Stephen Kershnar Livres

The book presents a philosophical critique of preferential treatment programs and reparations for slavery, arguing they are unjust. Kershnar asserts that resources should be allocated based on current abilities rather than historical injustices. He contends that since both victims and perpetrators of slavery are deceased, modern claims for compensation are unfounded. Furthermore, he argues that the existence of individuals today is a result of past events, complicating any claims for reparations. Lastly, he highlights the difficulties in accurately determining compensation amounts due to various factors.

The book explores two contrasting theories of punishment: consequentialism and retributivism. It examines how punishment can serve practical purposes such as deterrence, incapacitation, and rehabilitation, while also delving into the retributivist perspective that emphasizes punishment as a moral response to wrongdoing, independent of its outcomes. Through this analysis, the text invites readers to consider the ethical implications and justifications for punishment in the justice system.

The book explores the complex philosophical dimensions of adult-child sexual relationships and pedophilia, examining the ethical implications and societal perceptions surrounding these topics. It critically analyzes legal frameworks and suggests how laws might adapt in response to the philosophical insights discussed. Through this examination, the author aims to provoke thought on the moral considerations and legal responses to such sensitive issues.

The book explores the concept of desert, linking it to virtue, moral responsibility, and personal growth. Stephen Kershnar argues that desert is fundamentally tied to well-being and intrinsic value, with a focus on how an individual's character and actions serve as the foundation for what they deserve. Through this examination, the work delves into the complexities of moral judgment and the implications for understanding human behavior and ethics.

The book explores the application of basic principles of applied ethics, leading to unexpected and often unpopular conclusions. Focusing on the contentious topics of sex, discrimination, and violence, it challenges conventional beliefs and provokes critical discussions among readers. Kershnar's investigation encourages a deeper examination of ethical dilemmas, making it a thought-provoking read for those interested in moral philosophy and societal norms.

Challenging conventional beliefs about morality, the book posits that the concept of desert—what individuals deserve—shapes our understanding of key life aspects like love, punishment, and work. By asserting that no one truly deserves anything, it questions the validity of both general and specific claims of entitlement, inviting readers to reconsider their moral frameworks and societal norms.

Challenging the prevalent societal reverence for veterans, the book presents a philosophical argument questioning the gratitude Americans feel toward them. Stephen Kershnar explores the reasons behind this counterintuitive stance, suggesting that the traditional celebrations and memorials may not align with a critical understanding of veterans' roles and contributions. The work invites readers to reconsider the implications of their gratitude and the narratives surrounding military service in American culture.

The book presents a controversial exploration of the justification of torture in various theoretical contexts, such as defense, punishment, and consensual scenarios. Stephen Kershnar examines real-world cases, suggesting that there are plausible situations where torture may be deemed acceptable. Through his analysis, he challenges prevailing moral views and encourages a critical discussion on the ethics surrounding torture.

This book argues that there is no morality and that people are not morally responsible for what they do. In particular, it argues that what people do is neither right nor wrong and that they are neither praiseworthy nor blameworthy for doing it. Morality and moral responsibility lie at the heart of how we view the world. In our daily life, we feel that people act rightly or wrongly, make the world better or worse, and are virtuous or vicious. These policies are central to our justifying how we see the world and treat others. In this book, the author argues that our views on these matters are false. He presents a series of arguments that threaten to undermine our theoretical and practical worldviews. The philosophical costs of denying moral responsibility and morality are enormous. It does violence to philosophical positions that many people took a lifetime to develop. Worse, it does violence to our everyday view of people. A host of concepts that we rely on daily (praiseworthy, blameworthy, desert, virtue, right, wrong, good, bad, etc.) fail to refer to any property in the world and are thus deeply mistaken. This book is of interest to philosophers, lawyers, and humanities professors as well as people interested in morality, law, religion, and public policy.