State and Religion in Israel begins with a philosophical analysis of the two main questions regarding the role of religion in liberal states: should such states institute a 'Wall of Separation' between state and religion? Should they offer religious practices and religious communities special protection? Gideon Sapir and Daniel Statman argue that liberalism in not committed to Separation, but is committed to granting religion a unique protection, albeit a narrower one than often assumed. They then use Israel as a case study for their conclusions. Although Israel is defined as a Jewish state, its Jewish identity need not be interpreted religiously, requiring that it subjects itself to the dictates of Jewish law (Halakha). The authors test this view by critically examining important topics relevant to state and religion in Israel: marriage and divorce, the drafting of yeshiva students into the army, the character of the Sabbath and more.

This book provides a complete course in virtue ethics, a topic which has inspired one of the most interesting contemporary debates in ethical history. It comprises an introduction to virtue ethics by the editor and a collection of the most important essays that have been published on the topic in the last decade, including two original contributions by Rosalind Hursthouse and Michael Stocker. The essays encompass a wide range of aspects: the differences between virtue ethics and traditional duty ethics; present arguements for and against virtue ethics; the practical implications of virtue ethics; the Aristotelian and Kantian attitudes to virtue ethics. Contains a clear, systematic introduction to the topic which facilitates deeper study and understanding Comprehensive survey of all aspects of the contemporary debate Ideal as student textbook for those entering the discussion and judging the extent of the threat to duty ethics by virtue ethics.