Ethics for Disaster addresses the moral aspects of hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, plane crashes, Avian Flu pandemics, and other disasters. Naomi Zack explores how these catastrophes illuminate the existing inequalities in society. By employing the moral systems of utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics to analyze the consequences of recent natural disasters, Zack reveals the special plight of the poor, disabled, and infirm when tragedy strikes. Zack explores the political foundations of social contract theory and dignitarianism and invites readers to rethink the distinction between risk in normal times and risk in disaster. Using both real life and fictional examples, Zack forcefully argues for the preservation of normal moral principles in times of national crisis and emergency, stressing the moral obligation of both individuals and government in preparing for and responding to disaster..

Naomi Zackis professor of philosophy at the University of Oregon. She has authored several books, including Inclusive Feminism and Thinking About Race.

Chapter 1: Disaster Planning: Is Saving the Greatest Number best?Chapter 2: Lifeboat Ethics: Should We Blow up the Fat Man?Chapter 3: Virtues for Disaster: Mitch Rapp and Ernest ShakletonChapter 4: The Social Contract: Hobbes, Locke, and Art SpiegelmanChapter 5: Public Policy: Snakes on a Plane, Fire in the Pentagon, and Disaster RightsChapter 6: The Disadvantaged in Disaster: Hurricane KatrinaConclusion: A Code of Ethics for Disaster, Its Implications, and the Water CrisisPostscript: Moral vs. Monetary Values of Human Life