Philosophical Dimensions of Public Policy

Abstract

At the mid-point of the twentieth century, many philosophers in the English-speaking world regarded political and moral philosophy as all but moribund. Thinkers influenced by logical positivism believe that ethical statements are merely disguised expressions of individual emotion lacking propositional force, or that the conditions for the validation of ethical statements could not be specified, or that their content, however humanly meaningful, is inexpressible. Philosophical Dimensions of Public Policy, now available in paperback, presents thirty-four articles written by research scholars in numerous fields - philosophy, political theory, medicine, law, biology, economics, ecology, and sociology - treating a broad range of topics in practical philosophy. They pioneer a distinctive method of conducting inquiry into the moral dimensions of public life and contribute to public discussion and deliberation. As does the Institute for Philosophy and Public Affairs, contributors reject the idea that public philosophy means reaching into the philosopher's tool-kit and applying prefabricated theories to particular problems. Instead, this volume sets in motion a dialogue between the distinctive moral features of practical problems and the more general moral theories or considerations that seem most likely to elucidate these problems. The volume is divided into five areas: Politics, Civil Life, and Moral Education; Diversity, Identity, and Equal Opportunity; Rights, Development Ethics, and International Justice; Biotechnology, Genetic Research, and Health Policy; and Natural Environments, Human Communities. Philosophical Dimensions of Public Policy presents empirical data and philosophical arguments with the intention of informing public policy and public deliberation. Scholars as well as graduate and undergraduate students are certain to find it useful in their research.