G. John M. Abbarno - Böcker

The essays in this book range broadly over different aspects of value theory and include contributions by Nicholas Rescher, Frances Kamm, Barry Smith, and Jan Narveson. Portions examine the theoretical foundations of values and valuation exploring the rational groundwork for judgments. Other aspects, appealing to value distinctions of inherent, intrinsic, and instrumental, drawn most notably by C. I. Lewis, bring to light matters of aesthetic, social political, ethical, and ontological issues. Throughout Inherent and Instrumental Values, the authors address questions assessing the intrinsic worth of utility of actions and whether manual or professional labor can hold an equal value rating and the implications of this assessment. In other portions of the anthology, authors explore the extent to which such value categories above help clarify and assess moral issues we encounter in everyday life. Among some analyzed in this book are racism and affirmative action, abortion, euthanasia, homelessness, care, and friendship. The theme of the nature of value and the role of valuation we encounter in the days of our life, provide a basis for examining other aspects of axiology that lie beyond the scope of this work.

This new and expanded edition of G. John M. Abbarno’s anthology The Ethics of Homelessness underscores what is ignored in plain sight: people without a home or dwelling are also without privacy and dignity. It is argued that they lack moral standing. The chapters uncover the harsh realities of poverty where economic value overrides competing human values. Naomi Zack argues that homelessness is symbolic of society’s materialistic values. It has a tendency to resist sufficient charity and perpetuates conditions of injustice. Uma Narayan questions whether the homeless have protection under the U.S. Constitution. Other authors present an enlarged sphere of homeless to include runaway children, refugees, adoptees and the disabled. The book demonstrates the value of applied philosophy.