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Debating Same-Sex Marriage (Point/Counterpoint) 1st Edition

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John Corvino (Author)
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John Corvino (Author), Maggie Gallagher (Author)
3.7 out of 5 stars 29 customer reviews
ISBN-13: 978-0199756315
ISBN-10: 0199756317
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Product Details

  • Series: Point/Counterpoint
  • Paperback: 296 pages
  • Publisher: Oxford University Press; 1 edition (June 1, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0199756317
  • ISBN-13: 978-0199756315
  • Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 0.9 x 5.5 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #704,261 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsReviewing the book, not the stance of the authors
By Dar on June 13, 2012
Format: Paperback
In reading the current reviews on "Debating Same-Sex Marriage" I felt compelled to respond. Many of the reviews and subsequent comments are biased toward whatever side the reviewer leans on the marriage-equality issue. While I understand that it is difficult to separate one's deep feelings on this topic from the impartiality needed to truly critique this book, I feel that not doing so is doing this book a huge disservice and will hurt it's deserved future potential for success.

Let me start by saying that I am clearly and definitely on one side of this issue. However, I feel that both Corvino and Gallagher should be commended for undertaking this project. They both knew that the other was going to do anything in their power to refute their arguments and they both have a "bring it on" attitude. I found it very interesting to read one's thoughts, then the comments on the other side. Where else can you read opposing views in one place like that? It is clear that while Corvino and Gallagher clearly disagree, they do respect each other and never stoop to "name calling". They give each other "props" when warranted and conduct this debate with the utmost maturity.

I feel much more educated on this topic thanks to this book. Not only am I more confident that I can speak about the topic for "my side" but that knowing the thoughts of the "other side" makes me even more armed with the knowledge to continue to strive for what I believe in. And I have a feeling that is the intent.
3 Comments 65 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback...
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4.0 out of 5 starsDo I understand you now?
By Sam Clemens on July 11, 2012
Format: Hardcover Verified Purchase
I do not want to feign neutrality, so in this review I mostly address those who, like me, favor same-sex marriage going in. Do I understand precisely where I disagree with the other side now? Have my views changed? Is it worth reading?

I thoroughly enjoyed Corvino's opening essay. I found it very clear, mostly thorough, extremely well-written, periodically funny, and I felt the vast majority was logically rigorous. While most of his arguments are "emotionless", he spends a little time humanizing the issue by recounting a gay wedding and an interview with some gay dads--this would be a decent reason to loan the book to opponents of same-sex marriage even if they are unaffected by the arguments themselves. His essay is not perfect, however, and it missed some important points which I will bring up shortly.

To be honest, I found Gallagher's opening essay painful to read--though please hear me out to the end. Much of the pain was stylistic: I found it repetitive, frequently unclear, often incomplete, and also less engaging--Corvino is the better writer, though that doesn't necessarily mean he should win the debate. As for content, unlike Corvino, Gallagher spent very little time countering the other side's claims. Her essay would have been much more useful to me if she had spent some time doing so, since I was mostly unable to rebut my own objections to her points. My other main content complaint is that her most important and longest argument was completely ineffective on me: to her, "marriage equality" is just not "true" because "marriage" means male-female--that's the definition. To me, I do not share her Platonic ideal (and I don't believe many people do)--I fully expect social institutions to evolve over time and serve multiple roles as society continues to change.Read more ›
2 Comments 32 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback...
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5.0 out of 5 starsDisagreement Achieved
By Tim on June 9, 2012
Format: Paperback
Let me begin with saying that I actually read the book, unlike so many of the one-star reviewers so far. Ironically, giving such emotionally charged reviews while clearly never having actually read the book to consider the opposition's arguments fits the textbook definition of a bigot. Let's also not forget that half of this book was written by a proponent of same-sex marriage, so by giving it a one-star rating, one acknowledges that *both sides* were horrible in argumentation.

And if that wasn't enough, it becomes even more ironic given that this book was written so that the authors may "achieve disagreement." The book's purpose is to lay the cards out on the table so that one may see that there are good arguments underlying both positions. But evidently, one side of the debate is more interested in pulling the bigot card and shouting down the opposition than in any rational and respectful dialogue. But enough about the reviewers, on to the book itself.

In a point/counterpoint format, Corvino and Gallagher make the case for two competing views of marriage. Corvino, going first, follows people like Jonathan Rauch and defends the "conservative" case for same-sex marriage. Since marriage "promotes mutual lifelong caregiving in a way that no other institution does," (p.20) same-sex couples ought to be allowed to marry. To be sure, child welfare is an important aspect of marriage, but Corvino thinks that marriage is much more than this, hence why we recognize marriages between the infertile and elderly. Corvino is a sharp scholar who has done his homework: his opening essay engages with the arguments made elsewhere by Gallagher, along with other influential figures in the marriage debate such as Robert George and David Blankenhorn.Read more ›
22 Comments 47 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback...
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4.0 out of 5 starsDebating Same Sex Marriage
By Marc C. on January 14, 2013
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
If you don't want to have your view on Same Sex Marriage challenged in any way or to reflect on another point of view, then this book, co-authored by John Corvino and Maggie Gallagher, is not the one for you. But if you want to have a better understanding of the legitimate concerns on both sides of this issue, I think this book, Debating Same Sex Marriage, is valuable. I think that both Corvino and Gallagher present their respective views in a compelling way. Too much of the rhetoric on this issue has been thrown around within the echo chambers on each side, and I think this book serves a much-needed purpose in bringing about understanding on this relevant issue. If you seek understanding, rather than just being right all the time, I highly recommend this book. The last chapter of Corvino's rebuttal, just before his conclusion, and the last six pages of Gallagher's final rebuttal are powerful statements, which give a good sense of where they stand. The only thing that I don't understand is why the Secret Police have jerked this book from all the shelves. After I saw Corvino and Gallagher interview each other on Book TV, I searched through book stores in three states and was not able to find this book anywhere. I'm rather mystified by this.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsSatisfied customer.

Bought as reference for class essay/research paper. Got exactly what I needed from it.

Published 12 months ago by Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 starsThe Book Speaks For Itself - A MUST Read

An extremely authoritative and well thought out presentation on the topic. A MUST Read.

Published 19 months ago by David McQuarrie
5.0 out of 5 starsI understand the other side better

Both Gallagher and Corvino made an honest attempt to give the best that either side has to give for their respective positions. In many ways, this is true. Read more

Published on April 12, 2014 by Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 starsTwo speakers, one strong, one... not.

Corvino's arguments are strong, powerful, and compelling. Gallagher's were extremely confusing and repetitive, reiterating a major arguing point that has been proven to be... Read more

Published on September 24, 2013 by Trevor
4.0 out of 5 starsUnderstanding others point of view helps you to get you point of view...

Let me start by saying I am a 50 year old Gay man who would some day like to marry my Partner of nearly 15 years. This book is important! Read more

Published on May 26, 2013 by Phillip John Michels
5.0 out of 5 starsSame-sex Marriage: Benefit or Bane?

John Corvino, a proud advocate for same-sex marriage and Maggie Gallagher, founder of National Organization for Marriage and an outspoken critic of the idea that same-sex unions... Read more

Published on May 7, 2013 by Earl P. Chantrill
5.0 out of 5 starsGood debate

Let me begin by stating that I'm an advocate of full marriage equality for same-sex couples. That being said, I always think it's important to engage with those whom you disagree... Read more

Published on March 31, 2013 by Tim K
5.0 out of 5 starsGreat Book

I loved this book. It is very relevant for today with all of the discussions going on regarding same sex marriage. Read more

Published on December 2, 2012 by Cheryl
5.0 out of 5 starsFair vs. Fear

In essence this is what it comes down to. Will we in modern society choose to accept same-sex marriage out of a logical sense of equality, or will we choose to reject it because... Read more

Published on December 2, 2012 by S. Conner
4.0 out of 5 starsVery interesting

This book was a solid read. While it was dry at some parts, and obviously so, it pushed me to think further about my stance on this issue. Read more

Published on November 22, 2012 by Zach Tremper

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