical principles and practical judgement in bioethics; 14. Enactable and enforceable: Kant's criteria for right and virtue; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Cambridge Handbook of Applied Psychological Ethics is a valuable resource for psychologists and graduate students hoping to further develop their ethical decision making beyond more introductory ethics texts. The book offers real-world ethical vignettes and considerations. Chapters cover a wide range of practice settings, populations, and topics, and are written by scholars in these settings. Chapters focus on the application of ethics to the ethical dilemmas in which mental health and other psychology professionals sometimes find themselves. Each chapter introduces a setting and gives readers a brief understanding of some of the potential ethical issues at hand, before delving deeper into the multiple ethical issues that must be addressed and the ethical principles and standards involved. No other book on the market captures the breadth of ethical issues found in daily practice and focuses entirely on applied ethics in psychology.Table of ContentsPart I. Ethical Issues in Specific Settings and Challenging Populations: 1. Ethical considerations for working with military service personnel; 2. Ethical issues in addressing mental health concerns in schools; 3. Ethical issues in providing mental health services to college students; 4. Ethical issues when working in hospital settings; 5. Ethics in a rural context; 6. Ethics and private practice; 7. Ethics on the edge: working with clients who are persistently suicidal; 8. Applied addiction ethics; 9. Ethics and clients who have experienced sexual trauma and intimate partner violence; 10. Ethical issues in the treatment of eating disorders; 11. Ethical considerations in group psychotherapy; 12. Ethical issues in couple and family therapy; Part II. Ethical Issues in Working with Diverse Populations: 13. Ethical issues in working with older adults; 14. Ethical issues in working with individuals with disability; 15. Ethical issues when working with people of color; 16. Aging: ethical issues in working with diverse populations; 17. Applied research in diverse communities: ethical issues and considerations; 18. Ethical issues and challenges working with religious individuals and organizations: providing culturally competent professional mental health services; 19. Ethical issues associated with mental health interventions for immigrants and refugees; 20. Ethical issues in psychotherapy with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender clients: a cognitive developmental model of ethical competence; Part III. Legal, Research, and Organizational Issues: 21. Major legal cases that have influenced mental health ethics; 22. Ethical considerations in forensic evaluations in family court; 23. Ethical issues in online research; 24. Ethical issues in international research; 25. Clinical supervision for multicultural and professional competence; 26. Disciplinary supervision: ethical challenges for supervisors; 27. Ethical issues in psychological consultation; Part IV. Emerging Ethical Issues in Professional Practice and Next Steps: 28. Genetic testing and ethical considerations: cases involving adolescents and young adults and cancer; 29. Ethical considerations for behavioral health professionals in primary care settings; 30. Therapy with children and adolescents in an era of social media and instant electronic communication; 31. Ethics and ethical decision making in coaching: four case scenarios; 32. Ethical issues in prevention; 33. Fostering ethical mental health practice across diverse settings and populations: concluding thoughts.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book analyzes current ethical and scientific thinking about the morality of eating meat within an animal-rights framework, and re-evaluates perspectives on the moral status of animals. It will interest readers from academic disciplines including philosophy, animal studies, political science, and cultural studies.Trade Review'An important contribution worthy of close study.' Christopher Bobier, Metapsychology'… rigorously researched and argued …' M. A. Betz, Choice'Provides us with a far better appreciation of the challenges to which vegetarians and vegans must respond. … Duty and the Beast is a very good book published at a very opportune time. Lamey's expositions are pointed and detailed, and many of his suggestions are innovative and persuasive.' Mark Bernstein, Journal of Animal Ethics'Lamey's book is a highly sophisticated, yet lucid and innovative, philosophical investigation on how non-human animals ought to be treated. Those who appreciate philosophical thought experiments and/or science-informed discussions on ethics will find Lamey's work essential reading.' Markku Oksanen, Environmental ValuesTable of ContentsIntroduction: the new animal debate; 1. The case for animal protection; 2. A view to a kill; 3. Burger veganism; 4. The dinner of double effect; 5. Killing them softly; 6. What is it like to be a chicken?; 7. The logic of the larder; 8. Thinking like a plant; 9. Long live the new flesh.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn essential book for all those who conduct animal-based research or are involved in education and training, as well as regulators, supporters, and opponents alike. This fully updated third edition includes discussion of genetically altered animals and associated welfare and ethical issues that surround the breeding programmes in animal based research. The book discusses the origins of vivisection, the advances in human and non-human welfare made possible by animal experimentation, moral objections, and alternatives to the use of animals in research. It also examines the regulatory umbrella under which experiments are conducted in Europe, USA and Australasia. The author highlights the future responsibilities of researchers who will be working with animals, and offers practical advice on experimental design, literature search, consultation with colleagues, and the importance of the ongoing search for alternatives.Trade Review'Animal Experimentation: A Guide to the Issues provides a succinct, accessible, and balanced introduction to the controversy surrounding the use of animals in scientific research, product testing, and education. The latest edition brings the guide up-to-date on a host of developments with respect to legislation, alternative methods, and other topics. The guide's coverage of relevant issues is international in scope, so readers outside of the author's home country (Australia) should not feel ignored. This introduction is especially suited to students planning to begin careers in the biological sciences, including as researchers, veterinarians, teachers, regulators, or administrators.' Martin Stephens, Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal TestingTable of Contents1. Issues in animal experimentation; 2. A history of animal experimentation; 3. Opposition to animal experimentation; 4. The moral status of animals; 5. Animal use; 6. The regulation of experiments; 7. Seeking alternatives; 8. A future without animal experimentation?

Read more less

Book SynopsisIncreasingly, conscientious consumers and green marketers are recognizing that material things, not firms, must be made responsible. Even so, many scholars in ethics, sustainability, and governance focus on people and organizations, ignoring the flows of things. In this book, Ryan Burg argues that material things are fundamental features of moral life, serving as both valuable instruments and guides for responsibility. Unless care is taken for these non-living entities, living things cannot be protected. Viewing the global economy as a network of material transfers, Burg argues that to facilitate object care, professionals must act as stewards. By tracing the origins and disposal of workplace objects through this material network, businesses and employees can discover the outcomes for which they are responsible, and managers can align ethics, sustainability and governance with a truly global formulation of responsibility.Trade Review'Objects can help us decide who should be responsible for what'. That is the premise of this fascinating study of the tentacles of ethics and responsibility surrounding objects and how they come to be what they are. Ryan Burg offers an insightful, rich, and comprehensive analysis of the ethics surrounding objects. This fresh - and refreshing - approach to business, individual, and societal responsibilities is very compelling and should find wide readership among both scholars and practitioners.' Sandra Waddock, Galligan Chair of Strategy, Carroll School Scholar of Corporate Responsibility, Boston College Carroll School of Management'Our gestalt for business ethics has been dominated by notions such as 'stakeholder', 'social contract' and 'corporate governance' - notions that position people in the foreground while leaving nature and objects in the background. This book erases this picture. It substitutes a deceptively simple concept of 'singularity' - one that sees everything (that is, every-single-thing) on its own terms, and in relationship to every other thing. We've been waiting for a schema that truly fits business into the natural environment. Here it is.' Thomas Donaldson, Mark O. Winkelman Endowed Professor, The Wharton School University of Pennsylvania'Business Ethics for a Material World, takes a unique perspective on corporate responsibility. Burg's argument that material things provide important insights into the allocation of moral responsibility is an important and critical insight that has been neglected in the literature. This book will inspire new research from the perspective of materiality, and it is a 'must read'.' Patricia H. Werhane, Wicklander Chair in Business Ethics, DePaul University, Illinois'Bringing to bear an extensive historical and contemporary knowledge of how people interact with their physical surroundings, Burg provides a new and vivid way to understand the complex interactions that constitute the value chains of the twenty-first century. Most of us, most of the time, have a thin and unreflective perception of the physical world around us. Burg invites us to see in the material of this world the myriad of hands, hearts, and minds that have gone into creating these things. Burg entreats readers to get to know - really know - the stuff that surrounds us, as both physical artifacts and cultural symbols.' Robert Phillips, David Meade White, Jr Chair in Business, University of Richmond, Virginia'Burg's concept of 'object', 'material' or 'matter', and 'thing' is primordial, unique, and highly useful as a way of understanding many components of human behavior, business behavior, plus the ethical and value dimensions of all kinds of organizations. His concept broadens and deepens the investigative, research-based query into the nature and functions of ecological systems plus the associated responsibilities that ensue to those affected by such relationships. Indeed, this 'singularity' opens up traditional ethical inquiries to much more comprehensive analysis and inclusiveness than previously understood.' William C. Frederick, Katz Graduate School of Business, University of PittsburghTable of ContentsIntroduction; 1. The singularization of everything; 2. Singularization schema; 3. The power of negative thinking; 4. Three failures in regulated markets; 5. Person, place, and product; 6. Ecological value; 7. Putting responsibility to work; 8. Materiality for business ethics.

Read more less

Book SynopsisEthical Challenges in the Behavioral and Brain Sciences encourages readers to engage in discussions of the diverse ethical dilemmas encountered by behavioral and brain scientists. In each chapter, a prominent scientist describes a dilemma, how it was resolved, and what could be done differently if confronted with the situation again.Trade Review'At a time of diminishing public trust in the sciences, Sternberg and Fiske have given us the perfect antidote: a rich collection of sincere and probing testimonies about ethical problems by leading brain and behavioral scientists. A page-turner - not usual in thoughtful treatments of ethics - this book will provide readers with a real educational experience. The book is a uniquely valuable answer to some of the most burning scientific dilemmas of our day.' William Damon, Stanford University, California and author of The Power of Ideals: The Real Story of Moral Choice'Through more than fifty always engaging, typically perplexing, and often disturbingly nuanced case studies, Robert Sternberg and Susan Fiske make vivid the fundamental place of ethical thinking and acting in the research and professorial lives of contemporary brain and behavioral scientists. This unique and historically important book represents a sea change in understanding the ubiquity and subtlety of ethical challenges in research, publication, teaching, mentoring, and professional conduct. Reading, reflecting on, and discussing this book may be transformative for both scientists and science.' Richard M. Lerner, Bergstrom Chair in Applied Developmental Science and Director, Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development, Tufts University, Massachusetts'Graduate students should be required to read this volume, in which a star-studded cast of scientists explore the oft-disguised forms of ethical lapse or corruption that, alas, are never absent, even from the most serene paths of the groves of academe.' Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Management, Claremont Graduate School, California'Sternberg and Fiske have brought together a remarkable collection of vignettes. Though written by psychologists, they largely raise issues relevant to all academic disciplines. Each vignette places an ethical issue in a concrete and personal context. Ultimately, they will raise our collective consciousness about how we can best promote fairness, truthfulness, responsibility, due credit, and personal growth in all our efforts.' Jay McClelland, Professor and Director of the Center for Mind, Brain and Computation, Stanford University, CaliforniaTable of ContentsPart I. Academic Cheating; Part I Susan T. Fiske; Part II. Academic Excuses and Fairness; Part II. Academic Excuses and Fairness; Part II Susan T. Fiske; Part III. Authorship and Credit; Part III. Authorship and Credit; Part III Susan T. Fiske; Part IV. Confidentiality's Limits; Part IV. Confidentiality's Limits; Part IV Susan T. Fiske; Part V. Data Analysis, Reporting and Sharing; Part V. Data Analysis, Reporting and Sharing; Part V Susan T. Fiske; Part VI. Designing Research; Part VI. Designing Research; Part VI Susan T. Fiske; Part VII. Fabricating Data; Part VII. Fabricating Data; Part VII Susan T. Fiske; Part VIII. Human Subjects; Part VIII. Human Subjects; Part VIII; Part IX. Personnel Decisions; Part IX. Personnel Decisions; Part IX Susan T. Fiske; Part X. Reviewing and Editing.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book argues for a scientific interpretation of Aristotle's ethical method and takes an innovative approach toward understanding his conception of philosophy. It will interest readers working in the fields of philosophy, classics, political theory, history of ethics, and the relation between philosophy and science.Table of ContentsIntroduction; Part I. The Nature of Aristotelian Philosophy: 1. Dialectical reasoning and the dialectical craft; 2. The enterprise of philosophy; 3. Aristotle's scientific and flexible philosophical method; Part II. Philosophy in Practice: 4. Method in the Eudemian Ethics; 5. Ethical precision and the practical necessity of epistēmē; 6. Facts, principles, and Aristotle's demonstrative ethical science; 7. Strategic flexibility in the Nicomachean Ethics; 8. The autonomy of ethics; Conclusion.

Read more less

Book SynopsisNatural law ethics centres on the idea that ethical norms derive from human nature. The field has seen a remarkable revival since the millennium, with new work in Aristotelian metaphysics complementing innovative applied work in bioethics, economics and political theory. Starting with three chapters on the history of natural law ethics, this volume moves on to various twentieth-century theoretical innovations in the tradition, and then to natural law as embedded in the three Abrahamic faiths. It closes with sections on applied natural law ethics and the challenges and prospects for natural law ethics in the twenty-first century. Uniquely interdisciplinary and written without technical jargon, the book will be of great interest to students and researchers in philosophy, theology, political theory and economics. They will find this the go-to resource for cutting-edge thinking in natural law ethics.Trade Review'… all the essays are strong, several merit special attention … This is a superb collection for specialists.' W. P. Haggerty, Choice'This collection of essays makes a solid contribution to studies in natural law ethics. The authors capably cover a wide swath of philosophical, historical, and thematic ground.' Daniel A. Morris, Journal of Moral TheologyTable of ContentsIntroduction Tom Angier; Part I. The History of Natural Law Ethics: 1. The stoics Philipp Brüllmann; 2. Thomas Aquinas Steven Jensen; 3. Grotius and Pufendorf Johan Olsthoorn; Part II. The Revival of Natural Law Ethics: 4. The new natural law theory Patrick Lee; 5. Neo-Aristotelian ethical naturalism Jennifer Frey; Part III. Natural Law Ethics and Religion: 6. Natural law in Judaism Tamar Rudavsky; 7. Natural law in Catholic Christianity Tracey Rowland; 8. Natural law in Protestant Christianity Jennifer Herdt; 9. Natural law in Islam Anver Emon; Part IV. Applied Natural Law Ethics: 10. Bioethics and natural law Jacqueline Laing; 11. Economics and natural law Samuel Gregg; 12. Political theory and natural law Christopher Wolfe; Part V. Natural Law Ethics: Challenges and Prospects: 13. Challenges facing natural law ethics Sophie Grace Chappell; 14. Natural law ethics and the revival of Aristotelian metaphysics Edward Feser; 15. Prospects for natural law ethics in the twenty-first century Tom Angier; Works cited; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn public debates over biotechnology, theologians, philosophers, and political theorists have proposed that biotechnology could have significant implications for human nature. They argue that ethical evaluations of biotechnologies that might affect human nature must take these implications into account. In this book, Gerald McKenny examines these important yet controversial arguments, which have in turn been criticized by many moral philosophers and professional bioethicists. He argues that Christian ethics is, in principle, committed to some version of the claim that human nature has normative status in relation to biotechnology. Showing how both criticisms and defences of this claim have often been facile, he identifies, develops, and critically evaluates three versions of the claim, and contributes a fourth, distinctively Christian version to the debate. Focusing on Christian ethics in conversation with secular ethics, McKenny''s book is the first thorough analysis of a controversial contemporary issue.Trade Review'Well written and with sound scholarly apparatus, this text will serve ethics and philosophy professionals as well as upper-level students.' M. LaBar, Choice'Eschewing both cheap moralizing and cynical resignation, McKenny offers his readers a variety of descriptive frameworks which are fully attuned to the ambiguities of … a bioethical quandary. The vitality of Christian moral discourses is shown precisely in how the language of witness and attestation are able to uphold such ambiguity, and to do so in our rapidly changing world.' Marginalia Review of BooksTable of Contents1. Biotechnology and the normative status of human nature; 2. Human nature as given; 3. Human nature as ground of human goods and rights; 4. Human nature as indeterminate, open-ended, and malleable; 5. Human nature as condition for imaging God; Conclusion; Appendix; Bibliography; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisUS citizens perceive their society to be one of the most diverse and religiously tolerant in the world today. Yet seemingly intractable religious intolerance and moral conflict abound throughout contemporary US public life - from abortion law battles, same-sex marriage, post-9/11 Islamophobia, public school curriculum controversies, to moral and religious dimensions of the Black Lives Matter and Occupy Wall Street movements, and Tea Party populism. Healthy Conflict in Contemporary American Society develops an approach to democratic discourse and coalition-building across deep moral and religious divisions. Drawing on conflict transformation in peace studies, recent American pragmatist thought, and models of agonistic democracy, Jason Springs argues that, in circumstances riven with conflict between strong religious identities and deep moral and political commitments, productive engagement may depend on thinking creatively about how to constructively utilize conflict and intolerance. ThTrade Review'Jason A. Springs provides a timely reframing of our contemporary debates that have littered our political, religious, and social landscape with either an eager exclusion of the 'other' as extremist lost cases or through appeals toward some form of tolerant co-existence that mostly avoids any meaningful relationship across the divides. He wades into these broiling waters with the message that deep conflict will remain, in fact contemporary polarization will likely mark our discourse for decades to come, but this reality offers opportunity to practice a core set of basic democratic habits that may guide us away from this descending toward dysfunctional harm. Social health, he argues, depends not on denigrating the other or pursuing echo chambers, but on sustaining relationships that persist in carving qualities of imagination, a dose of empathic patience, and the courage to stay engaged with those who we find remarkably different and even offensive.' John Paul Lederach, author of The Moral Imagination: The Art and Soul of Building Peace and Professor Emeritus, University of Notre Dame, Indiana'In a time of seemingly intractable conflicts, Jason A. Springs offers a thought-provoking analysis of what it takes to make headway in transforming those conflicts. That's the good news. The bad news is that it will not be easy or necessarily pleasant. It requires honing our skills for listening, living with dissonance and irresolution, stretching our imaginations, and facing our deepest fears without succumbing to despair or cynicism. Springs gathers these insights from philosophers, activists, sociologists, religious studies, preachers, peace studies, and comedians to construct vital recommendations for how to proceed with the problems we face.' Beth Eddy, author of The Rites of Identity: The Religious Naturalism and Cultural Criticism of Kenneth Burke and Ralph Ellison and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Massachusetts'Jason A. Springs urges us not to stick our heads in the sand, but to confront unflinchingly, with imagination and courage, the conflicts that threaten to rend our way of life. Liberal tolerance isn't the answer. Instead, 'healthy conflict' can be the basis for enduring social and political change. This is an important and timely book.' Eddie Glaude, Princeton UniversityTable of ContentsIntroduction; Part I. Pragmatist Repertoires: 1. The difficulty of imagining other persons, re-imagined: moral imagination as a tool for transforming conflict; 2. Turning the searchlight inward: cultivating the virtues of moral imagination; 3. To let suffering speak: love, justice, and hope against hope; 4. The prophet and the president: prophetic rage in the age of Obama; 5. Testing the spirits: discerning true prophecy from false; 6. 'Dismantling the master's house': using the system to transform the system; Part II. Beyond American Intolerance: 7. Giving religious intolerance its due: agonistic respect in a post-secular society; 8. Looking it up in your gut?: Visceral politics and healthy conflict in the tea party era; 9. Islamophobia, American style: tolerance as American exceptionalism, and the prospects for strenuous pluralism; Conclusion.

Read more less