A Grammar of the Common Good: Speaking of Globalization

(Hardback)

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Globalization: the catch-all term used to refer to a complex reality whereby humanity faces global challenges to do with a shared environment - global warming, a global economic order in the absence of significant global governance, international institutions which lack independence from the member states which comprise them, and the possibility of violence, whether using a car- or plane-bomb or nuclear weapons, in the name of whatever cause. Such realities raise major questions about the intellectual and moral resources available to humanity to deal with the challenges posed, and the topic of the common good has enjoyed an explosion of interest recently in various disciplines and in different areas of life. Patrick Riordan's timely study analyzes the concept of the common good as it is used in debates within political philosophy, economics, theology and most recently globalization, clarifying distinctions in definition and offering clarity and precision for a common language appropriate to debates on globalization.

Reviews

This wise and timely book is a rich resource of ideas about how to apply Aristotelian ethics to modern society and modern life.' Timothy Chappell, Professor of Philosophy, The Open University, UK
Patrick Riordan has tackled an important and neglected task: that of sorting out the various things that might be meant in speaking of 'the common good'. His interesting and well-informed survey combines historical, analytical and applied enquiries, and the result is an informative and stimulating discussion. Anyone interested in the concept of the common good, and the potential for its deployment will certainly profit from reading this book. It also serves as an excellent introduction to the field.' Professor John Haldane, Director, Centre for Ethics, Philosophy and Public Affairs, University of St Andrews, UK
"Through conversation with major philosophical, political, economic, and religious thinkers of past and present, Riordan shows that pursuit of the common good is itself like a conversation - an open-ended project essential to a humane future for our globalizing world. The book makes a valuable contribution to this ongoing effort." David Hollenbach, University Chair in Human Rights and International Justice, Boston College, USA
"A Grammar of the Common Good is essential background reading for us all in the Church." - Thinking Faith: The Online Journal of the British Jesuits
Mention -Book News, November 2008

Author Bio

Patrick Riordan is Lecturer in Political Philosophy at Heythrop College, University of London, UK. He is a member of the Heythrop Institute: Religion & Society. His previous publications include A Grammar of the Common Good: Speaking of Globalization (Continuum, 2008).