Stephen Kershnar is professor of philosophy at the State University of New York at Fredonia and is also an attorney.

Kershnar’s challenge of these current practices is timely, topical, and of great practical importance given that the practices he criticizes will, if he is right, have pernicious political consequences. His tightly argued, rigorous, and admirably lucid and readable book is an excellent example of what applied philosophy should be.

• Chapter 1: The American People are Very Grateful to VeteransChapter 2: Collective GratitudeChapter 3: We Should Not Be Very Grateful to VeteransChapter 4: We Should Not Be Very Grateful to DrafteesChapter 5: Against the DraftChapter 6: In the Future, U.S. Citizens Should Avoid Being Grateful to VeteransChapter 7: The Duty to Obey Military Orders is Surprisingly WeakChapter 8: Lacking Gratitude and VirtueAppendix 1: Why it is Bad to be Very Grateful to Someone Who Does Not Merit ItAppendix 2: Gratitude Toward the State Should Flow Through to the MilitaryAppendix 3: Some Colleagues’ Objections

Stephen Kershnar is professor of philosophy at the State University of New York at Fredonia and is also an attorney.

Kershnar’s challenge of these current practices is timely, topical, and of great practical importance given that the practices he criticizes will, if he is right, have pernicious political consequences. His tightly argued, rigorous, and admirably lucid and readable book is an excellent example of what applied philosophy should be.

• Chapter 1: The American People are Very Grateful to VeteransChapter 2: Collective GratitudeChapter 3: We Should Not Be Very Grateful to VeteransChapter 4: We Should Not Be Very Grateful to DrafteesChapter 5: Against the DraftChapter 6: In the Future, U.S. Citizens Should Avoid Being Grateful to VeteransChapter 7: The Duty to Obey Military Orders is Surprisingly WeakChapter 8: Lacking Gratitude and VirtueAppendix 1: Why it is Bad to be Very Grateful to Someone Who Does Not Merit ItAppendix 2: Gratitude Toward the State Should Flow Through to the MilitaryAppendix 3: Some Colleagues’ Objections