Debt-personal, corporate, governmental-is so pervasive in contemporary economies, with its moralistic logic nearly unquestioned. Debt's necessity renders it morally neutral, absolving it of the dehumanizing effect it brings in unbridled financialization.
In Just Debt Ilsup Ahn explores ethical implications of the practice of debt. By placing debt in the context of anthropology, philosophy, economics, and the ethical traditions provided by the Abrahamic religions, Ahn holds that debt was originally a form of gift, a gift that was intended as a means to serve humanity. Debt, as gift, had moral ends. Since the late eighteenth century, however, debt has been reduced to an amoral economic tool, one separated from its social and political context. Ahn recovers an ethics of debt and its moral economy by rediscovering debt's forgotten aspect-that all debts entail unique human stories. Ahn argues that it is only in and by these stories that the justice of debt can be determined. In order for debt to be justly established, its story should be free from elements of exploitation, abuse, and manipulation and should conform to the principles of serviceability, payability, and shareability.
Although the contemporary global economy disconnects debt from its context, Ahn argues that debt must be firmly grounded in the world of moral values, social solidarity, and political resolution. By re-embedding debt within its moral world, Just Debt offers a holistic ethics of debt for a neoliberal age.
Industry Reviews
Ever since the 2008 financial crisis, the issue of increasing private and public debts has become topical in the field of the humanities and social sciences. Ilsup Ahn's Just Debt: Theology, Ethics, and Neoliberalism contributes to an already lively debate by situating the discussion on the terrain of religious morality." - Jean Francois Bissonnette, Reading Religion "Ahn impressively crafts an ethical discussion that is wide-ranging, engaging and readable, and draws on diverse voices and traditions. It should broadly interest social ethicists, economists and philosophers. His compelling proposal for 'just debt' balances realism and hope, and seems a feasible and timely intervention. Numerous examples and case studies winsomely illustrate his argument." Jacob Rollison, Studies in Christian Ethics "This is an important and well-researched book that expands a conversation about wealth inequalities and poverty among theologians, ethicists, and religious leaders. It will be of particular interest to leaders in the ecumenical movement." - Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty, Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology "The author does what many theorists find difficult in that he is able to hold in tension a systematic critique of neoliberalism alongside a hopeful vision of a reconstructed economy of debt which 'preserves social cohesion and solidarity.' This book is a wonderful resource for both advanced undergraduate and graduate-level classes on economics viewed from the lens of religious ethics." - B. Scott Stephens, Religious Studies Review "The book offers a helpful introduction to complex issues, and is marked by admirable symmetry within and among its chapters. Furthermore, in his exposition and evaluation, Ahn strikes a tone that is warmly passionate and grounded in Christian conviction, without resorting to illogical hyperbole or ideological shrillness. As a result, scholars from several disciplines (including comparative religion, anthropology, and political philosophy), as well as Christians who simply desire to learn more about economic ethics, will discover in Just Debt a compelling read." - Joshua Beckett, Christian Scholars Review "...Ahn's book is an important resource for readers concerned with global debt and economic justice, as well as those interested in applying interreligious scholarship to social ethics." - Andrew Stone Porter, Journal of the Society of Christian Ethics
