Do philosophers have a responsibility to their society that is distinct from their responsibility to it as citizens? This edited volume explores both what type of contribution philosophy can make and what type of reasoning is appropriate when addressing public matters now. These questions are posed by leading international scholars working in the fields of moral and political philosophy. Each contribution also investigates the central issue of how to combine critical, rational analysis with a commitment to politically relevant public engagement. The contributions to this volume analyse issues raised in practical ethics, including abortion, embryology, and assisted suicide. They consider the role of ethical commitment in the philosophical analysis of contemporary political issues, and engage with matters of public policy such as poverty, the arts, meaningful work, as well as the evidence base for policy. They also examine the normative legitimacy of power, including the use of violence.
"With Philosophy and Political Engagement: Reflection in the Public Sphere, Allyn Fives and Keith Breen present to us ? a timely and impressive set of reflections upon the practical and political role for philosophy and ethics both within and beyond the campus bounds. ? No doubt this volume will be of interest to students and scholars in the fields of philosophy (both analytic and continental), social and political theory and the humanities and social sciences more broadly." (Liam Farrell, Ethical Theory and Moral Practice, Vol. 21 (94), 2018)
