The Routledge Handbook of Philosophy and Poverty

The Routledge Handbook of Philosophy and Poverty provides an in-depth exploration of the philosophical research on poverty, covering its concepts, theories, ethical aspects, social and political issues, and applied concerns. It offers a comprehensive overview of social science poverty research and serves as a valuable resource for scholars and practitioners working on poverty-related issues.

Format: Hardback
Length: 516 pages
Publication date: 06 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The problem of poverty is a pervasive and profoundly devastating issue that impacts numerous essential aspects of human life, including health, education, political participation, autonomy, and psychological well-being. This complex and multifaceted problem extends across the globe, affecting millions of individuals and communities.

To better understand the philosophical dimensions of poverty, The Routledge Handbook of Philosophy and Poverty offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the current state of research in this field. Comprising 39 chapters organized into five thematic sections, the handbook provides a comprehensive overview of philosophical perspectives on poverty.

The first section, "Concepts, Theories, and Philosophical Aspects of Poverty Research," delves into the theoretical frameworks and philosophical considerations that shape our understanding of poverty. Chapters in this section examine the various definitions and interpretations of poverty, explore the ethical implications of poverty, and examine the relationship between poverty and other social phenomena such as inequality, discrimination, and social exclusion.

The second section, "Poverty in the History of Western Philosophy and Philosophical Traditions," explores the historical and philosophical perspectives on poverty within Western philosophical thought. Chapters in this section examine the contributions of ancient Greek philosophers, such as Plato and Aristotle, to our understanding of poverty, as well as the influence of Christian philosophy on poverty in the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

The third section, "Poverty in Non-Western Philosophical Thought," explores the philosophical perspectives on poverty from non-Western philosophical traditions. Chapters in this section examine the insights of Indian philosophers, such as Gandhi and Tagore, on poverty and social justice, as well as the perspectives of African philosophers, such as Nkrumah and Fanon, on the intersection of poverty, colonialism, and liberation.

The fourth section, "Key Ethical Concepts and Poverty," examines the ethical dimensions of poverty and the responsibilities of individuals, communities, and institutions towards those in extreme poverty. Chapters in this section explore issues such as the moral wrong of poverty, the rights and dignity of the poor, and the role of social welfare policies and interventions in addressing poverty.

The fifth section, "Social and Political Issues," addresses the social and political factors that contribute to poverty and the challenges faced by individuals and communities living in poverty. Chapters in this section examine issues such as gender inequality, race discrimination, education disparities, migration, and climate change, and explore the ways in which these issues intersect with poverty and exacerbate its effects.

In addition to its theoretical and philosophical contributions, The Routledge Handbook of Philosophy and Poverty also features perspectives on poverty from the history of Western philosophy and non-Western views that explore issues unique to the Global South. These perspectives provide valuable insights into the diverse experiences and challenges faced by individuals and communities living in poverty across different regions of the world.

Furthermore, the chapters in the first part of the handbook provide an overview of the most important aspects of social science poverty research, which serves as an excellent resource for philosophers and philosophy students unfamiliar with how poverty is empirically researched in practice. This section provides a foundation for those interested in further exploring the empirical dimensions of poverty and the ways in which social science research can contribute to our understanding of this complex problem.

Overall, The Routledge Handbook of Philosophy and Poverty is an essential resource for students and researchers in philosophy, political science, sociology, development studies, and public policy who are working on poverty. By presenting a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the philosophical dimensions of poverty, the handbook contributes to our understanding of this complex problem and provides valuable insights into the ethical, social, and political issues that surround it.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367750992