A new book by Rebecca Todd Peters, assistant professor of religious studies and Distinguished Emerging Scholar at Elon University, is among the first to explore the ethical implications of globalization. “In Search of the Good Life: The Ethics of Globalization” studies four different ways people look at globalization and discusses how each perspective defines “the good life.” The book is scheduled for release in October.
“This is an important topic because globalization is often confusing,” says Peters. “My experience is that people often talk past each other when they’re discussing globalization. I hope this book will provide the framework for people to engage in dialogue about the merits and pitfalls of globalization.”
Peters identifies and examines four competing theories essential to the issue of globalization: the neo-liberal, development, earthist and post-colonial theories. Peters examines the ideology and moral vision of each theory to uncover its definition of “the good life.”
Peters argues that the different moral visions presented by each theory are not morally equivalent and offers criteria that should guide all people as globalization continues.
“We ought to be thinking about more democracy and more ways of sharing power,” Peters says. “I also believe we should be asking what our purpose in life is and right now, the care of the planet is the most crucial issue facing us.”
“In Search of the Good Life” received the 2003 Trinity Prize as the best scholarly, cross-disciplinary work to present a new perspective on cultural, ethical or religious issues. The award is given annually to a scholar or writer in the early stages of their career.
Peters has been published in a variety of publications on the topics of globalization and women’s issues. She has published “The Future of Globalization: Seeking Pathways of Transformation” in the Journal of the Society of Christian Ethics and co-edited the book “Justice in the Making: Feminist Social Ethics,” a collection of Beverly Harrison’s work to be published later this year.
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