Ethics and Public Policy: A Philosophical Inquiry

Ethics and Public Policy: A Philosophical Inquiry, second edition, examines important and controversial areas of public policy from a philosophical standpoint, introducing and assessing core problems and controversies. It discusses topics such as animal suffering, gambling limits, drug policy, crime, health care, disability, safety, and the free market. The book includes four new chapters on risky new technologies, the future of work, poverty, and immigration and concludes with lessons for philosophy-making.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 19 August 2019
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Inc

Ethics and Public Policy: A Philosophical Inquiry, second edition delves into significant and contentious domains of public policy, subjecting them to philosophical examination. Renowned philosopher Jonathan Wolff, with extensive experience in public committees, introduces and evaluates fundamental issues and controversies in public policy from a philosophical perspective. The book focuses on key areas of public policy where moral and political disagreements abound. Topics explored include:

Can we justify inflicting suffering on animals in scientific experiments for human benefit?
What boundaries can be set for gambling through legislation?
What assumptions underpin drug policy? Can we justify punishing individuals who engage in actions that harm only themselves?
What are the underlying reasons behind the severity of crime? What is the purpose of punishment?
Other chapters address healthcare, disability, safety, and the free market. Throughout the book, fundamental questions for both philosophers and policymakers resurface: How can philosophy and public policy be effectively connected? Should the consideration of public policy be guided by an ideal world or the world we currently inhabit? If philosophical arguments can be refuted, why are there no "knockdown arguments" in public policy?

Revised to reflect changes in policy and research, this second edition includes four new chapters on risky new technologies, the future of work, poverty, and immigration. Each chapter concludes with "Lessons for Philosophy," making this book an ideal introduction for those new to philosophy, ethics, or public policy, as well as a valuable resource for anyone engaged in the ethical complexities of policy debates.

Weight: 566g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780815356127
Edition number: 2 New edition