About the book
Among the most controversial issues in the United States is the question of whether public or private agencies should adopt preferential treatment programs or be required to pay reparations for slavery. Using a carefully reasoned philosophical approach, Stephen Kershnar argues that programs such as affirmative action and calls for slavery reparations are unjust for three reasons. First, the state has a duty to direct resources to those persons who, through their abilities, will benefit most from them. Second, he argues that, in the case of slavery, past injustice—where both the victims and perpetrators are long dead—cannot ground current claims to compensation. As terrible as slavery was, those who claim a right to compensation today owe their existence to it, he reasons, and since the events that bring about a person's existence are normally thought to be beneficial, past injustices do not warrant compensation. Finally, even if past injustices were allowed to serve as the basis of compensation in the present, other variables prevent a reasonable estimation of the amount owed.
Editions of Justice for the Past
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780791460719
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780791460726
- PDF
- ISBN 9780791485156
Read an Excerpt
Among the most controversial issues in the United States is the question of whether public or private agencies should adopt preferential treatment programs or be required to pay reparations for slavery. Using a carefully reasoned philosophical approach, Stephen Kershnar argues that programs such as affirmative action and calls for slavery reparations are unjust for three reasons. First, the state has a duty to direct resources to those persons who, through their abilities, will benefit most from them. Second, he argues that, in the case of slavery, past injustice—where both the victims and perpetrators are long dead—cannot ground current claims to compensation. As terrible as slavery was, those who claim a right to compensation today owe their existence to it, he reasons, and since the events that bring about a person's existence are normally thought to be beneficial, past injustices do not warrant compensation. Finally, even if past injustices were allowed to serve as the basis of compensation in the present, other variables prevent a reasonable estimation of the amount owed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Justice for the Past about?
Among the most controversial issues in the United States is the question of whether public or private agencies should adopt preferential treatment programs or be required to pay reparations for slavery. Using a carefully reasoned philosophical approach, Stephen Kershnar argues that programs such as affirmative action and calls for slavery reparations are unjust for three reasons. First, the state has a duty to direct resources to those persons who, through their abilities, will benefit most from them. Second, he argues that, in the case of slavery, past injustice—where both the victims and perpetrators are long dead—cannot ground current claims to compensation. As terrible as slavery was, those who claim a right to compensation today owe their existence to it, he reasons, and since the events that bring about a person's existence are normally thought to be beneficial, past injustices do not warrant compensation. Finally, even if past injustices were allowed to serve as the basis of compensation in the present, other variables prevent a reasonable estimation of the amount owed.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Justice for the Past?
Philosophy and Religion > Philosophy
Where can I read a sample of Justice for the Past?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780791460719
How long is Justice for the Past and how many pages does it have?
Justice for the Past has 170 page(s)
Is Justice for the Past part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series SUNY series in American Constitutionalism
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Justice for the Past?
Stephen Kershnar
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Justice for the Past is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780791460719) and paperback(ISBN 9780791460726) and pdf(ISBN 9780791485156)
Where can I buy Justice for the Past online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Justice for the Past from below
Where can I buy Justice for the Past?