The title of this excellent, well-organized, and well-written book clearly describes its content. It raises important questions concerning the nature of social hierarchies worldwide, but especially in China and Eastern philosophical traditions including Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism; with occasional reference to Western philosophers and contexts. Taken together, the five chapters cover the most important contexts where social hierarchies shape human feelings, thoughts, and behavior. Chapters are as follows: Ch. 1. Just Hierarchy Between Intimates (e.g. friends, lovers, family); Ch. 2. Just Hierarchy Between Citizens (democracy v. meritocracy), Ch. 3. Just Hierarchy Between States (global order); Ch. 4.) Just Hierarchy Between Humans and Animals (food); and, Ch. 5. Just Hierarchy Between Humans and Machines (artificial intelligence). Despite this obvious breadth of analysis, some philosophers will question its depth within the five contexts. Others will its rather cursory discussion of the philosophical underpinnings of the concept of “justice” (merit, need, equality, and utility). Other critics will point out that it neglects recent research on evolutionary psychology and evolutionary leadership. Others will bemoan the relatively sparse reference to Western religious hierarchies especially the Roman Catholic Church, and divisive, unjust Western political leaders like Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. In short, there is plenty of room for future research. Moreover, this is highly recommended as a college textbook in both disciplinary and interdisciplinary courses and an important acquisition for most academic libraries. Public libraries with well-developed collections in the social sciences, philosophy, and/or religious studies will also find this to be a worthy acquisition.
Forthcoming Review for Choice Magazine by:
Ronald F. White, Professor Emeritus Mount St. Joseph University
