A leading philosopher shows how the story of Ajax and Odysseus sheds new light on the contentious issue of disproportionate rewards in contemporary society. We live in a world where CEOs give themselves million pound bonuses even astheir companies go bankrupt and ordinary workers are laid off; where athletesmake millions while teachers struggle to survive; a world, in short, where rewards are often unfairly meted out. In The Ajax Dilemma, Paul Woodruff examines one of today's most pressing moral issues: how to distribute rewards and public recognition without damaging the social fabric. How should we honour those whose behaviour and achievement is essential to our overall success? Is it fair or right to lavish rewards on the superstar at the expense of the hardworking rank-and-file? How do we distinguish an impartial fairness from what is truly just? Woodruff builds his answer to these questionsaround the ancient conflict between Ajax and Odysseus over the armour of the slain warrior Achilles. King Agamemnon arranges a speech contest to decide theissue. Ajax, the loyal workhorse, loses the contest, and the priceless armour, to Odysseus, the brilliantly deceptive strategist who will lead the Greeksto victory. Deeply insulted, Ajax goes on a rampage and commits suicide, and in his rage we see the resentment of every loyal worker who has been passed over in favour of those who are more gifted, or whose skills are more highly valued. How should we deal with the 'Ajax dilemma'? Woodruff argues that while wecan never create a perfect system for distributing just rewards, we can recognize the essential role that wisdom, compassion, moderation, and respect must play if we are to restore thebasic sense of justice on which all communities depend. This short, thoughtful book, written with Woodruff's characteristic elegance, investigates some of the most bitterly divisive global issues today. Part I Introductory1. Ajax2. What's at Stake: Rewards, Booty, and IncentivesPart II The Ajax StoryPart III Learning from the Ajax Story1. A New Approach to Justice and Compassion2. The Myth3. Caring About Ajax4. The Story Tellers5. The Contest: What Went WrongPart IV Justice as Human Wisdom1. Bad Losers2. Compassion3. Fairness4. The Fairness Trap5. Good Things and their Doubles6. Justice7. Anger and Justice in the Soul8. Honor and Respect9. Wisdom10. Leadership Afterword: Ajax and Odysseus: From Battlefield to Boardroom(by C. Cale McDowell)BibliographyEndnotes This little book makes a worthy contribution to the issue of how to distribute rewards in both government and business. In this age, the story of Ajax is sure to resonate with many
- ISBN: 978-0-19-976861-5
- Editorial: Oxford University
- Encuadernacion: Cartoné
- Páginas: 288
- Fecha Publicación: 08/12/2011
- Nº Volúmenes: 1
- Idioma: Inglés