How Good People Make Tough Choices

Founder of the Institute for Global Ethics in Camden, Maine, Kidder, a former columnist for the Christian Science Monitor, has conducted seminars on how to make ethical choices for corporate, academic, professional and governmental clients. This pragmatic, enlightening handbook on resolving moral dilemmas is filled with real-life examples from his work. For instance, should Executive A give a letter of recommendation to former Co-worker B, who was fired after being implicated in financial irregularities (when A believes B may have been unfairly dismissed)? Should a teacher pressured by worried parents divulge something their son has told her in confidence? In some of the situations discussed, immediate short-term needs or desires run counter to long-term goals; in others, individual rights clash with community well-being, or integrity and honesty vie with commitments and promises. This clearsighted manual will help readers cut through a welter of contextual detail to focus on core values. (Jan.)