Philosophy and political engagement: reflection in the public sphere

Dophilosophers have a responsibility to their society that is distinct from theirresponsibility to it as citizens? This edited volume explores both what type ofcontribution philosophy can make and what type of reasoning is appropriate whenaddressing public matters now. These questions are posed by leadinginternational scholars working in the fields of moral and political philosophy.Each contribution also investigates the central issue of how to combinecritical, rational analysis with a commitment to politically relevant publicengagement. The contributions to this volume analyse issues raised inpractical ethics, including abortion, embryology, and assisted suicide. Theyconsider the role of ethical commitment in the philosophical analysis ofcontemporary political issues, and engage with matters of public policy such aspoverty, the arts, meaningful work, as well as the evidence base for policy.They also examine the normative legitimacy of power, including the use ofviolence.