Approximate Justice: Studies in Social, Political, and Legal Philosophy

by George Sher

Overview

In this book, distinguished philosopher George Sher explores the normative moral and social problems that arise from living in a decidedly non-ideal world_a world that contains immorality, evil, and injustice, and in which resources (including knowledge) are often inadequate. Sher confronts difficult issues surrounding preferential treatment and equal opportunity, compensatory justice and punishment, the allocation of goods by lottery, and abortion and moral compromise. In each case, Sher asks not what an ideal society would involve, but how we should deal with failures to live up to individual or social ideals. Challenging current academic orthodoxy, Sher's work is sure to incite discussion among students and scholars alike. Approximate Justice is an engaging and provocative book that will excite anyone with interest in social and political philosophy, justice, and law.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780847687541
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	11/28/1997
Series:	Studies in Social, Political, and Legal Philosophy
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.98(h) x 0.63(d)

About the Author

George Sher is professor of philosophy at Rice University. He is the author of Beyond Neutrality: Perfectionism and Politics (Cambridge, 1997) and Desert (Princeton, 1989), and the coeditor of Moral Philosophy: Selected Readings and Reason at Work: Introductory Readings in Philosophy (both from Harcourt Brace Jovanovich).

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 Acknowledgments Chapter 3 Introduction Chapter 4 Ancient Wrongs and Modern Rights Chapter 5 Compensation and Transworld Personal Identity Chapter 6 Justifying Reserve Discrimination in Employment Chapter 7 Groups and Justice Chapter 8 Effort, Ability, and Personal Desert Chapter 9 Preferential Treatment, the Future, and the Past Chapter 10 Right violations and Injustices: Can We Always Avoid Trade-Offs? Our Preferences, Ourselves Chapter 11 Predicting Performance Chapter 12 What Makes a Lottery Fair? Subsidized Abortion: Moral Rights and Moral Compromise Chapter 13 Deserved Punishment Revisited Chapter 14 Index Chapter 15 About the Author

Editorial Reviews

These essays provide a stimulating exploration of one line of enquiry, and a fine exemplar for applied philosophy from any perspective.

Philosophy in Review - Ian Chowcat

These essays provide a stimulating exploration of one line of enquiry, and a fine exemplar for applied philosophy from any perspective.
— Ian Chowcat, Open University, UK

Philosophy in Review