Publisher's Weekly Review
"My goal in this book is to democratize ethics: to make ethics accessible to people from all backgrounds and all walks of life," writes ethics consultant Liautaud (The Power of Ethics) in her straightforward compendium. The author tackles 71 ethical questions--ranging from "Should you read your child's or teenager's diary or journal?" to "Should robots have rights?"--touching on such topics as family and friends; politics, community, and culture; work; technology; consumer choices; and health. Liautaud gives background for each question and makes the case for opposing viewpoints while refraining from prescribing conclusions. For example, the author asks, "Should we prosecute someone who steals food during a crisis?" and contextualizes the issue by discussing people driven to take food in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina while noting that stealing can hurt those who didn't contribute to the crisis and may themselves be in dire straits. She also poses the question, "Is purchasing organic food and products a more ethical choice?" and observes that while buying organic is more sustainable, it's also more expensive, and many can't afford the cost. Liautaud is admirably agnostic, preferring to show how quandaries can be as helpful as definitive answers. This is a perceptive look at how to better approach thinking about and discussing contemporary dilemmas, whether quotidian or consequential. (Apr.)
Booklist Review
Everyday ethics involves constant decisions. Ethics adviser Liautaud poses more than 70 questions organized by topic, including family and friends, politics, work, technology, consumer choices, and health. Each is followed by an "exploration" section in which she examines potential actions from the viewpoint of those involved in the outcome. Is it your story to tell? How will your actions affect those involved? What if it were you? Some of the situations are easy: Should you return too much change to a cashier? Most are more difficult: Should you always speak up against racism? Are you obliged to donate to a homeless man? Should the country mandate voting? Do robots have rights? There is much here to prompt thought and debate. These aren't "yes" and "no" questions, and Liautaud doesn't pretend to have all the answers. What she does do is offer objective ways to look at the dilemmas and the results of our actions. The author reminds us that even the smallest ethical choices are important and that ethics and their absence are contagious. This is sure to spark discussion.