Publication announcement

Encyclopedia of Catholic Social Thought, Social Science, and Social Policy

Michael L. Coulter, Stephen M. Krason, Richard S. Myers, and Joseph A. Varacalli

FORTHCOMING

The Scarecrow Press, Inc.

Discounted Price: $127.50 (15% off)
List Price: $150.00
Cloth 2 Volumes 0-8108-5906-8 / 978-0-8108-5906-7 Jul 28, 2007 1040pp

The Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, whose Scarecrow Press is publisher of these volumes, describes them as "a comprehensive introduction to the Catholic vision of society, social relations, and the human being," with "more than 800 topics from over 300 contributors," of which yours truly is one (I contributed five entries).

The work combines theoretical research on important topics and scholarly disciplines (e.g., economics, moral theology, natural law, philosophy, psychology); social science perspectives on a variety of topics (e.g., alcoholism and drug abuse, forgiveness and mercy, globalization); and treatment of practical policy implications that flow from applying the Catholic religious, moral, and intellectual tradition to contemporary issues (e.g., abortion, assisted suicide, immigration policy, school choice, torture).

These volumes also reflect a broad range of Catholic thought that is international in scope, but with particular emphasis on the American situation. Its interdisciplinary approach offers insights from a variety of perspectives: theological, philosophical, historical, economical, sociological, political, psychological, and legal. The work will appeal to individuals who want a clear and accurate introduction to Catholic social thought and a Catholic-informed social science and social policy. One certainly need not be a devotee and advocate for Catholic social thinking to find this encyclopedia of good use as a handy reference tool.

My contributions to the work consist in the entries on 'Buddhism', 'Ethics', 'Max Scheler (1874-1928)', 'Theocracy', and 'Values'.

The price is a bit steep for individuals. I certainly can't afford to buy my own copies. I imagine sales will go mostly to libraries and specialists who can afford them. For what it's worth, a 15% discount is available through the Scarecrow Press, Inc. online. (European customers click here.)