Morality, Leadership, and Public Policy On Experimentalism in Ethics

'If there was ever any doubt that philosophy belongs to the real world - in the realm of legislatures and leadership - Weber's book lays it to rest. By a marvelously rich development of the pragmatic experimental method, the author shows how philosophy can make central contributions to dealing with some of our most vexing moral problems. Lucid thinking and accessible style make the book's lasting insights unmistakable. A must-read for both philosophers and community leaders.' - John Lachs, Centennial Professor of Philosophy, Vanderbilt University, USA 'I cannot urge strongly enough the consideration of this ingenious, well-written study for inclusion in the policy curriculum. We seldom have a book that is both original and practical, and this work is both. We have a major problem in the world today, a shortfall in ethical understanding that is producing dire consequences for every level of government. We need to spark interest in the ethical dimensions of policy studies, and Professor Weber has provided us with both the spark and the tinder. I will make good use of his study, and hope others will too.' - Paul Rich, President, Policy Studies Organization 'Eric Weber has written a much-needed book. Many commentators lament the prevalence of ideological rigidity in American politics. At the same time, defenders of ideological rigidity often defend rigidity as a consequence of a genuinely "ethical" approach to the great issues of public policy. They often equate compromise with ethical weakness. In Morality, Leadership and Public Policy, Weber convincingly refutes any notion that ethical leadership need be dogmatic by appealing to the most genuinely American of philosophical traditions. Weber's book shows great sensitivity to both the complexity of public policy formation and to the subtleties of philosophical ethics. His book deserves to be read by both policy makers and philosophers.' - David Shrader, Executive Director, The American Philosophical Association The book leaves...positive impressions, especially for those working in the area of public policy... Throughout the book, Weber provides those in the area of public policy and leadership with an approach (experimentalism) that will allow them to reach different conclusions... What is also fascinating is the way in which he deals with areas that are seen as somewhat 'out of the box' when it comes to public policy and morality as a study under philosophy... The author has articulated his point clearly. -- Eugene Baron, University of the Western Cape Ethical Perspectives