The Ethics of Vulnerability

A Feminist Analysis of Social Life and Practice

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Gender Studies, Feminism & Feminist Theory, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Ethics & Moral Philosophy
Cover of the book The Ethics of Vulnerability by Erinn Gilson, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Erinn Gilson ISBN: 9781135136178
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: December 17, 2013
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Erinn Gilson
ISBN: 9781135136178
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: December 17, 2013
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

As concerns about violence, war, terrorism, sexuality, and embodiment have garnered attention in philosophy, the concept of vulnerability has become a shared reference point in these discussions. As a fundamental part of the human condition, vulnerability has significant ethical import: how one responds to vulnerability matters, whom one conceives as vulnerable and which criteria are used to make such demarcations matters, how one deals with one’s own vulnerability matters, and how one understands the meaning of vulnerability matters. Yet, the meaning of vulnerability is commonly taken for granted and it is assumed that vulnerability is almost exclusively negative, equated with weakness, dependency, powerlessness, deficiency, and passivity. This reductively negative view leads to problematic implications, imperiling ethical responsiveness to vulnerability, and so prevents the concept from possessing the normative value many theorists wish it to have. When vulnerability is regarded as weakness and, concomitantly, invulnerability is prized, attentiveness to one’s own vulnerability and ethical response to vulnerable others remain out of reach goals. Thus, this book critiques the ideal of invulnerability, analyzes the problems that arise from a negative view of vulnerability, and articulates in its stead a non-dualistic concept of vulnerability that can remedy these problems.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

As concerns about violence, war, terrorism, sexuality, and embodiment have garnered attention in philosophy, the concept of vulnerability has become a shared reference point in these discussions. As a fundamental part of the human condition, vulnerability has significant ethical import: how one responds to vulnerability matters, whom one conceives as vulnerable and which criteria are used to make such demarcations matters, how one deals with one’s own vulnerability matters, and how one understands the meaning of vulnerability matters. Yet, the meaning of vulnerability is commonly taken for granted and it is assumed that vulnerability is almost exclusively negative, equated with weakness, dependency, powerlessness, deficiency, and passivity. This reductively negative view leads to problematic implications, imperiling ethical responsiveness to vulnerability, and so prevents the concept from possessing the normative value many theorists wish it to have. When vulnerability is regarded as weakness and, concomitantly, invulnerability is prized, attentiveness to one’s own vulnerability and ethical response to vulnerable others remain out of reach goals. Thus, this book critiques the ideal of invulnerability, analyzes the problems that arise from a negative view of vulnerability, and articulates in its stead a non-dualistic concept of vulnerability that can remedy these problems.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Congress And The Decline Of Public Trust by Erinn Gilson
Cover of the book International Law and Ocean Management by Erinn Gilson
Cover of the book Whose Choice? by Erinn Gilson
Cover of the book The Mystical Gesture: Essays on Medieval and Early Modern Spiritual Culture in Honor of Mary E.Giles by Erinn Gilson
Cover of the book Lutheran Theology and Secular Law by Erinn Gilson
Cover of the book Women Psychotherapists' Reflections on Female Friendships by Erinn Gilson
Cover of the book A Basis for Music Education by Erinn Gilson
Cover of the book Clinician's Guide to the Assessment Checklist Series by Erinn Gilson
Cover of the book An Introduction to Daoist Thought by Erinn Gilson
Cover of the book Japanese Singers of Tales: Ten Centuries of Performed Narrative by Erinn Gilson
Cover of the book Architecture and Justice by Erinn Gilson
Cover of the book Confrontation Talk by Erinn Gilson
Cover of the book Deleuze and Pragmatism by Erinn Gilson
Cover of the book Power, Voice and Subjectivity in Literature for Young Readers by Erinn Gilson
Cover of the book Social Causes of Psychological Distress by Erinn Gilson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy