Andrew Fiala Books

The book explores the intricate relationship between philosophy and politics, emphasizing the challenge political philosophers face in distinguishing their voices from the cacophony of political discourse. Andrew Fiala argues that philosophy's methodological self-awareness sets it apart from other forms of political expression. By examining the contributions of Kant, Fichte, Hegel, and Marx, the author situates their work within the broader political landscape of the nineteenth century, highlighting the significant impact these thinkers had on political thought and history.

Exploring contemporary ethical dilemmas, this book delves into Jesus' teachings and silence on issues such as abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty, war, homosexuality, and family dynamics. It encourages readers to reflect on how these teachings can inform their understanding of modern moral challenges, offering a thought-provoking analysis of faith in today's society.

This book provides an overview of nonviolence. It offers answers to the questions of what nonviolence is, how and why it ought to be used, and who ought to employ it. The book discusses examples of successful nonviolent social protest, from 20th Century movements for civil rights and colonial liberation to the Arab Spring and contemporary Black Lives Matter protests. It considers recent research that explains the power of nonviolence. It also explores philosophical and religious sources of nonviolence, while discussing key historical figures including Leo Tolstoy, Mohandas K. Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Desmond Tutu, the Dalai Lama, and Malala Yousafzai. The book offers insight into the link between nonviolence and democracy. And it reminds us that nonviolence gives us the power to build a better -more just, truthful, and loving- world.

Amidst a backdrop of power struggles and societal unrest, the narrative explores the alarming parallels between fictional political drama and the current state of the United States. It reflects on the nation's founding ideals of freedom and contrasts them with the rise of authoritarianism, blind loyalty, and the consequences of these dynamics on the populace. This thought-provoking examination challenges readers to confront the realities of modern governance and the implications for democracy.

The exploration of religious pluralism and nonreligion highlights the interplay between diverse beliefs and secularism. The author defends secular cosmopolitanism as a framework that nurtures this diversity, suggesting that the coexistence of various religions and nonbelief fosters a push towards secularism. Through this lens, the book examines how these dynamics can lead to a more inclusive society.

Can war be justified? Pacifists answer that it cannot; they oppose war and advocate for nonviolent alternatives to war. But defenders of just war theory argue that in some circumstances, when the effectiveness of nonviolence is limited, wars can be justified.