“This is a very solid, well-researched, scholarly book. But don't let that put you off. You may just sort of skim the highlights of the first six chapters, getting the points and letting your eyes skip over all the references to research and to philosophers and all that. Then study the last two chapters very carefully, so as to be ready for the "Epilogue: What Can I Do?" The extensive notes and references at the back of the book are also just for scholars.
If you are a professor of psychology, philosophy, ethics, political science, sociology, maybe anthropology, I recommend you assign this book to your class.
Corning very carefully works out his definitions, makes a case for a rather precise definition of fair society, and then makes specific recommendations on how to achieve a fair society, or at least to make the society we have far more fair than it currently is. He acknowledges the complexity of the reforms needed, spends a good bit of time on the failed economic theories of the past, and argues for what may seem like a common sense, middle of the road approach. Unfortunately, such good sense is no longer the least bit common.
Not only do I recommend this book, but I will probably loan it to Kate Lovelady, my friend who is the leader of the Ethical Society. She's just the sort of person who will know how to use the material best.
The only reason I give it four stars instead of five is that I fear it is a bit too scholarly -- or perhaps I should say academic -- for some readers who would benefit greatly from it. Perhaps someone will produce a documentary of the highlights that can be distributed more widely.”
