Distant Suffering: Morality, Media and Politics

摘要: Distant Suffering, first published in 1999, examines the moral and political implications for a spectator of distant suffering others as presented through media. What are morally acceptable responses to sight on television, example, when viewer cannot act directly affect circumstances which takes place? Luc Boltanski argues that spectators can actively involve themselves by speaking about what they have seen how were affected it. Developing ideas Adam Smith's theory, he three rhetorical 'topics' available expression spectator's response suffering: topics denunciation sentiment aesthetic topic. The book concludes with discussion 'crisis pity' relation modern forms humanitarianism. A possible way out this crisis is suggested involves an emphasis focus present suffering.