Affirmative Action and Racial Preferences: A Debate - Couverture rigide

Cohen, Carl

Couverture rigide

ISBN 10 : 0195148940 ISBN 13 : 9780195148947

Editeur : Oxford University Press Inc, 2003

Synopsis

Racial preferences are among the most contentious issues in our society, touching on fundamental questions of fairness and the proper role of racial categories in government action. Now two contemporary philosophers, in a lively debate, lay out the arguments on each side. Carl Cohen, a key figure in the University of Michigan Supreme Court cases, argues that racial preferences are morally wrong-forbidden by the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, and explicitly banned by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. He also contends that such preferences harm society in general, damage the universities that use them, and undermine the minorities they were intended to serve. James P. Sterba counters that, far from being banned by the Constitution and the civil rights acts, affirmative action is actually mandated by law in the pursuit of a society that is racially and sexually just. The same Congress that adopted the 14th Amendment, he notes, passed race-specific laws that extended aid to blacks. Indeed, there are various kinds of affirmative action-compensation for past discrimination, remedial measures aimed at current discrimination, the guarantee of diversity-and Sterba reviews the Supreme Court cases that build a constitutional foundation for each. Affirmative action, he argues, favors qualified minority candidates, not unqualified ones. Both authors offer concluding comment on the University of Michigan cases decided in 2003. Half a century after Brown v. Board of Education, issues pertaining to racial discrimination continue to grip American society. This penetrating debate explores the philosophical and legal arguments on all sides of affirmative action, but also reveals the passions that drive the issue to the forefront of public life.

A propos du livre

Présentation de l'éditeur

Cohen and Sterba, two contemporary philosophers in sharp opposition, debate the value of affirmative action and racial preference. They defend thier views with analysis and commentay on landmark cases - including the most recent decisions of the United States Supreme Court and the current University of Michigan admissions cases, Gratz and Grutter.

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Oxford University Press Inc
• Date d'édition: 2003
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 0195148940
• ISBN 13: 9780195148947
• Reliure: Relié
• Nombre de pages: 410
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
• Personne responsable: non disponible