The Foundations of Justice: Why the Retarded and the Rest of Us Have Claims to Equality - Hardcover

Veatch, Robert M.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0195040767 ISBN 13: 9780195040760

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1986

Synopsis

As medical and social services become increasingly expensive, the demands of those with severe and uncorrectable handicaps pose an urgent social problem. The immediate question--how finite resources should be allocated, particularly to people with inexhaustible needs and meager capacities for improvement--can only be answered by thoroughly examining current concepts of justice, equality, and social responsibility. Drawing on sociology, philosophy, religion and policy analysis, and supplementing the discussion with actual case studies, Veatch traces the historical origins of our commitment to the disadvantaged, examines how fundamental premises underlying this commitment have been secularized, and explores the limits of rational arguments against those who fail to acknowledge any social obligation. Creating an approach acceptable to both the secular and religious points of view, the author concludes with a cogent argument for prioritizing a commitment to the disadvantaged while recognizing realistic limits to their claims. The Foundations of Justice will interest the medical ethics community and professionals in philosophy, religious studies, medicine and health policy.

About this title

About the Author

Robert M. Veatch, Professor of Medical Ethics, Kennedy Institute of Ethics, Georgetown University, Washington D.C..

Review

"This most ambitious of Veatch's writings is at the same time his most important and controversial work." --Ethics

"A challenge to its audience....Well worth reading."--Hastings Center Report

"The book's strength is its exploration of the secular and religious roots of equality, and the common ground of the two outlooks....Introduces a broad range of views quite well."--John F. Kilner, Asbury Theological Seminary

"An important book, one that is highly recommended . . . It seeks to explicate a theory of justice that will guide us in practical decisions. It provides an excellent opportunity for the reader to reflect not only upon the theoretical understanding of justice and equality but also upon the
extent to which limited resources should be used for those who are disadvantaged. We owe Robert Veatch our gratitude for focusing our attention on such an important task." --Horizons

"This book--a sophisticated plea for equality and justice for those usually ignored or paternalized by health care authorities--ends with a passionate claim: 'The welfare of the retarded and others with handicaps is served in the long run by acknowledging that we are all in some sense equal in
our finitude. . . ' This noble effort at inclusion culminates a text which is thoughtful. . . and provocative"-- Disability Studies Journal

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1986
• ISBN 10: 0195040767
• ISBN 13: 9780195040760
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 224