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Territories of Social Responsibility: Opening the Research and Policy Agenda (Corporate Social Responsibility)
by Patricia Almeida AshleyCSR is a fragile concept if conceived only at the organizational level or driven only by leadership will. Many writers deal with aspects of social responsibility, but most deal with it as this kind of organizational and voluntary initiative. Few address the wider policy agenda. The contributors to Territories of Social Responsibility - researchers and practitioners from four continents - all participated in an international workshop co-ordinated by Patricia Almeida Ashley as part of her role as Chair in Development and Equity at the International Institute of Social Studies. They form a policy network contributing to studies on the concept of a multi-actor, multilevel and territorial approach to social responsibility and governance, oriented towards global, regional or local development and equity goals. This book introduces a new conceptual framework and promotes a research and policy agenda relating to it. A new model sees CSR embedded in institutional and legal frameworks, communicated and understood through a vector of communication and knowledge influencing situated culture and social values, and classified into three levels of ethical challenges. All of this can be expressed into the social processes of education, governance, the development of civil society, and policy making - a renovation of the existing perspectives on the concept of social responsibility. This ground breaking book integrates conceptual and empirical contributions and opens a research and policy agenda for the future. It will appeal to academics, higher level students, policy makers, and to leaders of and advisors to organizations affected by social responsibility issues.
Frankreich-Jahrbuch 2001: Politik, Wirtschaft, Gesellschaft, Geschichte, Kultur
by Wolfgang Asholt Hans Manfred Bock Mariluise Christadler Adolf Kimmel Ingo Kolboom Robert Pitch Henrik UterwerdeInternationale Entwicklung und wachsende wirtschaftliche Verflechtungen erfordern eine enge deutsch-französische Zusammenarbeit. Die Kenntnisse des Partnerlandes und der Austausch der Ideen halten aber nicht mit dem Austausch der Waren Schritt. Wichtige Erkenntnisse und Anregungen bleiben ungenutzt. Das "Frankreich Jahrbuch" versucht, mehr Klarheit zu schaffen. Es wendet sich an alle Frankreichinteressenten in Politik, Wirtschaft, Hochschulen, Schulen und in den Medien. Über die meist lückenhafte Tagesinformation hinaus zeigt es Zusammenhänge und historische Entwicklungen, die die Vorgänge in unserem wichtigsten Partnerland verständlich machen. Frankreich verstehen ist eine interdisziplinäre Aufgabe, zu der Politik- und Wirtschaftswissenschaften ebenso beizutragen haben wie Literatur, Kunst und Philosophie. Das "Frankreich Jahrbuch" ist deshalb zugleich ein Jahrbuch der deutschen Frankreichforschung, Die sich zu einem Arbeitskreis beim Deutsch - Französischen Institut Ludwigsburg zusammengeschlossen hat. Mit seinem thematischen Schwerpunkt, der durch mehrere Beiträge aus unterschiedlicher Sicht beleuchtet wird, mit Einzelaufsätzen zu aktuellen Themen oder neuen Forschungsansätzen, mit Buchbesprechungen, Chronik und Dokumentation versammelt das Jahrbuch den jeweils neuesten Stand deutscher Frankreichkenntnis. Mit seinen jährlichen Folgen baut es sich zu einem umfassenden Nachschlagwerk auf
Scharia-konforme Finanzinstrumente: Analyse der Rechtsnatur von sukuk und die Strukturierung nach deutschem Recht
by Said Wais AshrafniaDer Autor beschreibt die in der Praxis besonders bedeutsamen Finanzierungsinstrumente nach islamischem Recht (sukuk) und präsentiert eine Einführung in die Grundlagen der islamischen Rechtsquellen und der Methode der Entscheidungsfindung. Juristisch-dogmatisch ist die Thematik besonders interessant, weil das weltliche-wirtschaftliche Recht religionskonform ausgestaltet werden muss, um den Anforderungen der Glaubensvorschriften zu genügen. Vergleichbare Institutionen des deutschen Rechts werden aufgezeigt und analysiert sowie entsprechende Möglichkeiten einer deutsch-rechtlichen Ausgestaltung von sukuk dargestellt. Das deutsche Recht ist dabei so flexibel, dass die religiösen Vorgaben bei der Strukturierung von sukuk-Transaktionen eingehalten werden können.
Competition Damages Actions in the EU: Law and Practice, Second Edition (Elgar Competition Law and Practice series)
by David AshtonCompetition Damages Actions in the EU offers a clear and concise analysis of the latest legislation and case law, at both EU and national level, in the field of damages actions for breach of EU competition law. This second edition features contributions from practising lawyers in more than ten jurisdictions, as well as offering a thorough analysis of Directive 2014/104. The author explores all aspects of the subject, including substantive problems, such as indirect purchaser standing and passing-on. He examines evidentiary issues, such as access to documents, particularly in the context of leniency programmes, and the probative value of competition authority decisions. Key features of the second edition include: • First major substantive volume looking at actions for damages under EU competition law since the Commission’s proposal, with a thorough review of the Damages Directive of 2014 • Updates on national developments from key jurisdictions • Comprehensive yet accessible text from an experiential viewpoint • Investigation into the concept of collective action as a politically sensitive phenomenon • Key section on the quantification of damages in the context of competition law infringements, written by specialist economists. This thorough exposition will be an invaluable resource for practitioners at all levels – from lawyers in private practice, to judges and competition enforcement officials. Being the first to offer a detailed analysis of damages in the context of the new legislation, this book will also appeal to scholars and students of EU competition law.
Competition Damages Actions in the EU and the UK: Law and Practice (Elgar Competition Law and Practice series)
by David AshtonCompetition Damages Actions in the EU and the UK is the clearest and most coherent reference point on damages actions for breach of EU competition law.This significantly expanded, restructured, and updated edition sets out the law in relation to actions for damages for loss caused by infringements of articles 101 and 102 of the TFEU, in both the EU and UK. The book now provides detailed guidance on the jurisprudence emanating from both jurisdictions, with careful reference, as in previous editions, to Directive 2014/104, and incorporating additional detail throughout on the variations in practice and interpretation in key member states.The book provides guidance on substantive issues, such as quantification of loss and pass-on, as well as evidentiary issues, such as access to documents, particularly in the context of leniency programmes, and the probative value of competition authority decisions. New to this edition is extensive treatment of collective redress in the EU and collective proceedings in the UK. In addition, the book has been restructured so that material on the parties to litigation and limitation, for example, are clearly presented in new chapters.Key features of the third edition include:The first major substantive volume to set out the law relating to actions for damages under EU competition law in both the EU and UKComprehensive and clearly structured reference point for this complex fieldUpdates on national developments from key jurisdictionsIncreased material on jurisdictionExtensive treatment of collective actionThe new edition of this comprehensive reference work remains a must-have resource for all competition practitioners in the EU and UK – from lawyers in private practice to in-house counsel, and from judges to officials at competition enforcement agencies.
Ashton & Reid on Clubs and Associations
by David Ashton Paul W Reid Ian SnaithThe diversity and complexity of the legal issues that can arise in the course of the activities of a club, society or association present numerous questions for those advising and managing those bodies for which they need guidance. Problems range from the interpretation of rules to anti-discrimination legislation. Legal issues can span alcohol licensing, charities, company law, employment law, expulsion procedures, litigation, meetings, promotion of lotteries, property law and taxation.This is the definitive guide to the legal framework within which clubs, societies and associations operate, bringing together the various strands of law (including new case law and recent legislation) to provide practical legal advice for these bodies, their advisers and officers.The work includes a full set of model rules as well as other useful material in the Appendices.
Beyond Male and Female? A Theological Account of Intersex Embodiment (T&T Clark Enquiries in Theological Ethics)
by Revd Dr Sam AshtonIn this incisive work, Sam Ashton provides a compelling, consistent and erudite argument for a foundational approach to the matter of sexual difference, drawing on biblical and doctrinal material and using resources in their original languages. He tracks and traces the sexed body as it moves from creation, through the fall, to redemption “now,” and final consummation “not yet.” In doing so, Ashton presents what is perhaps the strongest case that can be made for 'male and female He created them'.Each chapter privileges biblical exegesis, drawing upon figures in church history (notably Augustine and Aquinas) as and when they illumine Scripture. By doing so, the book considers the difficulty presented to sexual dimorphism by the phenomenon of intersex. Ashton seeks to develop an understanding that is generous, inclusive and affirming, so he works carefully through the writings of Thatcher, Song and Cornwall in a way that invites engagement and dialogue.With the complete divine drama in view, the book offers synthetic judgments about what remains essential for the “structure” of the sexed body as it travels through history and what may be accidental to the sexed body's “direction” within a particular theo-dramatic act. Ashton concludes by considering ways to transition from dogmatic judgments about intersexuality to the moral-pastoral care of concrete intersex individuals, briefly thinking about the complex matter of marriage.
Beyond Male and Female? A Theological Account of Intersex Embodiment (T&T Clark Enquiries in Theological Ethics)
by Revd Dr Sam AshtonIn this incisive work, Sam Ashton provides a compelling, consistent and erudite argument for a foundational approach to the matter of sexual difference, drawing on biblical and doctrinal material and using resources in their original languages. He tracks and traces the sexed body as it moves from creation, through the fall, to redemption “now,” and final consummation “not yet.” In doing so, Ashton presents what is perhaps the strongest case that can be made for 'male and female He created them'.Each chapter privileges biblical exegesis, drawing upon figures in church history (notably Augustine and Aquinas) as and when they illumine Scripture. By doing so, the book considers the difficulty presented to sexual dimorphism by the phenomenon of intersex. Ashton seeks to develop an understanding that is generous, inclusive and affirming, so he works carefully through the writings of Thatcher, Song and Cornwall in a way that invites engagement and dialogue.With the complete divine drama in view, the book offers synthetic judgments about what remains essential for the “structure” of the sexed body as it travels through history and what may be accidental to the sexed body's “direction” within a particular theo-dramatic act. Ashton concludes by considering ways to transition from dogmatic judgments about intersexuality to the moral-pastoral care of concrete intersex individuals, briefly thinking about the complex matter of marriage.
Sentencing And Criminal Justice (Law In Context Ser. (PDF))
by Andrew AshworthNow in its sixth edition, Sentencing and Criminal Justice has been extensively rewritten to reflect recent legislation, guidelines and judicial decisions. New material includes comparative sentencing research, which looks at models from other countries in comparison with the approach in England and Wales, and an additional chapter focusing on civil preventive orders and other ancillary orders. Written with clarity of expression coupled with critical analysis, this textbook offers an unrivalled combination of expertise, accessibility and coverage. This is the essential text for anyone interested in criminal justice.
The Criminal Process
by Andrew Ashworth Liz Campbell Mike RedmayneThe fifth edition of The Criminal Process continues in the tradition of previous editions in providing an insightful and stimulating analysis of the key issues in criminal processes and procedures. The authors draw on arguments from the law, research, policy, and principle, to present an authoritative overview of this area of study.
Positive Obligations in Criminal Law
by Andrew J AshworthThis book offers a set of essays, old and new, examining the positive obligations of individuals and the state in matters of criminal law. The centrepiece is a new, extended essay on the criminalisation of omissions-examining the duties to act imposed on individuals and organisations by the criminal law, and assessing their moral and social foundations. Alongside this is another new essay on the state's positive obligations to put in place criminal laws to protect certain individual rights. Introducing the volume is the author's much-cited essay on criminalisation, 'Is the Criminal Law a Lost Cause?'. The book sets out to shed new light on contemporary arguments about the proper boundaries of the criminal law, not least by exploring the justifications for imposing positive duties (reinforced by the criminal law) on individuals and their relation to the positive obligations of the state.
Positive Obligations in Criminal Law
by Andrew J AshworthThis book offers a set of essays, old and new, examining the positive obligations of individuals and the state in matters of criminal law. The centrepiece is a new, extended essay on the criminalisation of omissions-examining the duties to act imposed on individuals and organisations by the criminal law, and assessing their moral and social foundations. Alongside this is another new essay on the state's positive obligations to put in place criminal laws to protect certain individual rights. Introducing the volume is the author's much-cited essay on criminalisation, 'Is the Criminal Law a Lost Cause?'. The book sets out to shed new light on contemporary arguments about the proper boundaries of the criminal law, not least by exploring the justifications for imposing positive duties (reinforced by the criminal law) on individuals and their relation to the positive obligations of the state.
Sentencing and Criminal Justice
by Andrew Ashworth Rory KellyThis revised and updated new edition focuses on major developments in sentencing law, practice and theory. Sentencing in England and Wales is now dominated by Sentencing Council guidelines, and scrutiny of those guidelines is central to this book. Issues of principle are identified and discussed, to include the constitutional position of the Sentencing Council; the meaning of, and challenges to, proportionality; and the sentencing of BAME offenders and women offenders. The book welcomes the new Sentencing Code, introduced as the Sentencing Act 2020, and critically examines the government's plans for sentencing reform, set out in the 2020 White Paper A Smarter Approach to Sentencing. Throughout the book, sentencing is explored in its wider criminal justice context – making it essential reading for courses on sentencing, criminal justice and criminal law.
Sentencing and Criminal Justice
by Andrew Ashworth Rory KellyThis revised and updated new edition focuses on major developments in sentencing law, practice and theory. Sentencing in England and Wales is now dominated by Sentencing Council guidelines, and scrutiny of those guidelines is central to this book. Issues of principle are identified and discussed, to include the constitutional position of the Sentencing Council; the meaning of, and challenges to, proportionality; and the sentencing of BAME offenders and women offenders. The book welcomes the new Sentencing Code, introduced as the Sentencing Act 2020, and critically examines the government's plans for sentencing reform, set out in the 2020 White Paper A Smarter Approach to Sentencing. Throughout the book, sentencing is explored in its wider criminal justice context – making it essential reading for courses on sentencing, criminal justice and criminal law.
Preventive Justice (Oxford Monographs on Criminal Law and Justice)
by Andrew Ashworth Lucia ZednerThis book arises from a three-year study of Preventive Justice directed by Professor Andrew Ashworth and Professor Lucia Zedner at the University of Oxford. The study seeks to develop an account of the principles and values that should guide and limit the state's use of preventive techniques that involve coercion against the individual. States today are increasingly using criminal law or criminal law-like tools to try to prevent or reduce the risk of anticipated future harm. Such measures include criminalizing conduct at an early stage in order to allow authorities to intervene; incapacitating suspected future wrongdoers; and imposing extended sentences or indefinate on past wrongdoers on the basis of their predicted future conduct - all in the name of public protection and security. The chief justification for the state's use of coercion is protecting the public from harm. Although the rationales and justifications of state punishment have been explored extensively, the scope, limits and principles of preventive justice have attracted little doctrinal or conceptual analysis. This book re-assesses the foundations for the range of coercive measures that states now take in the name of prevention and public protection, focussing particularly on coercive measures involving deprivation of liberty. It examines whether these measures are justified, whether they distort the proper boundaries between criminal and civil law, or whether they signal a larger change in the architecture of security. In so doing, it sets out to establish a framework for what we call 'Preventive Justice'.
Prevention and the Limits of the Criminal Law
by Andrew Ashworth Lucia Zedner Patrick TomlinExploring the principles and values that should guide and limit the state's use of preventive techniques that involve coercion against the individual, this volume arises from a three-year study of Preventive Justice. The contributions examine whether and when preventive measures are justified, whether within or outwith the criminal law, and whether they signal a larger change in the architecture of security. Preventive measures include controversial crime control approaches such as pre-inchoate offences, pre-trial detention, restraining orders, and prevention detention of the dangerous. There are good reasons to justify state use of coercion to protect the public from harm, but while the rationales and justifications for state punishment have been extensively explored, the scope, limits, and principles of preventive justice have not received the same attention. This volume, written by world renowned scholars from different disciplinary backgrounds and jurisdictions, redresses the balance, assessing the foundations for the range of coercive measures that states now take in the name of prevention and public protection.
Studying Law (PDF)
by Simon Askey Ian McleodStudying Law introduces students to the fundamental legal skills that they will need to successfully study the subject, such as case analysis, legislative interpretation, problem solving and essay writing, and to the core Law subjects themselves and the distinctions between them.
Valuation: Special Properties And Purposes
by Phil Askham Leslie BlakeEach topic treated represents an area of specialism in its own right. This book helps fill the gap between the extremes of neglect and detailed consideration in existing texts by providing an authoritative and yet accessible treatment of several complex and technical subjects. Each chapter has been written by an acknowledged expert in the field with extensive practical experience, and where appropriate is supported by comprehensive case studies and worked examples. What this book emphatically will not do, is turn anyone into an expert in the specialist and even arcane worlds of the plant and machinery valuer or the valuation of milk quotas. What it will do, however, is give some indication of the problems and pitfalls associated with these fields.
Valuation: Special Properties & Purposes
by Phil Askham Leslie BlakeEach topic treated represents an area of specialism in its own right. This book helps fill the gap between the extremes of neglect and detailed consideration in existing texts by providing an authoritative and yet accessible treatment of several complex and technical subjects. Each chapter has been written by an acknowledged expert in the field with extensive practical experience, and where appropriate is supported by comprehensive case studies and worked examples. What this book emphatically will not do, is turn anyone into an expert in the specialist and even arcane worlds of the plant and machinery valuer or the valuation of milk quotas. What it will do, however, is give some indication of the problems and pitfalls associated with these fields.
Saving Biological Diversity: Balancing Protection of Endangered Species and Ecosystems
by Robert A. Askins Glenn D. Dreyer Gerald R. Visgilio Diana M. WhitelawThe Goodwin-Niering Center for Conservation Biology and Environmental Studies at Connecticut College is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary program that builds on one of the nation’s leading undergraduate environmental studies programs. The C- ter fosters research, education, and curriculum development aimed at understanding contemporary ecological challenges. One of the major goals of the Goodwin-Niering Center is to enhance the understanding of both the College community and the general public with respect to ecological, political, social, and economic factors that affect natural resource use and preservation of natural ecosystems. To this end, the C- ter has offered six conferences at which academicians, representatives of federal and state government, people who depend on natural resources for their living, and in- viduals from non-government environmental organizations were brought together for an in-depth, interdisciplinary evaluation of important environmental issues. On April 6 and 7, 2007, the Center presented the Elizabeth Babbott Conant interdisciplinary conference on Saving Biological Diversity: Weighing the Protection of Endangered Species vs. Entire Ecosystems. The Beaver Brook Foundation; Audubon Connecticut, the state of?ce of the National Audubon Society; the Connecticut Chapter of The Nature Conservancy; Connecticut Forest and Park Association and the Connecticut Sea Grant College Program joined the Center as conference sponsors. During this two-day conference we learned about conservation and endangered species fromawiderange ofperspectives. Likeallof theconferences sponsored bythe Goodwin-Niering Center, this conference was broadly interdisciplinary, with pres- tations by economists, political scientists, and conservation biologists.
Legal Responses to Trafficking in Women for Sexual Exploitation in the European Union (Modern Studies in European Law)
by Heli AskolaThe phenomenon of trafficking in women for sexual exploitation, which in the last decade has changed from a marginal 'non-issue' to a legitimate concern in many parts of the world, has become familiar through newspaper coverage, and now, finally, legislators and law enforcement agencies have begun to act. In Europe many EU Member States now have (or are developing) at least some sort of anti-trafficking policies (with some of them in the forefront of global anti-trafficking efforts). Moreover, the EU itself has become markedly more active with regard to curbing trafficking in human beings, as part of its migration control and police and judicial co-operation functions. However, even co-ordinated efforts such as those being worked on by the EU tend to produce only short-term 'cures' to a problem that is in truth global and structural in nature and which cannot be eradicated - or necessarily even significantly reduced - through policing and migration control measures alone. Too often there is little debate on broader measures which might be targeted to address the 'root causes' of trafficking, such as poverty, under-development, general lack of economic and migration opportunities and, above all, gender inequality.Against this background, this book deals with present efforts to control trafficking in women for sexual exploitation. In doing so it examines claims that what is needed effectively to prevent and tackle trafficking is a 'comprehensive' approach, and at the very least one that is far more wide-ranging and coherent than what exists today, and also analyses the assertion that destination countries, and more specifically Member States of the EU, could and perhaps should, take more action against trafficking through regional co-operation, particularly in the framework of the EU, rather than as individual Member States. The book will be of interest to a wide range of scholars in EU law, human rights, comparative law, sociology, feminist theory and politics, as well as policy-makers, practitioners and NGO activists in various European countries.
Hashtags and Trade Marks: A Comparative Legal Approach
by Nazanin AslaniThis timely book examines the growing importance of hashtags both in online culture and within our digital society. Conducting a comparative analysis of legal strategies within the EU, Germany, and the United States, it aims to ascertain whether a fair balance currently exists between freedom of expression and competition in the treatment of hashtags as trade marks. Nazanin Aslani firstly introduces a novel taxonomy of hashtags, highlighting their multifaceted functions, which goes beyond their commercial value to encompass their expressive, communicative, and organisational aspects. The book then highlights the need for a deeper understanding of hashtag functions, arguing that this lack of understanding has led to mischaracterisation by courts and registries, which in turn has led to contradictory case outcomes. Featuring an extensive analysis, this book advocates for strong fair use defences to maintain a balance between protection and free expression, competition, and internet regulation and deregulation. Providing a unique focus on this evolving subject, Hashtags and Trade Marks will be an excellent resource for academics of comparative trade mark, unfair competition and intellectual property law. Practitioners, policy makers and in-house counsel will also benefit from this book to fill in knowledge gaps surrounding hashtags and provide solutions for organisational devices used as trade marks yet to be developed.
Against Fairness
by Stephen T. AsmaFrom the school yard to the workplace, there’s no charge more damning than “you’re being unfair!” Born out of democracy and raised in open markets, fairness has become our de facto modern creed. The very symbol of American ethics—Lady Justice—wears a blindfold as she weighs the law on her impartial scale. In our zealous pursuit of fairness, we have banished our urges to like one person more than another, one thing over another, hiding them away as dirty secrets of our humanity. In Against Fairness, polymath philosopher Stephen T. Asma drags them triumphantly back into the light. Through playful, witty, but always serious arguments and examples, he vindicates our unspoken and undeniable instinct to favor, making the case that we would all be better off if we showed our unfair tendencies a little more kindness—indeed, if we favored favoritism. Conscious of the egalitarian feathers his argument is sure to ruffle, Asma makes his point by synthesizing a startling array of scientific findings, historical philosophies, cultural practices, analytic arguments, and a variety of personal and literary narratives to give a remarkably nuanced and thorough understanding of how fairness and favoritism fit within our moral architecture. Examining everything from the survival-enhancing biochemistry that makes our mothers love us to the motivating properties of our “affective community,” he not only shows how we favor but the reasons we should. Drawing on thinkers from Confucius to Tocqueville to Nietzsche, he reveals how we have confused fairness with more noble traits, like compassion and open-mindedness. He dismantles a number of seemingly egalitarian pursuits, from classwide Valentine’s Day cards to civil rights, to reveal the envy that lies at their hearts, going on to prove that we can still be kind to strangers, have no prejudice, and fight for equal opportunity at the same time we reserve the best of what we can offer for those dearest to us. Fed up with the blue-ribbons-for-all absurdity of "fairness" today, and wary of the psychological paralysis it creates, Asma resets our moral compass with favoritism as its lodestar, providing a strikingly new and remarkably positive way to think through all our actions, big and small. Watch an animated book trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjPhTQ9zi5Q
Against Fairness
by Stephen T. AsmaFrom the school yard to the workplace, there’s no charge more damning than “you’re being unfair!” Born out of democracy and raised in open markets, fairness has become our de facto modern creed. The very symbol of American ethics—Lady Justice—wears a blindfold as she weighs the law on her impartial scale. In our zealous pursuit of fairness, we have banished our urges to like one person more than another, one thing over another, hiding them away as dirty secrets of our humanity. In Against Fairness, polymath philosopher Stephen T. Asma drags them triumphantly back into the light. Through playful, witty, but always serious arguments and examples, he vindicates our unspoken and undeniable instinct to favor, making the case that we would all be better off if we showed our unfair tendencies a little more kindness—indeed, if we favored favoritism. Conscious of the egalitarian feathers his argument is sure to ruffle, Asma makes his point by synthesizing a startling array of scientific findings, historical philosophies, cultural practices, analytic arguments, and a variety of personal and literary narratives to give a remarkably nuanced and thorough understanding of how fairness and favoritism fit within our moral architecture. Examining everything from the survival-enhancing biochemistry that makes our mothers love us to the motivating properties of our “affective community,” he not only shows how we favor but the reasons we should. Drawing on thinkers from Confucius to Tocqueville to Nietzsche, he reveals how we have confused fairness with more noble traits, like compassion and open-mindedness. He dismantles a number of seemingly egalitarian pursuits, from classwide Valentine’s Day cards to civil rights, to reveal the envy that lies at their hearts, going on to prove that we can still be kind to strangers, have no prejudice, and fight for equal opportunity at the same time we reserve the best of what we can offer for those dearest to us. Fed up with the blue-ribbons-for-all absurdity of "fairness" today, and wary of the psychological paralysis it creates, Asma resets our moral compass with favoritism as its lodestar, providing a strikingly new and remarkably positive way to think through all our actions, big and small. Watch an animated book trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjPhTQ9zi5Q
Against Fairness
by Stephen T. AsmaFrom the school yard to the workplace, there’s no charge more damning than “you’re being unfair!” Born out of democracy and raised in open markets, fairness has become our de facto modern creed. The very symbol of American ethics—Lady Justice—wears a blindfold as she weighs the law on her impartial scale. In our zealous pursuit of fairness, we have banished our urges to like one person more than another, one thing over another, hiding them away as dirty secrets of our humanity. In Against Fairness, polymath philosopher Stephen T. Asma drags them triumphantly back into the light. Through playful, witty, but always serious arguments and examples, he vindicates our unspoken and undeniable instinct to favor, making the case that we would all be better off if we showed our unfair tendencies a little more kindness—indeed, if we favored favoritism. Conscious of the egalitarian feathers his argument is sure to ruffle, Asma makes his point by synthesizing a startling array of scientific findings, historical philosophies, cultural practices, analytic arguments, and a variety of personal and literary narratives to give a remarkably nuanced and thorough understanding of how fairness and favoritism fit within our moral architecture. Examining everything from the survival-enhancing biochemistry that makes our mothers love us to the motivating properties of our “affective community,” he not only shows how we favor but the reasons we should. Drawing on thinkers from Confucius to Tocqueville to Nietzsche, he reveals how we have confused fairness with more noble traits, like compassion and open-mindedness. He dismantles a number of seemingly egalitarian pursuits, from classwide Valentine’s Day cards to civil rights, to reveal the envy that lies at their hearts, going on to prove that we can still be kind to strangers, have no prejudice, and fight for equal opportunity at the same time we reserve the best of what we can offer for those dearest to us. Fed up with the blue-ribbons-for-all absurdity of "fairness" today, and wary of the psychological paralysis it creates, Asma resets our moral compass with favoritism as its lodestar, providing a strikingly new and remarkably positive way to think through all our actions, big and small. Watch an animated book trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjPhTQ9zi5Q