Fair Society

The Science of Human Nature and the Pursuit of Social Justice

Corning Peter

We've been told, again and again, that life is unfair. But what if we're wrong simply to resign ourselves to this situation? What if we have the power – and more, the duty – to change society for the better?

We do. And our very nature inclines us to do so. That's the provocative argument Peter Corning makes in "The Fair Society". Drawing on the evidence from our evolutionary history and the emergent science of human nature, Corning shows that we have an innate sense of fairness. While these impulses can easily be subverted by greed and demagoguery, they can also be harnessed for good. Corning brings together the latest findings from the behavioral and biological sciences to help us understand how to move beyond the Madoffs and Enrons in our midst in order to lay the foundation for a new social contract – a Biosocial Contract built on a deep understanding of human nature and a commitment to fairness. He then proposes a sweeping set of economic and political reforms based on three principles of fairness – equality, equity, and reciprocity – that together could transform our society and our world.

At this crisis point for capitalism, Corning reveals that the proper response to bank bailouts and financial chicanery isn't to get mad – it's to get fair.

Reviews

"This important and topical volume is firmly grounded on abundant empirical and theoretical research that underlines the social evolution and cooperative nature of humans. The current economic crisis should prompt us to look for new solutions, and this book outlines an attractive and viable alternative to the flawed economic systems that dominated the twentieth century" – Geoffrey M. Hodgson, author of "The Evolution of Institutional Economics"

"Peter Corning paints a compelling picture of the excessive inequalities of income, wealth, and power in American society, and the damage they cause. More importantly, he makes a strong case for fairness – arguing that equality, equity, and reciprocity are central to humanity's social needs and collective flourishing" – Kate Pickett, co-author of "The Spirit Level: How Greater Equality Makes Societies Stronger"

"Once again Peter Corning has produced a book that is engaging as well as intellectually solid. Corning's integration of the topics of human nature and social justice could not be more timely. 'The Fair Society' is a must read for anyone interested in a science-based approach to fairness and sustainability" – John M. Gowdy, author of "Microeconomics Old and New"

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