Description
Book SynopsisGlobal Justice and the Mind of Our Epoch explores the mind of our epoch, defined as the period since the Nuremberg Trial and the establishment of the United Nations in 1945. Xunwu Chen examines four defining ideas of this epochglobal justice, cosmopolitanism, crimes against humanity, and cultural tolerationas well as the relationships among these ideas. Chen argues that the mind of our epoch is the mind of humanity. Its world view, horizon, standpoint, norms, standards, and vocabularies are all embodied in human institutions and practices throughout the globe. Furthermore, our epochal mind has a dialectical relationship with particular cultures and peoples, bearing normative force. As a metaphysical subjectivity and substance, humanity is the source of all human values and defines what can and should be human values and virtues. Humankind, therefore, is a people with socio-political and legal sovereignty, sharing a common fate. This novel study brings a cross-cultural approach and will
Trade ReviewThis book addresses pressing and indeed momentous issues in an informed, thoughtful, and imaginative manner. The author displays wide range erudition but also deep-cutting thought, as he engages critically with social theorists of the first rank. -- Vincent Colapietro, Pennsylvania State University
Drawing on Aristotelian and continental philosophies, Professor Chen mounts a vigorous defense of global justice, cultural cosmopolitanism, and human rights. He provides sorely needed encouragement in a pessimistic age. -- Andrew J. Nathan, Columbia University
Table of ContentsIntroduction: The Mind of Our Time Chapter One: Global Justice Chapter Two: Cosmopolitanism Chapter Three: Crimes against Humanity Chapter Four: Toleration and Global Justice Conclusion Bibliography About the Author
