A Global Ethic for Global Politics and Economics [Hardcover]

Hans Kung has concluded after many decades of intense study that economics and politics without an ethical base might well lead to disaster. This ethical foundation must be accepted by all countries, by all people and by all religions. The gap between where we are to day and should be is very large. Real politik, Kissinger style is wrong. Neo-capitalism with excessive focus on profit leading to ever increasing financial inequality is wrong. Kung analyses and describes these issues in an accessible philosophical style and makes recommendations. Kung aims high but is also practical. A few examples. What is truth and justice? Truth: refers to the unacceptability of propaganda style statements of political leaders, people do want to be lied to, Justice :"an end to arbitrary arrests, equal and impartial law enforcement, and the abolition of the privileges and prerogatives of the party elite. Pacifism in the sense of unilateral disarmament is irresponsible. Moral appeal without political action is of little value. The problem of the lack of credibility amongst the young of political and business leaders. The limits of the welfare state- the government cannot give out more than citizens are capable and willing to pay in taxes. Five ethical pillars: human rights and responsibilities, democracy, protection of minorities, peaceful resolution of conflicts and equal treatment of generations.
Each of these subjects is thoroughly analyzed. Kung describes extensively the role religions play and should play. He criticizes quite severely some aspects of the role played to day. He nevertheless stresses the necessary and important contributions religions can and should play in arriving at a global ethic accepted by all. He points out that the golden rule "One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself " can be found in Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism. Judaism, Buddhism. Jainism. The information about religions other than Christianity is very limited in this book but dealt with in other books Kung has written.
This book deals with the issue of the necessity of a global ethics base or the world comprehensively. I recommend to study in addition what Lincoln, Roosevelt and Adenauer have said and done as they have taken may successful initiatives and presented their beliefs in a practical and convincing way using the language of doers.