The Imperative of Responsibility - by Hans Jonas (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A classic work of ethical philosophy that explores our options in an age of devatasting technological change

Hans Jonas here rethinks the foundations of ethics in light of the awesome transformations wrought by modern technology: the threat of nuclear war, ecological ravage, genetic engineering, and the like. Though informed by a deep reverence for human life, Jonas's ethics is grounded not in religion but in metaphysics, in a secular doctrine that makes explicit man's duties toward himself, his posterity, and the environment. Jonas offers an assessment of practical goals under present circumstances, ending with a critique of modern utopianism.

From the Back Cover

Hans Jonas here rethinks the foundations of ethics in light of the awesome transformations wrought by modern technology: the threat of nuclear war, ecological ravage, genetic engineering, and the like. Though informed by a deep reverence for human life, Jonas's ethics is grounded not in religion but in metaphysics, in a secular doctrine that makes explicit man's duties toward himself, his posterity, and the environment. Jonas offers an assessment of practical goals under present circumstances, ending with a critique of modern utopianism.

Review Quotes

"A learned and wise philosopher's prophetic spirit joined with sophisticated rationality--a rare combination in American intellectual life. Where one is not persuaded by him, one is forced to adduce evidences and develop arguments to support a different view."--James M. Gustafson "Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists"

"At a time when the ethical problems connected with technological advance in so many separate fields are forcing themselves to the forefront of attention, it would be difficult to exaggerate the importance of Hans Jonas's closely argued and eloquent book. . . . The Imperative of Responsibility is a brilliant, clearly argued book which penetrates to the heart of the most intractable problems of the modern world. if ethical debate is to contribute anything to man's struggle for survival beyond the present century this is the sort of work we need in order to lay out its necessary agenda. Without illusion or despair, Hans Jonas brings us face to face with the issues on which any possible future depends."--David J. Levy "Times Higher Education Supplement"

"Hans Jonas believes that technological developments are in fact so hostile to our deepest needs, indeed to our future, that we must completely rethink our ethics and ethical responsibilities. this book is not simply a call to heighten our moral sensibilities; it is a plea to change them."
--Robert Grafstein "Christian Century"

About the Author

Hans Jonas was the Alvin Johnson Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at the New School for Social Research. Among his many books are The Phenomenon of Life and Philosophical Essays, both published by the University of Chicago Press.