Description
Book SynopsisIn Rethinking Justice, Richard H. Bell lifts up and restores an idea of justice found in classical writers such as Socrates and Seneca as well as in more recent thinkers. Justice, classically, has dealt with righting wrongs and restoring peace to individuals and human communities. We have lost sight of this in our modern political and legal dealings and must find a way to return it to mind and to practice. Each chapter looks at ways to restore such reconciliatory practices to the idea of justice that can be found in our contemporary life and literature and focuses on numerous recent cases of abuse of justice among individuals, groups and nations. Bell approaches justice as a concept that goes hand in hand with compassion, mercy, and trust. Rethinking Justice reminds us that we have an obligation to foster peace, be merciful, and promote reconciliation with our brothers and sisters in humanity.
Trade ReviewBell has written a fine and, considering the questions raised by America's involvement with Iraq, a rather timely book. Its most appropriate use would be in an introductory undergraduate course. * H-Net: Humanities and Social Science Reviews Online *
Bell argues quite persuasively that a rights-based conception of justice is intrinisically deficient because it decouples the rights of self-regarding individuals from any prior moral obligations they owe each other. . . . Highly recommended. * CHOICE *
Rethinking Justice invites the reader to engage in a contemporary conversation about justice, drawing not only upon some of the most innovative thinkers on the issue through human history, but also from the experiences and realities of those who suffer injustice all too frequently today. This is a must read for anyone searching for a clear moral guide to ground our search for a more just world. -- Ronald Slye, Seattle University School of Law
Table of ContentsPart 1 Foreword Chapter 2 Preface Chapter 3 Introduction Chapter 4 The Concept of Justice: Recent Perspectives Chapter 5 Justice: Human Dignity and Equality Chapter 6 Mercy and the Cultivation of Humanity Chapter 7 Justice Across Boundaries I: The Moral and Literary Imagination Chapter 8 Justice Across Boundaries II: Human Development and Obligations Chapter 9 Restorative Justice and Deliberative Democracy Chapter 10 Spirituality and Justice: Restoring Our Humanity Chapter 11 Epilogue
