Scan barcode
anteus7's review against another edition
5.0
I seem to be in the habit lately of picking up books that I need to do some serious studying to prepare for. I have an undergraduate, general ed relationship with philosophy--moral, political, or otherwise--and would like to know more. I guess I'll start scrolling through syllabi.
The theme of this book is, obviously, justice, and how that concept is seen through a variety of lenses and examples, and what our responsibilities as citizens are in relation to it and to each other. The examples were good for a newbie like me, and I felt like I could follow the bread crumbs to some new understanding.
I also think I could use a lot of this in class to stir things up. Look out, kids...
The theme of this book is, obviously, justice, and how that concept is seen through a variety of lenses and examples, and what our responsibilities as citizens are in relation to it and to each other. The examples were good for a newbie like me, and I felt like I could follow the bread crumbs to some new understanding.
I also think I could use a lot of this in class to stir things up. Look out, kids...
jerushalynnx's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a straight-up mini-history of different philosophies that have pushed our civilization forward. There is a fascinating bit about the moral quandary of consensual cannibalism! Sandal is a witty writer sure to keep you enthralled and wandering into the higher cerebral spaces of the “why” of everything.
erinlcrane's review against another edition
4.0
I’m not that well-read in philosophy, so I found this a helpful overview of different philosophical takes on a just society, whether or not you agree with the author’s views. I feel more prepared to now read the primary sources he covers because of the context and framework he’s provided.
stumpnugget's review against another edition
5.0
Readable, fun, and challenging. If you just have to know what Bentham, Kant, and Rawls have to say about justice, ethical decision making, and moral desert, this is the book for you!
... (tap tap)... is this thing on?
... (tap tap)... is this thing on?
sarahschauer's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
3.0
He lost me when he started talking about Aristotle AFTER Kant and Rawls.
Aristotle’s “math” (as well as science) doesn’t hold up today.
Math is the only thing that remains constant, science and social conditions are constantly being revised and changing.
Logic is math. If the philosophers math doesn’t hold up, neither does their logic.
Also, at the end when the author is discussing marriage and the “TWO” main reasons people get married - the arguments republicans and democrats put forth, he says there’s no “morally neutral” way to approach the institution of marriage.
The economic advantages of marriage would beg to differ. Ignore economics and you’re ignoring math.
His conclusions were flawed and you should stop reading after page 183.
Aristotle’s “math” (as well as science) doesn’t hold up today.
Math is the only thing that remains constant, science and social conditions are constantly being revised and changing.
Logic is math. If the philosophers math doesn’t hold up, neither does their logic.
Also, at the end when the author is discussing marriage and the “TWO” main reasons people get married - the arguments republicans and democrats put forth, he says there’s no “morally neutral” way to approach the institution of marriage.
The economic advantages of marriage would beg to differ. Ignore economics and you’re ignoring math.
His conclusions were flawed and you should stop reading after page 183.
mrscaew's review against another edition
3.0
I actually really enjoyed this book; maybe not so much the specific content but I love this genre of books. I had to read it for a BYU American Heritage class but it didn’t feel like homework to me.