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Trudy Govier

A DELICATE BALANCE

What Philosophy Can Tell 
Us About Terrorism

Westview Press, 2002
ISBN: 0-8133-6585-6

Description 
Comments from users
Table of Contents 
Ordering Information 


Description

Did the world change on September 11, 2001? For those who live outside of New York or Washington, life's familiar pace persists and families and jobs resume their routines. Yet everything seems different because of the dramatic disturbance in our sense of what our world means and how we exist within it. In A Delicate Balance, philosopher Trudy Govier writes that it is because our feelings and attitudes have altered so fundamentally that our world has changed. Govier believes that there are ethical challenges we cannot ignore. From Plato and Aristotle on courage to Kant on revenge, to 20th Century philosopher John Rawls's views on justice, Govier refers to the world of philosophy to reflect on responses to terrorism. Govier argues that moral complexities such as victimhood, evil, power and revenge, if properly understood, can provide a basis for hope– not despair.

Comments and Reviews

"This is a calm and cogently argued appraisal of the reactions to the terrorist attacks of September, 2001. Govier brings her considerable acumen as a moral philosopher to bear on these critical issues and advances her views persuasively and rationally. What a refreshing antidote to the too frequent, usual knee-jerk stereotypical responses."

Archbishop Desmond Tutu

"Trudy Govier's A Delicate Balance examines terrorism, particularly terrorism against the United States, in a subdued philosophical voice. That voice, so calm, so calculating, is one of the most refreshing aspects of this short work, contrasting so sharply with the heated rhetoric since the events of Sept. 11."

Quilll & Quire


"The terrorist attacks of September 11 challenge us to think accurately and react responsibly. In these crisply stated and clearly reasoned meditations on Vulnerability, Evil, Revenge, Justice, Courage, and Hope, among others, Govier urges us to make necessary distinctions, avoid simplistic responses, and stick consistently with our best impulses and highest values."
Margaret Urban Walker
Fordham Univeristy, New York

"Trudy Govier raises important questions, provoking reflection from many sides. Some of her arguments may leave you deeply uncomfortable, others, furious, and still others, enlightened and hopeful. The implications of her controversial ideas are sure to spark lively debate."
Jessica Stern
Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs,
Harvard University, and author of The Ultimate Terrorists

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    Preface
  1. Vulnerability
  2. Victims
  3. Evil
  4. Hatred
  5. Revenge
  6. Power
  7. Justice
  8. Violence
  9. Responsibility
  10. Kindness
  11. Courage
  12. Perspective
  13. Life
  14. Vindication
  15. Hope
          Index

ORDERING INFORMATION

Westview Press is a member of the Perseus Books Group.
For ordering information visit http://www.westviewpress.com/contact.html.
E-mail: westview.orders@perseusbooks.com.
In Canada, order through HarperCollins, 1-800-387-0117.
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