Description
Book SynopsisIn Vexed, James Mumford tackles the polarization of civil society across the democratic West, taking a fresh look at the existential questions and hot button issues that are an essential part of the politics of the Left and Right. In examining issues like the right-to-die movement and assisted suicide, family values and economic injustice, sexual liberation and consent, gun-control and abortion, the environment and technology, criminal justice and reform, Mumford questions the basic assumptions of our political groups. His challenge is simple: Why should believing strongly about one topic mean the automatic adoption of so many others?
With this refreshing and eye-opening book, James Mumford, a public thinker and independent commentator, has written an essential and provocative account that will appeal to anyone of independent thought, and a welcome call for new reflection on the moral issues most relevant to our modern way of life.
Trade ReviewMumford demonstrates an admirable ability to zero in on things too often missing from political conversations … A plea for nuance and ambivalence, in a world that often seems to be in danger of mislaying both. -- John Harris * Observer *
James Mumford has written the most intriguing and original reflection on political tribalism that I have ever read ...
Vexed is an intellectual page-turner. -- David Goodhart * author of The Road to Somewhere: The New Tribes Shaping British Politics *
Mumford is a subtle, supple and frequently ingenious thinker. His style is abrasive enough to make readers sit up when needed, but never enough to make us feel as if we are being hectored or bullied … A memorable and illuminating assault on what happens when ideology shuts down thought. * Catholic Herald *
A thought-provoking exploration of some of the most contentious problems of our time * Sunday Times *
An important contribution to understanding the polarization of our global politics from one of the most exciting young ethicists working today -- James Davison Hunter, Labrosse-Levenson Professor, Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture, University of Virginia and author of Culture Wars
Lively, well argued ... help[s] us understand aspects of tribalism * Financial Times *
Fascinating ... Supplies readers with ample food for thought and opportunities to reconsider and broaden their own perspective. * Vision *
Table of ContentsIntroduction: Package-Deal Ethics 1 Inclusivity: Should Liberals Back Assisted Suicide? 2 Family Values: Why Social Conservatives Should Raise Wages 3 Sufficiency: Why the Left and Sexual Liberation Make Bad Bedfellows 4 The Sanctity of Life: What's Pro-Life about an AR-15? 5 Reverence for Nature: Why Greens Shouldn't Become Cyborgs 6 Personal Responsibility: Why the Right Should Release Ex-Offenders Conclusion: Moral Imagination
Acknowledgements Notes Permissions Index
