Description
Are the political ideals of liberty and equality compatible? This question is of central and continuing importance in political philosophy, moral philosophy, and welfare economics. In this book, two distinguished philosophers take up the debate. Jan Narveson argues that a political ideal of negative liberty is incompatible with any substantive ideal of equality, while James P. Sterba argues that Narveson's own ideal of negative liberty is compatible, and in fact leads to the requirements of a substantive ideal of equality. Of course, they cannot both be right. Thus, the details of their arguments about the political ideal of negative liberty and its requirements will determine which of them is right. Engagingly and accessibly written, their debate will be of value to all who are interested in the central issue of what are the practical requirements of a political ideal of liberty.
Are the political ideals of liberty and equality compatible? In this book, two distinguished philosophers take up the debate.
About the Author
Jan Narveson is Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Waterloo. His previous publications include The Libertarian Idea (1989), Moral Matters, 2nd edition (1999), Respecting Persons in Theory and Practice (2002) and You and the State (2008). In 2003, Professor Narveson was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in recognition of both his scholarly work and his lifelong promotion of music in his home cities of Kitchener and Waterloo, Ontario. James P. Sterba is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame. His previous publications include Affirmative Action for the Future (2009), Does Feminism Discriminate Against Men?: A Debate (2008, co-authored with Warren Farrell), The Triumph of Practice over Theory in Ethics (2005) and Terrorism and Justice for Here and Now (1998).
Reviews
'I think the book is very well structured ... the discussion of the challenge to (right-)libertarianism that negative liberty is at stake on both sides in conflicts between the poor and rich is elaborated masterfully ... Narveson and Sterba are to be praised for ... developing two comprehensive and important answers to the questions it raises.' Nils Holtug, Mind
Book Information
ISBN 9780521883825
Author Jan Narveson
Format Hardback
Page Count 288
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 600g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 160mm * 20mm
Are the political ideals of liberty and equality compatible? In this book, two distinguished philosophers take up the debate.
About the Author
Jan Narveson is Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Waterloo. His previous publications include The Libertarian Idea (1989), Moral Matters, 2nd edition (1999), Respecting Persons in Theory and Practice (2002) and You and the State (2008). In 2003, Professor Narveson was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in recognition of both his scholarly work and his lifelong promotion of music in his home cities of Kitchener and Waterloo, Ontario. James P. Sterba is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame. His previous publications include Affirmative Action for the Future (2009), Does Feminism Discriminate Against Men?: A Debate (2008, co-authored with Warren Farrell), The Triumph of Practice over Theory in Ethics (2005) and Terrorism and Justice for Here and Now (1998).
Reviews
'I think the book is very well structured ... the discussion of the challenge to (right-)libertarianism that negative liberty is at stake on both sides in conflicts between the poor and rich is elaborated masterfully ... Narveson and Sterba are to be praised for ... developing two comprehensive and important answers to the questions it raises.' Nils Holtug, Mind
Book Information
ISBN 9780521883825
Author Jan Narveson
Format Hardback
Page Count 288
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 600g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 160mm * 20mm
