The Routledge Handbook of Philosophy of Responsibility

The Routledge Handbook of Philosophy of Responsibility is a comprehensive and insightful guide to the philosophical inquiry of responsibility, covering topics such as free will, moral agency, and social, institutional, and legal contexts. It is divided into three parts and includes suggestions for further reading.

Format: Hardback
Length: 530 pages
Publication date: 07 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The philosophical study of responsibility is a rapidly expanding and significant field that encompasses a wide range of inquiries. It delves into fundamental questions about free will and moral agency, while also addressing various challenges that arise in the social, institutional, and legal contexts in which individuals are held accountable. The Routledge Handbook of Philosophy of Responsibility is an exceptional resource that provides a comprehensive survey and exploration of these complex issues. Comprising forty-one chapters written by an international team of contributors, the Handbook is organized into three distinct parts: history, theory, and practice of responsibility. Within these sections, the following key topics are examined in depth:

Responsibility and Wrongdoing: This section explores the nature and definition of responsibility, as well as the relationship between responsibility and wrongdoing. It examines the concepts of moral responsibility, legal responsibility, and ethical responsibility, and investigates the factors that contribute to or mitigate wrongdoing.

Responsibility and Determinism: This section examines the interplay between responsibility and determinism. It explores the question of whether individuals are ultimately responsible for their actions and decisions, or whether external factors, such as genetics, environment, or luck, play a greater role. It also examines the implications of determinism for the concept of free will and moral agency.

The Scope of Responsibility: This section examines the extent to which individuals are responsible for their actions and decisions. It explores the boundaries of responsibility, such as when individuals are held accountable for the actions of others or for the consequences of their actions in a broader social or institutional context. It also examines the concept of shared responsibility and the responsibilities of individuals within society.

The Responsibility of Individuals Within Society: This section explores the responsibilities of individuals within society. It examines the role of individuals in promoting social justice, addressing social inequality, and promoting the well-being of others. It also investigates the responsibilities of individuals in responding to emergencies, such as natural disasters or acts of violence, and the ethical considerations involved in such situations.

The Concepts of Responsibility: This section examines the various concepts of responsibility, such as moral responsibility, legal responsibility, and ethical responsibility. It explores the differences between these concepts and investigates the criteria that determine whether an individual is responsible for their actions or decisions. It also examines the ethical implications of different concepts of responsibility.

The Conditions and Challenges of Responsibility: This section examines the conditions and challenges that arise in the practice of responsibility. It explores the factors that hinder individuals from taking responsibility for their actions and decisions, such as fear, self-interest, or societal pressures. It also examines the ethical challenges that arise in situations where individuals are held responsible for the actions of others or for the consequences of their actions in a broader social or institutional context.

The Practices of Being and Holding Responsible: This section explores the practices of being and holding responsible. It examines the ways in which individuals can develop and exercise their responsibility, such as through self-reflection, empathy, and taking action to address social or environmental issues. It also investigates the practices of holding others responsible, such as through legal or disciplinary mechanisms.

The Ethics and Politics of Responsibility: This section examines the ethical and political dimensions of responsibility. It explores the relationship between responsibility and power, as well as the ethical implications of different approaches to responsibility. It also investigates the role of responsibility in shaping public policy and social change.

Responsibility in the Law: This section examines the role of responsibility in the legal system. It explores the legal concepts of responsibility, such as negligence, causation, and vicarious liability, and investigates the ethical and legal considerations involved in these concepts. It also examines the responsibilities of legal professionals, such as lawyers and judges, in promoting justice and ensuring that individuals are held accountable for their actions.

Including suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter, The Routledge Handbook of Philosophy of Responsibility provides an invaluable guide to the topic. It is an essential resource for students and researchers in philosophy and applied ethics, as well as for those in related fields such as politics, law, and policymaking. By exploring the complexities and nuances of responsibility, this Handbook provides a deeper understanding of the ethical and social implications of our actions and decisions, and offers insights into the ways in which we can cultivate a more responsible and ethical society.

Weight: 1170g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032252391