Liberalism and Its Critics

By Michael J. Sandel and SANDEL ED.

Book Overview

A classic collection of writings on political philosophy from leading thinkers of the late 20th century

Much contemporary political philosophy has been a debate between utilitarianism on the one hand and Kantian, or rights-based ethics on the other. However, in recent decades liberalism has faced a growing challenge from a different direction, from a view that argues for a deeper understanding of citizenship and community than the liberal ethic allows.

The writings collected in this volume present leading statements of rights-based liberalism and of the communitarian, or civic republican alternatives to that position. With contributions from leading theorists such as Isaiah Berlin, John Rawls, Alasdair MacIntyre, Liberalism and Its Critics shifts the focus from the familiar debate between utilitarians and Kantian liberals to consider a more powerful challenge to the rights-based ethic--a challenge indebted to Aristotle, Hegel, and the civic republican tradition.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B004YUCT2E
• ISBN13: 9780814778418
• Release Date: December 1984
• Publisher: New York University Press
• Length: 278 Pages
• Weight: 1.04 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

The issue of liberalism is examined by modern thinkers.

This collection of articles from several prominent thinkers such as Berlin, Hayek, and Nozick, allowed for an all encompasing overview of issues facing both proponents and opponents of modern liberalism. General themes ranging from definitions of liberty to the role of the free-market in issues of distributive justice are examined. For a beginning or curious political thinker, this book offers an ideal overview for understanding the bigger, broader issues facing modern political thought.