Ethics for Disaster

Naomi Zack

doi:10.5771/9780742564961

Summary

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..

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Bibliographic data

Edition: 1/2009
Copyright Year: 2009
ISBN-Print: 978-0-7425-6494-7
ISBN-Online: 978-0-7425-6496-1
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield, Lanham
Language: English
Pages: 144
Product Type: Monograph

1. Contents No access
2. Preface to the Paperback Edition No access
3. Preface No access
4. Acknowledgments No access
Introduction and Overview of the Chapters No access Pages 1 - 10
1. Chapter 01. Disaster Planning: Is Saving the Greatest Number Best? No access
2. Chapter 02. Lifeboat Ethics and Disaster: Should We Blow Up the Fat Man? No access
3. Chapter 03. Virtues for Disaster: Mitch Rapp and Ernest Shackleton No access
1. Chapter 04. The Social Contract: Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Art Spiegelman No access
2. Chapter 05. Public Policy: Snakes on a Plane, Fire in the Pentagon, and Disaster Rights No access
3. Chapter 06. The Disadvantaged and Disaster: Hurricane Katrina No access
Conclusion: A Code of Ethics for Disaster, Its Implications, and the Water Crisis No access Pages 125 - 132
Select Bibliography No access Pages 133 - 138
Index No access Pages 139 - 142
About the Author No access Pages 143 - 144