Description
Book Synopsis: How can we distinguish between injustice and misfortune? What can we learn from the victims of calamity about the sense of injustice they harbor? In this book a distinguished political theorist ponders these and other questions and formulates a new political and moral theory of injustice that encompasses not only deliberate acts of cruelty or unfairness but also indifference to such acts. Judith N. Shklar draws on the writings of Plato, Augustine, and Montaigne, three skeptics who gave the theory of injustice its main structure and intellectual force, as well as on political theory, history, social psychology, and literature from sources as diverse as Rosseau, Dickens, Hardy, and E. L. Doctorow. Shklar argues that we cannot set rigid rules to distinguish instances of misfortune from injustice, as most theories of justice would have us do, for such definitions would not take into account historical variability and differences in perception and interest between the victims and spectators. From the victim's point of view—whether it be one who suffered in an earthquake or as a result of social discrimination—the full definition of injustice must include not only the immediate cause of disaster but also our refusal to prevent and then to mitigate the damage, or what Shklar calls passive injustice. With this broader definition comes a call for greater responsibility from both citizens and public servants. When we attempt to make political decisions about what to do in specific instances of injustice, says Shklar, we must give the victim's voice its full weight. This is in keeping with the best impulses of democracy and is our only alternative to a complacency that is bound to favor the unjust.
Details
Are you looking for a thought-provoking and insightful read? Look no further than "The Faces of Injustice" from The Storrs Lectures Series. In this captivating book, distinguished political theorist Judith N. Shklar delves into the complex topics of injustice and misfortune. Drawing on the writings of Plato, Augustine, and Montaigne, Shklar presents a fresh perspective on the theory of injustice, encompassing deliberate acts of cruelty, unfairness, and even indifference to such acts.
What sets "The Faces of Injustice" apart is its exploration of the victim's perspective. Shklar emphasizes that rigid rules fail to distinguish misfortune from injustice, as they disregard historical variability and the differing perceptions and interests of both victims and onlookers. Whether it's an individual affected by a natural disaster or a victim of social discrimination, the definition of injustice must encompass not only the immediate cause but also our failure to prevent and mitigate such damage, which Shklar terms as passive injustice.
Inspired by the principles of democracy, Shklar calls for greater responsibility from both citizens and public servants when addressing instances of injustice. This book will challenge your understanding of justice, urging you to consider the victim's voice as a crucial factor in decision-making. By giving weight to the victims' experiences, we can combat complacency and promote a fairer society.
Don't miss out on this intellectually stimulating masterpiece. Buy "The Faces of Injustice" now and join in the conversation on redefining justice. Together, let's cultivate a society that values equality and works towards preventing and rectifying acts of injustice.
Click here to grab your copy of "The Faces of Injustice" and embark on a transformative journey towards a more just and compassionate world.
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