Ethics for Disaster
By (author) Naomi Zack Lehman College, CUNY
Publication date:
16 May 2009Length of book:
164 pagesPublisher
Rowman & Littlefield PublishersDimensions:
240x162mm6x9"
ISBN-13: 9780742564947
Ethics for Disaster addresses the moral aspects of hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, plane crashes, Avian Flu pandemics, and other disasters. Naomi Zack explores how these catastrophes illuminate the existing inequalities in society. By employing the moral systems of utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics to analyze the consequences of recent natural disasters, Zack reveals the special plight of the poor, disabled, and infirm when tragedy strikes.
Zack explores the political foundations of social contract theory and dignitarianism and invites readers to rethink the distinction between risk in normal times and risk in disaster. Using both real life and fictional examples, Zack forcefully argues for the preservation of normal moral principles in times of national crisis and emergency, stressing the moral obligation of both individuals and government in preparing for and responding to disaster..
Zack explores the political foundations of social contract theory and dignitarianism and invites readers to rethink the distinction between risk in normal times and risk in disaster. Using both real life and fictional examples, Zack forcefully argues for the preservation of normal moral principles in times of national crisis and emergency, stressing the moral obligation of both individuals and government in preparing for and responding to disaster..
Naomi Zack's Ethics for Disaster is, in fact, about a lot more than the ethics of disasters-she also covers important parts of the political philosophy of disasters and their management. Her dedication to the situation of the disadvantaged in disasters and her meticulous analysis of it is admirable. Zack's focus is on disaster preparation, a subject sometimes overlooked in this discussion. The book is very accessible and includes insightful comments on lessons to be learned from literature and popular culture. This is highly commendable in a book whose subject matter will be of interest to many readers outside the academic community.