The marriage of the humanities to public discussion of major current issues is an invitation to understand how various points of view are embedded in one's history, values, visions of the future, and an understanding of what is right, wrong, and necessary. The essays in this volume examine three issues: abortion, economic competition, and racial equality. Each topical essay is followed by a commentary. The essays include: "The Abortion Controversy: A Historical View" (Linda Gordon); Commentary (Judith Winzeler); "Economic Pessimism and Material Prosperity" (Michael Bernstein); Commentary (Ronald Means); and "Equality for Black Americans" (Eric Anderson); Commentary (Francine C. Cary). A directory of the State Humanities Councils is included. (DB)