Synopses & Reviews
Why hasn’t the poverty rate fallen in four decades, despite society’s massive and varied efforts? The notable philosopher Charles Karelis contends that conventional explanations of poverty rest on a mistake. And so do the antipoverty policies they generate.
The Persistence of Poverty proposes a new explanation of the behaviors that keep people poor—including nonwork, quitting school, nonsaving, and breaking the law. This provocative, thoughtful book finds a hidden rationality in the problematic conduct of many poor people, a rationality long missed by economists. Using science, history, fables, philosophical analysis, and common observation, Karelis engages us and takes us to a deeper grasp of the link between consumption and satisfaction—and from there to a new view of distributive justice and to fresh policy recommendations for combating poverty.
The Persistence of Poverty is the Big Idea book that is overdue. With Karelis’s bold work and original insights, the long-stalled campaign against poverty can begin to move forward once more.
Review
"
The Persistence of Poverty is an original and enlightening book with a startling thesis. Written with verve and inviting clarity, it will be of interest to philosophers, economists, and public policy planners alike. Its theoretical arguments and practical proposals are sure to be the subject of debate for years to come."and#8212;Anthony Kronman, Sterling Professor of Law, Yale Law School
Review
and#8220;This book is astonishingly lively. It ranges from the facts of life among the American underclass to deep philosophical puzzles about what does and does not count as 'rational' behavior, and will make economists, philosophers, and ordinary engaged citizens rethink just about everything they took for granted about the causes and cures of poverty.and#8221;and#8212;Alan Ryan, Professor of Politics, Oxford Universityandnbsp;
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Review
and#8220;I am very enthusiastic about Charles Karelis's book. It is powerful and important. After a number of years as a senior official dealing with social policy in Washington, this thoughtful philosopher argues impressively for a fundamental shift in perspective in economics.andnbsp;He then goes on to trace the consequences for dealing with poverty clearly. The work merits serious attention from economists, who may well resist at first, but who I suspect will in time be persuaded and excited.and#8221;and#8212;Gordon C. Winston, Orrin Sage Professor of Political Economy, Williams Collegeandnbsp;
Synopsis
In this important book, one of our boldest and most original thinkers charges that conventional explanations of poverty are mistaken, and that the anti-poverty policies built upon them are doomed to fail. Using science, history, fables, philosophical analysis, and common observation, Charles Karelis engages us and takes us to a deeper grasp of the link between consumption and satisfactionand#151;and from there to a new and persuasive explanation of what keeps poor people poor. Above all, he shows how this fresh perspective can reinspire the long-stalled campaign against poverty.
About the Author
Charles Karelis is Research Professor of Philosophy at The George Washington University. Formerly professor of philosophy at Williams College, director of the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, and president of Colgate University, he lives in Washington, D.C.