The Fair Society: The Science of Human Nature and the Pursuit of Social Justice

by Peter Corning

Overview

We’ve been told, again and again, that life is unfair. But what if we’re wrong simply to resign ourselves to this situation? What if we have the power—and more, the duty—to change society for the better?

We do. And our very nature inclines us to do so. That’s the provocative argument Peter Corning makes in The Fair Society. Drawing on the evidence from our evolutionary history and the emergent science of human nature, Corning shows that we have an innate sense of fairness. While these impulses can easily be subverted by greed and demagoguery, they can also be harnessed for good. Corning brings together the latest findings from the behavioral and biological sciences to help us understand how to move beyond the Madoffs and Enrons in our midst in order to lay the foundation for a new social contract—a Biosocial Contract built on a deep understanding of human nature and a commitment to fairness. He then proposes a sweeping set of economic and political reforms based on three principles of fairness—equality, equity, and reciprocity—that together could transform our society and our world.

At this crisis point for capitalism, Corning reveals that the proper response to bank bailouts and financial chicanery isn’t to get mad—it’s to get fair.

 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780226116303
Publisher:	University of Chicago Press
Publication date:	03/01/2011
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	256
File size:	396 KB

About the Author

Peter Corning is the director of the Institute for the Study of Complex Systems, a one-time writer for Newsweek and professor at Stanford University, and the author of several books.

Table of Contents

Preface

1 Life Is Unfair

2 The Idea of Fairness

3 A Brief History of (Un)Fairness

4 Fairness and the Science of Human Nature

5 Human Nature and Our Basic Needs

6 Why Capitalism and Socialism Are Unfair

7 Toward a Biosocial Contract

8 The Future of Fairness: The Fair Society

Epilogue: What Can I Do?

Notes

References

Index

Editorial Reviews

"Thoughtful, provocative. . . . Strongly grounded in evolutionary theory but scornful of the 'selfish gene' hypothesis that says we are solely driven by individual self-interest. . . . Serves as a highly effective counterweight to both leftist dogma and the Ayn Rand doctrine that has recently infested conservative thought."

Miller-McCune

Peter Corning paints a compelling picture of the excessive inequalities of income, wealth, and power in American society, and the damage they cause. More importantly, he makes a strong case for fairness—arguing that equality, equity, and reciprocity are central to humanity's social needs and collective flourishing.”

Kate Pickett

"Much of what Corning has written is both important and accurate. . . . It is an edifying book. . . . I admire Corning's attempt to develop a normative theory of justice that is 'built on an empirical foundation.' . . . One hopes that those who wish to occupy places of power on behalf of the 99 percent will heed Corning's sage advice about what to do and—just as important—what not to do in planning for a better, more just society."

John T. Jostn Scientist

Once again Peter Corning has produced a book that is engaging as well as intellectually solid. Corning's integration of the topics of human nature and social justice could not be more timely. The Fair Society is a must read for anyone interested in a science-based approach to fairness and sustainability.”

John M. Gowdy

"Much of what Corning has written is both important and accurate. . . . It is an edifying book. . . . I admire Corning's attempt to develop a normative theory of justice that is 'built on an empirical foundation.' . . . One hopes that those who wish to occupy places of power on behalf of the 99 percent will heed Corning's sage advice about what to do and—just as important—what not to do in planning for a better, more just society."

American Scientist - John T. Jost