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Vexed

Ethics Beyond Political Tribes

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Vexed

By: James Mumford
Narrated by: James Mumford
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Bloomsbury presents Vexed written and read by James Mumford.

Across the democratic West, politics has become deeply polarised and profoundly personal. Challenge someone’s political views and increasingly you challenge their very being.

And yet, do our political tribes even make sense? Look carefully, and on the most important ethical issues of the age – assisted dying, social welfare, sexual liberation, abortion, gun control, the environment, technology, justice – the instinctive positions of both the Left and the Right are riven with contradictions.

In this refreshing and eye-opening book, James Mumford, a public thinker and independent commentator, questions the basic assumptions of our political groups. His challenge is simple: ‘Why should believing strongly about one topic mean the automatic adoption of so many others?’

Vexed is an essential and provocative account that will appeal to anyone of independent thought, and a welcome call for new reflection on the moral issues most relevant to our modern way of life.©2020 James Mumford (P)2020 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Ethics & Morality Philosophy Political Science Politics & Government United States World Morality Socialism
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Critic reviews

Mumford demonstrates an admirable ability to zero in on things too often missing from political conversations … A plea for nuance and ambivalence, in a world that often seems to be in danger of mislaying both. (John Harris)
James Mumford has written the most intriguing and original reflection on political tribalism that I have ever read ... Vexed is an intellectual page-turner. (David Goodhart)
Mumford is a subtle, supple and frequently ingenious thinker. His style is abrasive enough to make readers sit up when needed, but never enough to make us feel as if we are being hectored or bullied … A memorable and illuminating assault on what happens when ideology shuts down thought.
A thought-provoking exploration of some of the most contentious problems of our time
An important contribution to understanding the polarization of our global politics from one of the most exciting young ethicists working today (James Davison Hunter, Labrosse-Levenson Professor, Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture, University of Virginia and author of Culture Wars)
Lively, well argued ... help[s] us understand aspects of tribalism
Fascinating ... Supplies readers with ample food for thought and opportunities to reconsider and broaden their own perspective.
All stars
Most relevant
This book is an excellent and timely contribution to the vital conversation at this cultural moment. It offers helpful and challenging insights which remind us all to asses our values and central principles root and branch.

Timely and helpful

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Really engaging style (I listened to the audio book). James has very outlined some typical “package” political deals (“if I think x about y then I should also think a about b”), but he helpfully pulls these apart to indicate inherent inconsistencies and draw out the best of multiple political starting points.

I thoroughly enjoyed this as a popular level book. It’s well structured, engaging and not inaccessibly academic.

If you have a set of political ideologies (left or right), then this is worth reading with an open mind, preparing to be challenged.

Challenge your political assumptions - must read

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