A Theory of Justice, by John Rawls, is widely regarded as the most important twentieth-century work of Anglo-American political philosophy. It transformed the field by offering a compelling alternative to the dominant utilitarian conception of social justice. The argument for this alternative is, however, complicated and often confusing. In this book Jon Mandle carefully reconstructs Rawls's argument, showing that the most common interpretations of it are often mistaken. For example, Rawls does not endorse welfare-state capitalism, and he is not a 'luck egalitarian' as is widely believed. Mandle also explores the relationship between A Theory of Justice and the developments in Rawls's later work, Political Liberalism, as well as discussing some of the most influential criticisms in the secondary literature. His book will be an invaluable guide for anyone seeking to engage with this ground-breaking philosophical work.

This book reconstructs Rawls's argument, as well as discussing some of the most influential criticisms in the secondary literature.

About the Author
Jon Mandle is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the State University of New York, Albany. His previous publications include What's Left of Liberalism? An Interpretation and Defense of Justice as Fairness (2000) and Global Justice (2006).


Book Information
ISBN 9780521646673
Author Jon Mandle
Format Paperback
Page Count 222
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 310g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 138mm * 11mm