Why read On Compromise and Rotten Compromises?

Book cover of On Compromise and Rotten Compromises

Book description

When is political compromise acceptable--and when is it fundamentally rotten, something we should never accept, come what may? What if a rotten compromise is politically necessary? Compromise is a great political virtue, especially for the sake of peace. But, as Avishai Margalit argues, there are moral limits to acceptable compromise…

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Topics

Philosophy

Genres

Political

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Why read it?

1 author picked On Compromise and Rotten Compromises as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Carrie J. Menkel-Meadow

Author

This book explores the expedients of political negotiations and compromises—when should we (not) negotiate with evil people or regimes or those we can’t trust? It explores some of the most controversial negotiations in history (Munich, Yalta, Arab-Israel peace negotiations) and provides both vivid stories and good philosophical standards for trying to do the best one can in problematic settings. How can we make things better when things are already bad? How can we distinguish good acts and bad acts and well-meaning actors in tough situations, and necessary, if painful, political compromises? Major historical events provide guidance even for everyday negotiations.

From Carrie's list on ethical negotiators.