Ethics for Disaster

By Naomi Zack

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..

• Language: English
• Publisher: RowmanLittlefield
• Release date: Jun 16, 2009
• ISBN: 9780742564961

Naomi Zack

Naomi Zack is a professor of philosophy at the University of Oregon. She is author of White Privilege and Black Rights: The Injustice of U.S. Police Racial Profiling and Homicide (R&L 2015), The Ethics and Mores of Race: Equality after the History of Philosophy (R&L 2011), Ethics for Disaster (R&L 2009), and Philosophy of Science and Race (Routledge 2002).

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