The Ethics of Affirmative Action (Hardcover)

The topic of affirmative action has long been one of the most complex and contentious issues in modern public discourse, touching on themes of justice, equality, race, and socioeconomic disparity. This new book provides a comprehensive philosophical examination of affirmative action by exploring its ethical, metaphysical, epistemological, and axiological dimensions. By delving into these varied frameworks, the author offers a balanced, thoughtful analysis of the arguments both for and against affirmative action.

The chapters in this book examine affirmative action through multiple lenses, including the historical injustices that necessitate it, the forward-looking benefits it brings to societies, and the backward-looking duty of redressing past wrongs. Also examined are philosophical positions that challenge the ethical basis of affirmative action, giving attention to meritocratic objections and concerns over reverse discrimination.

The author takes a unique approach by meticulously dissecting the multifaceted debate surrounding affirmative action. The books novelty lies in the comprehensive analysis of divergent philosophical perspectives, consolidating arguments for and against this policy. This comprehensive presentation offers a nuanced understanding of the ethical complexities involved, weaving together insights from proponents and critics alike. By synthesizing these diverse viewpoints, the book provides a fresh and holistic view of affirmative actions’ moral implications and societal impact.

The Ethics of Affirmative Action: Balancing Equality and Fairness serves as a valuable resource for academics, researchers, and anyone interested in grappling with the complexities of affirmative action. Its in-depth analysis, comprehensive coverage, and nuanced exploration make it an indispensable contribution to the discourse surrounding equality, justice, and ethical policymaking.

Sooraj Kumar Maurya, PhD, is an accomplished academic in the field of philosophy, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Zakir Husain Delhi College, University of Delhi, India. Dr. Maurya specializes in socio-philosophy, applied ethics, feminism, philosophy of law, and existentialism. His research focuses primarily on the intersection of ethics, justice, and affirmative action within Western philosophy, alongside significant contributions to modern ethical debates related to digital technology, online education, and gender discrimination. A recipient of several awards, including the INDO-ASIAN Excellence Award in Socio-Political Philosophy (2021), Dr. Maurya has also been recognized for his contributions to academic publishing, having served as the Managing Editor of the International Journal of Applied Ethics and authored numerous articles and book chapters published in leading academic journals and books indexed by SCOPUS and Web of Science. Beyond research, Dr. Maurya is deeply involved in academic administration and has contributed significantly to the development of educational practices and faculty development programs at the University of Delhi and Ramanujan College. He has served in various roles, including member of academic supervisory committees, library committees, and as Teacher-in-Charge of the Department of Philosophy. His publications include papers on topics like the philosophy of tourism, digital parenting, and the challenges of replicating human language understanding in artificial intelligence. A highly regarded speaker and organizer, Dr. Maurya has presented papers at international and national conferences and webinars, focusing on contemporary issues such as gender discrimination, the concept of justice, and the impact of digital transformations on education. Dr. Maurya holds a DPhil in Philosophy from the University of Allahabad, where he also earned his MA in Philosophy and BA in Philosophy, English Literature, and Ancient History.