In Works Righteousness, Anna L. Peterson examines the place of practice in contemporary ethical theory. Peterson argues that rather than assuming that pre-established moral ideas guide action, ethicists should acknowledge and explore the relationship between ideas, actions, and results. Both an analysis of alternative models in which practice plays a stronger role and an argument for taking practice more seriously in broad questions of ethics as well as in concrete case studies, Works Righteousness contends that what we do generates and alters our values, just as often as expressed values motivate or guide the ways we act. Peterson here challenges prevailing philosophical and religious theories that ideas are what truly matter, underlining the value of attention to people's concrete experiences and highlighting the relevance of theoretical insights to contemporary social issues such as climate change, euthanasia, and hate speech. Through examinations of pragmatism, Marxism, and religious pacifism, all of which significantly highlight a practice-focused approach, Works Righteousness addresses the way social structures condition moral ideas and actions, the dangers of thinking about moral problems as polarized dilemmas, and the complex mutual shaping of ideas and actions.

About the Author
Anna L. Peterson is a professor in the Department of Religion at the University of Florida. She received her AB from the University of California at Berkeley and her PhD from the University of Chicago Divinity School. Her research and teaching interests include social and environmental ethics, animal studies, and religion and social change.

Reviews
This rich, informative book constructs a practice-based ethics through a critique of what Peterson calls hegemonic idealism, ethics focused exclusively on evidential grounding, individual choice, and procedural reflection ... In an accessible, didactic manner, Peterson approaches her critique and construction with appreciation and sensitivity to the contexts and developments of religious and philosophic thought ... an engaging practice in ethical reflection. * A. Kerr, CHOICE *
Theologically informed and philosophically astute, Anna Peterson develops a practice-based ethical theory that discloses the centrality of the embodied imagination for human life and action. She develops her distinctive argument through a critical review of the contributions and shortcomings of virtually every theoretical alternative. A timely analysis of urgent ethical dilemmas, Works Righteousness deserves serious consideration and extensive debate. * Mark C. Taylor, Professor of Religion, Columbia University *
Both a compelling advance in the field of ethics and an outstanding classroom resource, this book is an eminently convincing map of the multilateral relationship between practices and ethics. Anna Peterson applies her gift for narrative analytic prose to articulate the limitations of a one-way street approach to ethics that moves outward from ideas to actions - and develops new intellectual resources to provide a compelling alternative that gives practice its due. * Donovan Schaefer, author of Religious Affects: Animality, Evolution, and Power *
Anna Peterson draws on the ethical wisdom of the past and extends its guidance with creativity and rigor, offering a practice-based approach to ethics that can help us engage deeply and creatively with the most essential ethical and political challenges of our time -economic justice, religious pacifism, rising white nationalism, euthanasia, and human- induced climate change. She challenges us to work collectively to open our hearts to the suffering of others and our minds to new possibilities of expansive justice and collective flourishing. * Sharon D. Welch, author of After the Protests Are Heard: Enacting Civic Engagement and Social Transformation *



Book Information
ISBN 9780197532232
Author Anna L. Peterson
Format Hardback
Page Count 264
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 522g
Dimensions(mm) 160mm * 239mm * 25mm