The Fair Society
The Science of Human Nature and the Pursuit of Social Justice
- Contents
- Review Quotes

Preface
1 Life Is Unfair
2 The Idea of Fairness
3 A Brief History of (Un)Fairness
4 Fairness and the Science of Human Nature
5 Human Nature and Our Basic Needs
6 Why Capitalism and Socialism Are Unfair
7 Toward a Biosocial Contract
8 The Future of Fairness: The Fair Society
Epilogue: What Can I Do?
Notes
References
Index“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.”
“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.”
"Thoughtful, provocative. . . . Strongly grounded in evolutionary theory but scornful of the 'selfish gene' hypothesis that says we are solely driven by individual self-interest. . . . Serves as a highly effective counterweight to both leftist dogma and the Ayn Rand doctrine that has recently infested conservative thought."
"Much of what Corning has written is both important and accurate. . . . It is an edifying book. . . . I admire Corning's attempt to develop a normative theory of justice that is 'built on an empirical foundation.' . . . One hopes that those who wish to occupy places of power on behalf of the 99 percent will heed Corning's sage advice about what to do and--just as important--what not to do in planning for a better, more just society."
Biological Sciences: Evolutionary Biology
Political Science: Political and Social Theory
Psychology: Social Psychology
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