The Honor Code: How Moral Revolutions Happen

Over the last few centuries, new democratic movements have led to the emancipation of women, slaves and the oppressed. But what drove these modern changes, Appiah argues, was not imposing legislation from above, but harnessing the ancient power of honour from within. In gripping detail, he explores the tumultuous struggles over foot-binding in 19th century China and confronts the horros of 'honour-killing' in contemporary Pakistan, where rape victims are murdered by their relatives.